Chill out, because I have got some icy-hot information for you!
Ice therapy also referred to as cold therapy or cryotherapy is the coolest trend in the kingdom of wellness. Well, come on, we have all seen lady gaga immersing herself in a tub full of ice and water. Looks intriguing right? So, I think it is the best time to break the ice on ice therapy benefits.
Just imagine you being exposed to ice-cold water and ice touching every inch of your body. Well, it does for a second cause the brain to think you are going crazy, but trust me it can truly revitalize your spirit.
Also, let me tell you that ice therapy is not just limited to making you feel refreshed – it is a powerful tool that can work wonders for you.
Wanna know more about ice water immersion and other forms of cold water therapies? Keep on reading.
Table of Contents
What is Ice Therapy?
Ice water therapy or cold water therapy, if simply put is a practice of using cold water for therapeutic purposes. It involves immersing your body in cold water or just applying ice packs to a specific area of the body to get the “ice therapy benefits”.
How Does Cold Water Therapy Work?
Getting yourself into cold water causes the blood vessels to constrict, which is also known as vasoconstriction. When there is contraction occurring in the blood vessels, the blood is pushed toward your organs.
Now, when the blood is directed towards the organs, this results in the supply of more nutrients and especially oxygen to the organs.
Then, once you are out of the cold water, the blood vessels open up. This allows the oxygen-rich and nutrient-filled blood into your tissues to help in removing the waste products including the lactic acid buildup.
Unveiling the Ice Therapy Benefits
The benefits of ice therapy can be seen if this is done properly and regularly. Some people do it twice a day even. However, some of the benefits are mentioned below.
1. Ice Therapy for Face
One of the best ice therapy benefits is its use for the face. It is said to be great for giving the skin its lost glow. So, in the morning when you wake up and feel your skin dull and lacking that glow, it is best to soak your face in ice-cold water.
One of the benefits of ice therapy for the face includes the tightening of the pores. By minimizing the appearance of the pores, it gives the face a more sculpted look. Also, one of the added benefits is that ice water quickly resolves the redness on the face.
To do that and to get ice therapy benefits, take a deep bowl and fill it with water. Add ice in it as much as you can so that it is chilled enough to dip your face into. Do it for 15 seconds at first. Start slow and try to stay careful as dipping your face for a longer time can burn the skin.
2. Enhances Recovery from Exercise
A number of athletes and professionals that work with licensed trainers and healthcare experts use cold water therapy to help themselves get recovered from an intense workout.
Dr. Rabia Sohail who is one of the best general physicians in Pakistan says that immersing oneself in cold water for getting ice therapy benefits can help a lot with the soreness that occurs in the body after exercising.
According to research, this is said to be working great compared to passive interventions involving rest. Also, it has also been proved that cold-water immersion is more effective than whole-body cryotherapy, which involves sitting or standing in a chamber where teh air is up to negative 200 F.
3. Improves Mood Disorders
The cool temperatures in ice therapy obviously impact physiological hormonal responses.
This involves the release of a number of hormones. Like adrenaline (stress hormone), endorphins (in response to pain), and noradrenaline (fight-or-flight).
Now, this can have a really positive impact on people that experience issues with their mood. It also includes mood disorders like depression and anxiety.
Obviously, the ice therapy benefits and results cannot be compared to proper therapy taken for mood disorders, but experts at Hamza Hospital say that for short-term ice therapy, it is really helpful.
4. Reduces Migraine Symptoms
Ice therapy can also help in treating migraines by numbing nerves and cooling them out in the neck area. A lot of people, instead of immersing themselves in ice cold water, use ice packs in their necks for the carotid arteries in the neck. It helps a lot in aiding the migraine pain.
It is thought to be working by cooling the blood passing through intracranial vessels. It also works best as carotid arteries are easily accessible being close to the skin’s surface.
5. Can Treat Topical Dermatitis
One of the ice therapy benefits is the soothing effect it gives to the atopic dermatitis patients. Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease that comes with symptoms like itchy and dry skin. Now the inflammation caused by topical dermatitis can be controlled as ice theory improves antioxidant levels in the blood.
It then obviously makes sense how ice therapy and both cryotherapy can help with atopic dermatitis.
Suggested Read: Skin Diseases You Should Treat Immediately
Health Considerations Before Trying Ice Therapy
Before trying ice cold therapy, it is always best to stay careful as this therapy if applied for too long can affect the skin and damage tissues and even nerves.
If you are a heart patient and have cardiovascular or heart diseases, then consult your doctor before using cold therapy. Also, if you are someone that is sensitive to cold then seek out other therapies that might work for you.
Ice therapy is also not recommended for those with broken skin or cuts as it can increase the risk of infection in the body.
Healthwire is Here to Help!
Seek medical attention if you have any medical condition, o if the ice therapy doesn’t work for you, and see any side effects. The ice therapy benefits are way too many to count, but it is always best to do your research first. In case of any emergency, contact Healthwire and book an appointment with the best general physician near you.
