The Science of Cold Water Therapy & How to Start

We know how fabulous getting out in the water can be for our mental health & overall well-being but there’s a growing body of research showing that cold water can be absolutely transformative, whether it's from your shower, pool or  the ocean.

So what is it ACTUALLY doing to our bodies & how can we start to reap the benefits in our own lives?

Dr Mark Harper is a consultant anesthetist at Sussex University hospitals in the UK and a leading expert in the prevention of hypothermia in surgical patients and in the therapeutic uses of cold-water adaptation and cold water swimming.

Want to become a podcast sponsor, got some feedback for me or just fancy a chat? Email me - thatshelpful@edstott.com

CONNECT WITH US Connect with ⁠That's Helpful on Instagram. Find Mark on Instagram & via his website.

BOOKS Chill, The Cold Water Swim Cure OTHER THINGS MENTIONED 100 Days of Vitamin SeaThat’s Helpful - Drawn To Water? Blue Mind is Why

TIMESTAMPS 

00:00:00 - Intro

00:01:26 - When is cold good for us & when is it bad?

00:02:14 - When did Mark become interested in this?

00:05:05 - Why are we only just discovering the benefits?

00:06:52 - The benefits of cold water exposure

00:10:00 - What’s happening in our bodies when we’re exposed?

00:11:38 - Cold water exposure keeps you in the moment

00:13:07 - The optimum conditions

00:15:00 - Why is 3 mins the ideal time?

00:19:06 - Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable

00:19:53 - How to utilise cold showers for health benefits

00:21:47 - Things to avoid

00:24:13 - The side-effects of cold water exposure

00:26:10 - Should you combine a sauna with cold water exposure?

00:28:47 - The main take-aways

00:30:00 - Cold water exposure for migraines

00:34:27 - Cold water exposure as prep for surgery