01/09/2025
Ice baths may be a hot thing these days, but from a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) perspective, they’re not so cool!
Firstly, everyone’s body is unique. While some may benefit from ice baths, others, especially those sensitive to feeling cold, need to be more cautious.
In TCM, maintaining a balance between yin (cold) and yang (warmth) is key to good health. Excessive exposure to cold, like in ice baths, can disrupt this balance, affecting the flow of Qi (energy) and blood.
The kidneys, essential for energy and balance, are particularly sensitive to cold. Exposure to extreme cold, such as in ice baths, can constrict blood vessels and impact kidney function, disrupting optimal energy levels and balance in the body.
According to TCM, the cold in the body can result in fatigue, lower back pain or stiffness, reproductive issues, urinary problems, joint pain, or heightened anxiety.
If you enjoy ice baths or winter dips in the sea, try to balance them with warming practices afterward. Enjoy a nice, warm shower and consume warm foods and drinks, and engage in activities that promote warmth and circulation. Always listen to your body and pay attention to how it reacts. Feeling overly fatigued, stiff, or uncomfortable after ice baths could indicate that your body has had too much cold exposure. Keep ice bath sessions short to prevent overwhelming your body’s balance and avoid taking them too frequently.
And remember, it’s best to avoid ice baths during menstruation or if you’re trying to conceive or are pregnant. Stay mindful of your body’s needs and maintain balance for overall health and wellbeing.
