Ice Therapy – Pain or Pleasure?
Benefits of Ice Baths & cold immersions
Extreme experiences have always drawn me, pushing my mind and body to newfound heights, seeking new truths and ways to overcome my perception of my limitations - Sky diving, fire walking, intensive breathwork just to name a few.
It wasn't until I encountered the Dutch inspiration Wim Hof, and his ground breaking living research into Ice Baths that I discovered something unique. Through a deeply immersive physical experience I was able to catapult my awareness through the superficial layers of my mind to a place of calm, power and strength. A deep meditative space which I can call upon at any time. That sense of resilience whenever I am physically or mentally challenged is always by my side.
The Wim Hof Method
Wim, holder of 26 World records has baffled the scientific community for years, shattering beliefs of what the human body is capable of when the breath and mind are harnessed to achieve ultimate health and vitality. I found the most fascinating experiment being when Wim was injected with live bacteria, and under scientific observations was able to neutralize the bacteria without any symptoms from the potential attack on his immune system. How was he able to achieve this you may ask? Through the power of conscious breathing and meditation.
During my first ice bath experience, Wim explained the technique and its benefits, we all worked on creating a strong mindset, performed some dynamic stretching, deep & focused breathwork, and eventually made it to the Ice Bath. My first step literally took my breath away. Instantly I felt an intense pain all over my body, it stung and surprisingly my Wim Hof Method breathing techniques were nowhere to be found. My immediate reaction was to step out, but my ego stepped in and the only thoughts in my head at that moment were “how shameful and weak would I will look if I'm the first one out?” and “I definitely can’t go out before my wife! I’ll never here the end of that one!”
EVERY component in my body was on full overdrive. Conflicting emotions, conflicting signals, a battle was raging inside of me. Where were my feet? My arms? There was only a vague sense of where they were as I lay semi paralyzed in the water. At this point the only thing keeping me in the water was my competitive spirit, I wasn’t going to be the first one out!
'Breathe!' A voice inside of me echoed and I forced that first deep breath. Like a train gathering momentum, each breath grew deeper, filling me with positivity. "I can do this", "I won't give up". The sharp pain slowly subsided. All he internal chatter and conflicts went completely silent and I found a moment of peace in the chaos of my first experience. I managed to complete 2 full minutes with the group without permanently scarring my ego.
Once dried off, I felt energized, exhilarated, and focused. As the blood coursed through my body reviving its senses I bathed in a state of euphoria. As if I have just finished a full marathon, I was delirious with a sense of achievement. The second round now didn't seem as daunting and I managed to stay much longer. The realization of breath being the key to unlocking this experience was now mine. Surrender of the mind to that deep state of peace simply follows and becomes easier to achieve each time.
That was my first encounter and each time the cold offers a new opportunity to expand my limitations, to acknowledge my strengths and to embrace that euphoric state that I only feel after an ice bath.
Having completed my Wim Hof Method training and also extensive study into multiple Breathwork techniques, I am now fully consciously aware of my breath. How much time you spend fully immersed under the ice is a personal preference and everyone differs. It is not a competition.
Why do an Ice Bath?
Why do an Ice Bath is usually the question I get asked. Why voluntarily put your body in such pain? A lot of my friends mention to me that they hate the cold and can’t stand the idea of being in ice. I believe Ice Therapy will teach people to trust in themselves and the huge potential of the human mind and body to cure ourselves. Who wouldn’t want to look into optimizing their health and increase their energy. It also turns you into a warrior! If you’ve taken an ice cold shower you know exactly how it works. It takes focus to stay in the cold water, which then helps build your will power carrying over to other important areas in life. If you can build the habit of getting into a meditative state while lying in the ice cold, you will be more calm, collected and well thought.
Taking ice baths is a practice that has been around for ages, and many people from all over the world are using this method to become stronger, happier, and healthier individuals. Ice Baths are a form of therapy that calls for sitting in chilly water, ideally up to your chest for 5-10 minutes. To get the full benefit, water temperatures between 50-60 Fahrenheit (10-15 Celsius) work best.
Some of the many benefits of exposing oneself to conditions such as cold showers and ice baths include stress relief, to improve recovery from physical exercise, reduce inflammation, and the positive effects on the central nervous system, which helps you sleep and feel better. In addition, Ice Baths prepare you for other difficult conditions. It becomes a mental standpoint. Your body is challenged by being exposed to different stresses and stimuli, which often makes you more resilient and prepares you for different challenges in the future. However, anyone with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should check with their doctors first.
Wim had a wonderful expression, stating that there is no ego, there is only we-go. Now I understand what it means when my body says YES and when it says NO. I know the difference when my ego wants to lead me compared to when my spirit is leading the way. Thanks to the ice, today I am in control.