Cold water therapy is also known as cold hydrotherapy in which water at about 15 degrees celsius is used to treat certain ailments. One can either take showers, immerse oneself in bathtubs with cold water or swim. It's not a very new concept and has been there for ages but now suddenly it’s the in-thing with slight variations. Though you can easily take this therapy on your own, there are special professional coaches who can help you with this in a more professional ambience and interesting variations, which can sometimes be a good mood-boosting change.

Benefits of cold-water therapy

It is believed that the therapy provides the following benefits:

• Increases blood circulation
• Improves soreness of muscles
• Resolves sleep problems 
• Increases energy levels
• Reduces body inflammations
• Reduces symptoms of depression
• Increases metabolism

There have not been very large studies indicating it but several small studies have pointed towards all of the benefits listed above. For example, athletes after their rigorous session of practice or cyclists who cycle for long distances have less muscle soreness if they immerse themselves in cold water for some time. The immersion should be of the whole body and not just the foot or wrist for best results. People not only with physical ailments but also with psychological ailments are advised cold water therapy like swimming as an exercise to get relieved from signs like depression and stress. 

You need to be careful

If you are prone to certain ailments like hypertension or heart diseases then it's better to consult a doctor as very cold water impacts blood circulation levels so it’s better to be doubly sure. If you do not want to fully immerse in the ice bath, cool water bath, or swimming, then ice massage and ice packs are also options. The moment you feel discomfort from any of the options just stop it. Also, the warm-ups should be gradual after cold water therapy. For more information, you check out the information about hydrotherapy in the website of Ministry of Ayush