Science

Source: Actual magazine

ICE swimming

What happens in the body?

       Blood vessels contract, blood pressure rises.

       Blood circulation increases.

       Pulse slows down.

       Skin temperature fails.

       Stress hormone level rises (noradrenalin, kortisol).

       Sympathic nerve system is activated, offering a pain-reducing effect.

      

Special effect: Person does not feel cold for some time after dip, but after 10-20 minutes, body’s resources get depleted and one starts chilling and shivering.

       Sauna use is common, cycling from sauna into water and back.

       Average duration of dip: 10 seconds to several minutes.

       Risks: Large temperatures difference may have negative impact on cardiovascular system.

       Don’t ice swim alone.

National traditions

       Ice swimming is known in Northern Europe, Russia, China, parts of North America.

Therapeutic effects

       May build resistance to diseases such as flu.

       Strong anti-depressant effect.

       May help high or low blood pressure suffers.

       May help in suffers of chronic gastrointestinal diseases.

Ice swimmers recommend swimming regularly (at least 2-3 times a week) for these effects.

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