With some it triggers admiration, with others merely incomprehension. What moves people to drop their clothes at temperatures around freezing point and dive into the icy water. Many get the infamous “kick”, some want to do something good for their body. Is ice bathing actually good for your health? What should you pay attention to?
What is meant by ice bathing?
There are about 2,000-3,000 ice bathers in Germany. They all share one passion – bathing in water temperatures around freezing. They meet in small groups, get their circulation going together before finally dropping their shells. Depending on how their bodies feel, ice bathers stay in the water for anywhere from a few seconds to five minutes. The season of ice bathing begins in early fall, so training for the really cold temperatures can start early.
Ice bathing – a boon for health
In the first few seconds that the body is in the ice water, it experiences an intense temperature stimulus. The skin temperature drops drastically, while the core temperature is initially little affected. Now the body begins to react to the new situation. It converts energy that it has stored in the form of carbohydrates into heat energy. The increased production of heat causes the vessels, which had abruptly contracted after the first few seconds, to dilate. This leads to an improvement in blood circulation and thus to a stabilization of the circulatory system.
Medical experts assume that ice bathing strengthens the immune system, making the body less susceptible to infections. If the body regenerates after the bath, most people experience a sense of well-being and an increased feeling of being alive. This depends on the one hand on the improved blood circulation and on the other hand on psychological aspects: The ice bather feels the satisfying sensation of self-control and self-overcoming.
What should you pay attention to?
Ice bathing is not harmless. The untrained and inexperienced should approach the cool temperatures slowly. This could be done, for example, with alternating showers or Kneipp baths. You should never go swimming alone but always in groups. After all, there is a risk that the ice bather could suffer a life-threatening cold shock. Since especially hands and feet quickly lose body heat, you should hold your hands in the air while bathing. Feet can be easily protected with neoprene socks. While in the water, one should avoid submerging the head and hair under water.
The bathing time should not exceed five minutes, otherwise the risk of hypothermia would be too great. Warm clothes should be put on immediately after the ice bath. Sports and physical activity are not recommended. The body should be given time to recover. People with physical ailments should always discuss ice bathing with their doctor.
How popular is ice bathing?
2,000 to 3,000 self-confessed ice bathers in Germany do not speak for a popular trend or mass sport. Nevertheless, ice bathing is gaining popularity in the wake of wellness and leisure orientation.
Historical background
In Russia, ice bathing is a long-standing tradition, of the Russian Orthodox Church. Every year on January 19, the baptism of Jesus is celebrated. On this occasion, outdoor church services are held in various parts of Russia. Ice bathing is said to cleanse the conscience and protect against diseases and evil spirits. However, not all participants have a religious motivation. Rather, ice bathing has become a trend and recreational activity.
