09/10/2025
Posted • there's currently quite a trend in promoting contrast therapy as part of everyone's recovery from training 🥶 Cold plunges are everywhere right now, but did you know that women’s bodies respond very differently to cold than men’s?
Most of the popular research and hype comes from studies on men—so let’s break down what the science actually says for women, and why Chinese Medicine urges caution.
🔬 Science Says: Women & Cold Don’t Mix the Same Way
* Women have more cold receptors in their skin, making us more sensitive to cold and causing us to shiver sooner. Our blood vessels constrict faster, which means we lose warmth in our hands and feet more quickly and experience more stress on the nervous system.
* Hormonal fluctuations (like during the luteal phase of your cycle) make cold exposure even more stressful, raising cortisol and potentially disrupting hormone balance.
* Women are much more prone to thyroid issues, and cold plunges can further stress the thyroid and adrenal glands, leading to fatigue and even slower metabolism if you’re already sensitive or run cold.
🌿 TCM Perspective: Protect Your Yang Qi!
* In TCM, cold immersion is seen as depleting your vital Ming Men Fire, the energy that fuels our adrenal function and overall vitality (including our libido!)
* Cold plunges and ice baths can disrupt our natural balance, leading to issues like period pain, fatigue, or even hormone imbalances. Cold can easily invade the uterus, which is especially problematic during menstruation or if you already tend to feel cold.
“We have two-thousand-plus years of Chinese medicine records extolling the importance of safeguarding your vital Yang Qi from cold damage.”
Ladies, protect your Yin! Embrace warmth, especially during your cycle, and listen to your body’s signals. Sometimes, the best self-care is honouring your unique energy and choosing what truly nourishes you.
