Cold water therapy has been around for a long time, as part of spiritual traditions and physical recovery programs for athletes. But a commercialized version known as “cold plunging” has become the latest wellness craze. Enthusiasts who embrace it as a daily practice say it has benefits ranging from boosting immunity to combating depression and improving sleep. But are these claims backed by science? We talk about what’s driving the urge to plunge and how to do it safely, And we’ll hear from you: Have you tried cold water therapy? Has it worked for you?
We Take the Plunge on Cold Water Therapy
People react after submerging themselves in the cold water of the Susquehanna River during the 20th Annual Lewisburg Polar Bear Plunge on Feb. 3, 2024. (SOPA Images via Getty Images)
Guests:
Charlie Warzel, staff writer, The Atlantic; author, "Galaxy Brain" a newsletter about the internet and big ideas.
Dr. Mark Harper, anesthesiologist; researcher; author, "Chill: The Cold Water Swim Cure"; co-creator, Chill UK - a nonprofit committed to providing courses in cold-water swimming to improve mental health
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