How to Perform an Ice Bath

By ThorNews on January 3, 2015 • ( 0 )

Many Norwegians enjoy a bath in frozen fjords and lakes. (Photo: Sindre Thoresen Lønnes/DNT)

Finally! Now is the season for ice bathing and many Norwegians are following ancient traditions and refresh themselves in frozen fjords and lakes. When you take an ice bath, endorphins that have an analgesic effect are released. Besides, endorphins have an antidepressant effect, and as a result you will probably also get in a better mood.

Many ice bathers say that “the blood flows faster through the veins” after a cold dip – and that is precisely what is happening according to a study by the Finnish doctor Kyllikki Kauppinen. When the skin makes contact with the cold water, the blood vessels constrict and the blood pressure rises to avoid hypothermia.

If you are inexperienced, it may be wise to follow these tips from the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT):

You will need:

Determination

Swimwear

Freezing fjord / lake

Towel

Dry and warm clothes

The ice bath:

(Photo: Sindre Thoresen Lønnes/DNT)

Find yourself a lake or a fjord and chop a hole in the ice. Be sure the ice is safe before walking on it (if not, you may end up getting a freezing bath before you are aware of it – which can be fatal).