PUR-FORM is proud to announce our exciting new modality: a cold plunge!
Imagine immersing yourself in a chilly pool and feeling an instant rush of invigorating cold water enveloping your body. Cold plunge pools, one of the latest sensations in the wellness world, are making waves for their extraordinary benefits, extending far beyond the physical sensation of icy water. Here are seven real, excellent health benefits that may entice you to be bold…and jump into the cold:
Increased Thermogenesis
These refreshing pools are typically maintained below 59 degrees (15 degrees Celsius), although we can lower the temperature to 39 degrees.
Exposure to cold temperatures stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, increasing metabolic rate. When this happens, the body burns more calories to generate heat and maintain its core temperature. This increased metabolic activity contributes to thermogenesis.
Cold exposure can activate brown adipose tissue (BAT), a type of fat that generates heat. BAT is rich in mitochondria and specialized for thermogenesis. When exposed to cold, BAT produces heat by burning stored fat. This process, known as non-shivering thermogenesis, helps raise the body’s overall temperature. BAT is a healthy type of fat that helps one lose and maintain weight.
Accelerated Recovery and Reduced Inflammation
You don’t have to be an athlete to experience the incredible recovery benefits of cold plunge pools. Plunging into icy waters after an intense workout or a long day can work wonders for your muscles. For starters, the chilling effect helps alleviate exercise-induced inflammation, easing muscle soreness and promoting faster recovery. It’s like a natural ice bath that supercharges your body’s healing process, getting you back on your feet and ready for more in no time!
The cold temperature constricts blood vessels, limiting the release of inflammatory molecules and reducing muscle soreness. This vasoconstriction activates the circulatory system, enhancing blood circulation and facilitating the removal of toxins from the body. Improved circulation supports overall cardiovascular health and contributes to a strengthened immune system.
The subsequent rewarming of the body following immersion also encourages increased blood flow, removing metabolic waste products and facilitating the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to fatigued muscles. Further explore the use of cold temperatures to treat muscles and improve wellness with PUR-FORM’s cryotherapy options.
Mental Alertness and Mood Enhancement
The shock of cold water immersion stimulates the release of endorphins and increases adrenaline levels, leading to heightened alertness and an instant mood boost. Cold exposure triggers the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, promoting a sense of wakefulness and vitality.
And here is more great news: Regular cold plunge pool sessions have been reported to improve mental clarity, increase energy levels, and reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Glowing Skin and Youthful Radiance
Cold water exposure can positively impact skin health. Here’s how:
The cold temperature tightens the skin pores, reducing the accumulation of dirt and sebum and promoting a smoother complexion. Cold plunge pools have also been associated with improved skin tone and increased collagen production, potentially reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. For more targeted treatments, cryo-aesthetics also harness the power of cold to promote skin health.
The revitalizing effect of cold water immersion on the skin can leave it feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and glowing. It’s like hitting the reset button for your skin, giving you a natural glow and a rejuvenated appearance. Embrace the cold and let your skin shine with youthful vibrancy!
A Gateway to Restful Sleep
If you struggle with falling asleep or feeling less than rested upon waking, a cold plunge pool may be your secret weapon for a blissful slumber. Cooling your body down naturally signals your system that it’s time to sleep. As the body naturally cools down after exiting the pool, it can promote more profound and more restful sleep. Furthermore, the relaxation induced by the endorphins released during the cold water immersion can contribute to a sense of calmness, aiding in falling asleep faster. As you exit the pool and your body gradually warms up, you’ll find yourself drifting into a deeper, more restful sleep.
Once you start a regular nightly cold plunge routine, you may be able to say goodbye to tossing and turning.
Unleash the Adventurer Within
Cold plunge pools aren’t just about physical benefits; they ignite your inner adventurer. Stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the exhilarating sensation of plunging into icy waters is an empowering experience. It’s an invitation to embrace challenges, overcome fears, and push boundaries.
So, take the plunge and discover a world of adventure that fuels your spirit and life.
Cold Shock Proteins
An outstanding advantage of a cold plunge pool is the activation of cold shock proteins, a group of stress proteins stimulated by exposure to cold temperatures. Notable examples of cold shock proteins found in humans include CARHSP1, Lin28, and YB-12.
In response to specific stressors like extreme temperatures, the body generates proteins, including stress proteins, to shield cells from detrimental stress. Although deliberately triggering the release of stress proteins may seem contradictory, as stress is generally regarded as harmful and should be minimized, controlled exposure to specific stressors can provide health benefits through a phenomenon known as hormetic stress.
Hormetic stress entails subjecting the body to a moderate level of stress that challenges it and fosters resilience.
Scientific research on cold shock proteins is expanding rapidly, unveiling numerous promising health benefits. For instance, cold shock proteins have demonstrated the potential to promote muscle growth and aid recovery, making cold therapy a favored choice among athletes. Also, these proteins may help prevent muscle mass loss during periods of inactivity, such as when individuals cannot visit the gym or take planned breaks from their training routine.
Specific cold shock proteins have also been discovered to be anti-inflammatory and contribute to accelerated wound healing. Cold shock proteins are involved in various cellular processes, including regulation of gene expression, RNA metabolism, and translational control. They help maintain RNA stability and facilitate the adaptation of cells to cold environments. They also play a role in protecting cellular structures and preventing cold-induced damage.
Consequently, cold therapy is a practical non-pharmaceutical approach supporting individuals wishing to improve their health.
To reap the full benefits in our office, one can use the infrared sauna and stimulate heat shock proteins to balance out the cold shock proteins.
Heat shock proteins assist in protein folding and prevent the accumulation of damaged or misfolded proteins. They help stabilize cellular structures and promote cell survival under stressful conditions. They also aid in repairing damaged proteins and facilitating their degradation when necessary.
Take the Plunge
With their remarkable ability to accelerate recovery, boost energy, revitalize the skin, improve sleep, and awaken your inner adventurer, cold plunge pools are a wellness trend worth diving into headfirst.