What you need to know about ice baths and other forms of cold therapy if you have cancer and are wanting to live better and longer.

WHERE ARE WE 

In the past ten years, there has been a considerable increase in the available research that is driving the introduction of integrative medicine into standard cancer care. By far, the biggest focus has been the integration of movement/exercise plans into cancer planning. While this is a step in the right direction, there needs to be a greater push to give patients the best opportunity to utilise integrative treatments to support thier quality of life, mental health and overall sruvival. But, ice baths. Really, can they be helpful?

there needs to be a greater push to give patients the best opportunity to utilise integrative treatments to support thier quality of life, mental health and overall sruvival

WHAT DO WE KNOW

I see all the focus on cold therapy stemming back to one man. If you are reading this, I hope you have heard of the legendary health renegade from The Netherlands, Wim Hof. If not, here is a quick overview. To put it simply, Wim made cold water swimming cool. Before Wim, winter was for skiing, snowboarding and log fires. Now, it is not uncommon to see someone running into a frozen lake to inflict punishment on them self.

Wim has not had cancer but, like many of us, he has experienced significant trauma, loss and pain and it could be hypothesised that these challenges, which included losing his wife to suicide were the catalyst for pushing the limits of his mind, body and soul. Plus, the formation of him wanting to promote health for others by seeking research to support his exposure to cold therapy. From his research endeavours, we know that the cold therapy can:
1. Boost immune system through the production of lymphocytes
2. Reduce inflammation by affecting cytokine production (may be good for inflammatory conditions autoimmune diseases.
3. Boost feel good hormones like dopamine.
4. Regeneration of synapses and nerve cells for cognitive benefits.

WHAT TO DO

1. Seek out information about Wim Hod Method to support your traning for the cold water.

2. Watch the above video to get an indication of how it looks and why it does not need to involve pain!