Ice baths and cold water therapy - all you need to know
The IndependentSign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Before we take the plunge, it’s important to make a distinction between ice baths and cold water therapy. It’s a broader term than just ice baths, and includes stuff like using cold compresses, hopping in a cold shower or even open water swimming – in the UK at least. “This all happens because the cold triggers physiological responses, like constricting your blood vessels and slowing down nerve conduction.” However, it’s the mental health benefits that Teague prefers to focus on for ice bath users. “Even if it was marginal, when times were really tough, I still felt better every single time.” However, research into the benefits of ice baths and cold water therapy remains relatively limited.