It fights depression, reduces inflammation, and stimulates the brain's "happy response"! Is soaking in cold water really so amazing?
Can taking a “cold shower” freeze unnecessary worries if you feel depressed? The effect of temperature on physiological and psychological states may indeed make sense. The British Medical Journal once reported that a subject had developed resistance to antidepressant drugs such as fluoxetine and citalopram and had to receive “cold water therapy” every week to stabilize his mood. This course of treatment not only significantly improved the depressive symptoms of the subjects, but also gradually reduced the medication within a year, and the treatment effect was greatly improved.
The British Medical Journal showed in a case report that cold water therapy is not suitable for all patients with depression. However, research from the University of Portsmouth in the UK also claims that cold water temperatures may help relieve stress and reduce anxiety.
Can soaking in cold water be used as “psychological therapy”? Helps improve “stress resistance”
The research method of the University of Portsmouth team is to let subjects soak in a water tank at 12°C and stay there for about 5 minutes. After repeated immersion in the water tank for about 6 times, after most of the subjects’ bodies had adapted to the water temperature, the research team measured their heart rate changes and physiological responses.
Studies have shown that cold water temperatures stimulate the sympathetic nervous system of subjects and increase the secretion of beta-endorphins and norepinephrine. In addition, because skin receptors react to cold temperatures, nerve endings are able to send a large number of “electrical impulses” to the brain, bringing about joyful emotions. The team believes that this may be an important factor in how cold water affects mood.
Mike Tipton, the author of the study, pointed out that when the subject’s body comes into contact with cold water, the possible physiological reactions are accelerated heartbeat and blood pressure. Glucose and fat are easily released into the blood, providing the body with the energy source needed for a quick escape.
“In other words, the body’s initial response to cold is ‘resistance’. However, as the individual adapts to the water temperature, the tolerance of the sympathetic nervous system increases, which may help to adapt to the stressors in life.” Tipton further pointed out, Chronic inflammatory response caused by long-term stress is one of the main causes of mental illness. Through cold water therapy, it may be possible to prevent the occurrence of chronic inflammation and reduce the risk of depression, anxiety, and other diseases.
Cold showers are not the only way to relieve stress. Learn these 5 tricks to fight inflammation and treat depression.
Although relevant studies claim that it can help improve depression, it is not known whether cold water therapy has a lasting effect and the subsequent effects after use. Tipton believes that the effect of cold water therapy on most people with normal mental health is only to temporarily divert attention; or, in some areas, it is used as a meditation practice to improve concentration ability, rather than uncontrollable factors in life.
Janet Brito, a Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the Pacific Research Institute, pointed out that cold baths or swimming are not the only ways to relieve depression. Exercise, mindfulness training, and eating more healthy foods can help combat inflammation and depression.
Brito reminds that if you have a history of mental illness, you should pay attention to your caffeine intake; excessive caffeine will aggravate anxiety symptoms and cause insomnia. In addition, you can try to arrange more social activities for yourself, which will help release endorphins and relieve physical and mental stress.
source:
Cold Shower for Anxiety: Does It Help?
Cold water immersion: kill or cure?
Adapted cold shower as a potential treatment for depression
Open water swimming as a treatment for major depressive disorder
Further reading:
Can “ASMR” help stabilize mood and relieve anxiety? Experimental discovery: Brain waves are altered
