Cold therapy has become a hot topic as Polar plunges, ice baths, and cold rinses gain popularity. Exposure to cold temperatures, especially in the form of ice baths, has often been used to help sports teams increase athletic performance; however, there are a multitude of reasons why non-athletes are warming up to cold therapy as well.
It improves mental health
Cold showers—the simplest and perhaps most accessible form of cold therapy—have proven to improve the mental well-being of those living with depression. This is because cold therapy affects the nervous system. The circulation of beta-endorphin levels increases when nerve endings found on skin are immersed in cold water, improving mood and well-being.