How Cold Water Treats Anxiety, Depression and Chronic Pain – Mark Harper, M.D., Ph.D. : 956

33 snips

Jul 13, 2022

Mark Harper, an anesthetist and researcher, dives into the remarkable therapeutic effects of cold-water immersion. He discusses how cold exposure can alleviate anxiety, depression, and chronic pain while boosting the immune system. Listeners will learn practical tips on safely starting cold-water practices, the best plunge frequencies, and the social benefits of group immersions. Harper also explores the intriguing relationship between cold water and heart rate variability, emphasizing its potential to enhance overall well-being.

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ANECDOTE

Unexpectedly Enjoyable First Swim

Mark Harper, initially a pool swimmer, tried open-water swimming due to a pool closure.
This experience unexpectedly felt good, leading to 20 years of cold-water swimming.

INSIGHT

Natural High

Cold water immersion triggers noradrenaline and adrenaline release, similar to cocaine but naturally regulated.
This natural release avoids the negative effects of drugs, offering a safe way to experience the benefits.

ADVICE

Community and Frequency

Cold water swimming offers benefits beyond just the cold exposure, including social interaction and community.
Weekly swims are sufficient for benefits, while daily swims offer a slight additional boost.

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IN THIS EPISODE OF THE HUMAN UPGRADE™...

…anesthetist and researcher, Mark Harper, M.D., Ph.D., shares how the power of cold-water practices can treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, arthritis, migraines and other health conditions you may be experiencing.

Despite all the attention cold water swimming and immersion has gotten in recent years—thank you, Wim Hof—the scientific community hasn’t taken it very seriously. That’s changing now. Dr. Harper’s research goes beyond what we already know about the benefits of cold-water therapy and lays out best practices for you.

In this episode you’ll learn:

How to safely establish your own customized practice of cold-water swimming
The ideal plunge frequency
How to heat your body from the inside out
Why using saunas can optimize your plunges
The effects of putting your face in cold water vs. just your body
Why swimming “in the wild”—lakes, rivers, seas — benefits you even more
How community plays a role in cold plunge practices
And more

You’ll also learn about science and case studies found in Dr. Harper’s new book, “Chill: The Cold Water Swim Cure - A Transformative Guide to Renew Your Body and Mind.” He explains how cold water has the ability to impacts us physiologically and mentally.

As Dr. Harper shares his long-awaited evidence on cold-water’s therapeutic power to strengthen the immune system, cell regeneration, and everyday vitality, you’ll come to understand how to harness the power of cold-water swimming.

If you are looking to up your cold-water therapy game, you’ll get a lot of value from this episode. Dr. Harper says you can start simply, one small movement into cold water at a time: “Your rest, digest, chill out, and anti-inflammatory response comes from putting your face into the water,” he says. He then goes on to other cold-water swim tips. Enjoy!

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