The Very Cool Health Benefits of Taking an Ice Bath

Why are people dunking themselves in ice water?

Should I try it?

Here, an expert share the very cool health benefits of an ice bath.

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So why are people willingly dunking their bodies into freezing cold water?

Are there any ice bath benefits?

What is an ice bath?

Two young women practicing ballet with a teacher in the dance hall.

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At the gym, she often creates baths with mid-30 degree Fahrenheit water.

We put about 140 pounds of ice into a 100-gallon tub and sit in there for three minutes.

Woman doing hip exercises

Thats why she recommends three minutes.

Moss says that ice baths are an intentional stressor, similar to training in the gym.

Cropped image of woman doing lunge yoga pose

But then you train your breath, which helps you control that fight-or-flight response.

When you get out, you get hit with a massive dose of dopamine and norepinephrine, she says.

It also increases autophagy.

Woman in leggings and bra doing Lunge with Arm Extended Up pose hip opener stretch during yoga session in morning at home.

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I cant overstate the benefit to that, she says.

In the meantime, theres always the DIY route for you to practice this in yourwellness-infused home.

Woman doing arm exercise without weights while sitting on mat at home.

That could also look like walking outside for a bit without a jacket, or jumping in the ocean.

It is incredible for mental health and clarity, Moss says.

For example, only soaking the hands and feet.

A woman in sports clothes does yoga or gymnastics at home. Daylight. She smiles

She recommends that anyone with serious health concerns, like strokes or heart disease, shouldnt do ice baths.

And you shouldnt be doing ice baths every day.

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