Why To Start Cold Therapy?

Do you want to decrease soreness, increase fat-loss, and have a higher sex-drive?

This is for you.

The trick is called “Cold Therapy”. Cold therapy is a shock to the system that is great for the mind and body. Although that might seem uncomfortable and crazy to do, it is something to give a try.

How long has cold therapy been around?

The use of cold medicine was practiced by the ancient Greeks nearly 5,000 years ago. Therapeutic hypothermia (cold therapy) first known mention was in the Edwin Smith Papyrus, a medical treatise outlining treatments for various injuries and minor illnesses, a text that may date back to around 3,500 B.C.E. As you notice humans have been using this type of treatment for quite a while. So why don’t we.

Why treat yourself with cold therapy?

From my own experience cold therapy has helped me out a lot. The first time I consciously tried this was at a place that did Cryotherapy. I went in while in pain and really sore from a killer leg workout the day before. I was struggling to walk. While being in the Cryo chamber it was very cold obviously. I shivered a bit but kept strong because I wanted to see if I would feel better afterwards. To make a long short short I did. There was less inflammation and tightness in my legs and it was an exciting feeling. I finally found a process that worked well and was healthier than drugs or alcohol.

How can we do cold therapy?

Keep in mind studies show the colder the water the better the results. Between 43f- 59f.

Cold Showers - is an accessible easy way to start. Many people use this method in the morning or when tired to shock the body and sometimes it even helps the brain to become more alert. Depending upon how cold your water is will determine the benefits you receive.

Ice Bath - popular among athletes post workout. Coaches have their clients fill a tub full of ice and water. Usually full body submersion to decrease inflammation in the muscular and nervous system. Help protein synthesis occur to increase muscle gain.

Cryotherapy - more commonly known as “The Cold Chamber”. Cryotherapy shops are popping up everywhere nowadays. Along with cryo spot treatment. This process uses cold gas called “nitrous oxide” (N2O). This gas fills the chamber up to the shoulder height on the body. The cooling goes on for 2 to 5 minutes depending on where you go and what the business offers. The blood will dilate and move throughout the body creating new oxidized blood for the tissues within. To make that simple it takes away soreness and swelling.

Spot Treatment - come cryotherapy places have spot treatment options. Usually they will use nitrous oxide on certain areas of inflammation. Typically people have it done to their neck, shoulders, back, or knees depending upon their needs. An affordable way to do your own spot treatment is to use ice packs. Many of us have these at home. I have done this plenty of times. I stick to the rule of 20 minutes on and 2 hours off. This Method has worked well but not as well as full body submersion.

Cold Climate Exposure - when paired with little to no clothes walking or sitting in cold weather can have the same effect of a cold shower. While the benefits may differ depending on the duration and temperature this could be an obtainable option for those who live in colder environments.

Cooling Agents - while there are so many brands and topicals to choose from it is important to pick the right ones. The ingredients to look for in these products are menthol, cucumber, peppermint, or aloe vera, methyl salicylate. These ingredients all create a cooling sensation when applied on the skin. Some brands out there are as follows Tiger Balm, Penetrex, Biofreeze, or Dr Pat's Ultra Freeze Pain Relief Cream.

Where do we start?

Everyone starts at different points. You could start in the shower method. By entering the shower at a colder temperature each time. Eventually you will be able to get in the shower at the coldest temperature it goes because you have gained a tolerance to the change in body temperature. Then it is time to take it to the next step with a cold pool, lake, or ocean submersion. If those are not available to you an ice bath would be the next best option. Once submerged in the cold water it is time to test the duration you can endure in cold water and increase the duration over time. It becomes easier and more enjoyable the more you participate.

No matter which approach you choose the more extreme they get the more benefits you get. I have a cold plunge that circulates cold water at around 45f and with that I have noticed decrease in inflammation, fat-loss, improved mood, higher testosterone, a higher sex drive, and a fuller mental capacity to accomplish more. These benefits did not come overnight; they took consistent and gradual cold exposure to achieve where I am at now. If you would like to buy a cold plunge here are some from amazon. These include Ice Bath Spa, Cold Pod, Polar Recovery Tub. In all these are relatively affordable, they are mobile, and they ship pretty quickly. The only setup would be to fill with air, ice and water. With that being said I enjoyed sharing Cold Therapy with you and I wish you best of luck on your journey. My name is Chandon Clay and you know the drill.