Of late, a number of actors resembling Kartik Aaryan, Rakul Preet Singh, Vidyut Jammwal, Samantha and sisters Neha and Aisha Sharma have shared glimpses of them making an attempt chilly water remedy expertise at freezing temperatures, on their social media handles. A therapy that makes use of sub-zero temperatures, termed as Cryotherapy, isn’t a brand new development, and has a number of advantages for one’s bodily and psychological well being. In reality, it’s also believed to be useful for one’s pores and skin well being.
Cryotherapy may be utilized in several methods, resembling, ice packs, coolant sprays, ice therapeutic massage, and ice baths. Cold remedy or ice water dips are the acts of submerging your physique in chilly water at 15 levels celsius or much less. Some research say that immersing your self in icy water triggers the discharge of stress hormones – noradrenaline and cortisol, whereas different research report enhance in mind chemical substances that regulate temper, resembling dopamine and endorphin. We discuss to medical doctors, orthopedics and celeb health trainers to share their insights on the method and talk about the potential benefits and pitfalls of this wellness process, and what’s the proper strategy to do it.
Dr. Gurdeep Avinash Ratra, Consultant Orthopedics, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram, says, “Cryotherapy is not just limited to cold therapy but can also be used for treating certain bone tumors. It involves using extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissue with a specialised probe. It is a promising alternative to traditional surgery for eligible patients, but decisions should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional.”
Dr. Ashutosh Shukla, MD, FACP, Medical Advisor & Senior Director Internal Medicine, Max Hospital, Gurugram, shares, “Adapting to the shock of cold water helps build mental resilience and discipline. Consistent exposure to cold temperatures allows the mind to get comfortable in a state of discomfort, which might improve your ability to deal with other types of stress. Immersion in cold water helps reduce chronic inflammation which helps in reducing depression, boosting the immune system, and also feeling more awake and alive. However, more double blind controlled trials are needed to validate these benefits.”
Dr. Tushar Tayal, Lead Consultant, Department of Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram explains, “It activates the immune system by increasing antibodies and T cells, and may help weight loss by increasing the metabolism causing fat in the body to burn more calories to keep warm. Cold plunges may have a positive effect on stress management as well as cold temperature can stimulate vagus nerve which activates parasympathetic system Post exercise therapy reduces muscle soreness and seems to reduce body adipose tissue, as well as reduce insulin resistance and improve insulin sensitivity.”
Dr. Monica Bambroo, Head – Dermatology, Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon, tells us, “Cryotherapy is a fat freezing technique that makes your skin toned. It improves the blood flow in your skin and enhances the production of collagen, which helps in tightening of the skin. Always choose a good center, with people who are well experienced and have good results because if not done with precision, it may lead to an uneven skin and cold burns on the skin. Otherwise, this is completely safe and does not have any side effects.”
Celebrity health coach Shivohaam says, “Cryotherapy benefits people, who are building muscles and workout regularly in the gym. It helps create inflammation within the muscles, so that they can respond and grow. A cold water bath right after your exercise session would be mitigating the whole effect of working out, so it’s best to go for cold water therapy the next morning.”
DRAWBACKS
1. While usually protected, there are potential dangers like nerve harm or incomplete tumor destruction.
2. Extremely chilly water can result in a shock, which might trigger quick coronary heart fee, larger blood stress and shortness of breath.
3. It may additionally result in hypothermia, growing the danger of irregular coronary heart rhythms (Arrhythmias) and presumably even cardiac arrest.
4. People with underlying coronary heart circumstances and aged persons are at a danger of shedding consciousness and even drowning.
5. Prolonged immersion in temperature beneath 70 °F can result in hypothermia the place there’s fall in physique temperature beneath 95 °F and danger of dying.
PRO TIP
“It’s important to start with short periods of time for example a couple of minutes and gradually increase as your body adapts to the cold. Remember to listen to your body, there’s no need to push yourself too hard if you start to feel uncomfortable. If you start shivering, it’s a strong indication that you have reached your limit for that specific plunge. You could begin with three days per week for the first few weeks so you can take note of how your body feels as you introduce the new stimulus. A recent study shows that 11 minutes a week of being fully submerged is ideal,” suggests Dr. Shukla.

Source web site: www.hindustantimes.com