You might have seen TV footage of people merrily plunging into icy cold ponds, lakes and even the sea – an activity known as wild swimming. Have they taken leave of their senses?
Well, no. As well as being incredibly invigorating, cold water therapy – which involves immersing yourself into water below 15 degrees celsius (brrrrr!) – may have significant health benefits and help you have a happier menopause!
Wild swimming is wildly popular
Cold water therapy is becoming hugely popular. In 2006, the Wild Swimming Society had 300 members. As of 2020, its membership had swelled to 100,000In addition, Sports England reported that 7.5 million people in the U.K swam outside in 2019.
And the demographic that seems to be turning up to dip their toes in the icy water? Women in midlife. It appears that, for women transitioning through menopause, cold water has a particular draw. It soothes the body and mind.
How it works
The reason? Research is limited, but some medical professionals believe that the impact of the cold water kick-starts our fight or flight response. This seems to trigger our parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS), which is responsible for repairing and calming the body, which may help alleviate menopause symptoms.
Benefits of Wild Swiming For Menopause
More research is needed, but wild swimming/cold water therapy could be helpful for the following:
A good night’s sleep
Research shows that around 39% – 47% of perimenopausal women and 35% – 60% of postmenopausal women will struggle with sleep. When our PSNS is activated, it slows our heart and breathing rates, helps lower blood pressure and support our bodies into a state of relaxation and rest.
Improved mood and cognitive function
Research is increasingly verifying what we all intuitively know; being out in nature improves our mood. Research by The Mental Health Foundation in 2021 found that 45% of us reported feeling better as a result of being in nature.
Interestingly, evidence also shows that the quality of our relationship with nature makes a difference to the impact it has on our well-being. Sensory exposure – whether that’s stopping to smell the flowers, or taking the plunge in the cold water – heightens the effect it has on our bodies and minds.
Key hormone release
In addition, one of the most significant responses to cold exposure is the release of norepinephrine into the bloodstream. This hormone is a key player in the way we feel – and is also thought to be behind the cognitive-improving impact of cold exposure.
Inflammation relief
Studies suggest that regular cold-water swimming may decrease inflammation – a precursor to a raft of illnesses.
NASA’s research also indicates that, through repeat exposure to the cold, we may be able to reduce the way we respond to external stress in all areas of our lives – and therefore reduce inflammation caused by our lifestyles or external environment. It has the potential to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, reduce fat disposition, inhibit blood clotting and increase fertility and libido in both men and women.
Good fat composition
Many of us in midlife can struggle with weight as our hormones fluctuate. Cold water therapy has been shown to increase the amount of protective brown fat present in participants’ bodies, which is linked to metabolic health and improved insulin sensitivity. And no, it doesn’t mean you’ll gain weight! In fact, brown fat may help to burn other fat in your body
Remember, you don’t have to take the plunge to experience the benefits of cold water therapy. In fact, Wim Hof, the self-titled Ice Man, responsible for much of the research into the impact of cold exposure on the body, advocates the use of a cold shower as a start. Find out more at: https://www.wimhofmethod.com/. Some spas even offer cold water therapy as a service, so why not combine it with a pamper day?
Take care!
Remember too, that any external shock to the system is potentially dangerous. Always consult your doctor before introducing cold water therapy into your routine.
