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Is there a correct way to enter a cold bath? Explanation of the heat retention effects of cold baths.

2025.06.27

Is there a correct way to enter a cold bath? Explanation of the heat retention effects of cold baths

Exploring the Appeal of Cold Baths

Cold baths are gaining attention not just as a cooling method, but as a way to significantly contribute to health maintenance and relaxation. When combined with a sauna, they can promote blood circulation and regulate the autonomic nervous system, offering numerous benefits. This temperature difference revitalizes the body, aiding in fatigue recovery and improving poor circulation. Additionally, cold baths contribute to mental and physical refreshment, providing stress relief and emotional stability.

On the other hand, there is a correct way to enter a cold bath. To avoid heat shock or strain on the heart due to sudden temperature changes, it is recommended to acclimate your body with lukewarm water before entering. Moreover, raising your hands when entering can alleviate the sensation of cold, allowing you to enjoy it safely. By paying attention to these points, you can maximize the benefits of cold baths.

What Are the Health Benefits of Cold Baths?

Cold baths have been scientifically proven to offer numerous health benefits beyond mere cooling. Alternating between a sauna and a cold bath provides multifaceted advantages to the body.

Improved Circulation and Relief from Poor Circulation

Warming up in a sauna causes blood vessels to expand, and then rapidly contract in a cold bath. This process activates blood circulation. Particularly, it helps improve poor circulation by ensuring blood reaches the extremities. Furthermore, this temperature difference stimulates the autonomic nervous system and enhances hormonal balance.

Fatigue Recovery and Relaxation

Cold baths have a fatigue recovery effect because the cold water relaxes muscle tension. Additionally, the refreshing feeling after a cold bath is due to the release of endorphins, a natural painkiller, allowing for relaxation of both body and mind.

Enhanced Immunity and Weight Loss Effects

Regular use of cold baths activates the immune system, promoting the production of white blood cells and immunoglobulins. This increases resistance to illness. Moreover, cold baths are said to contribute to weight loss and body maintenance by increasing calorie consumption in the body.

What Is the Correct Way to Enter a Cold Bath?

There are several points to consider when entering a cold bath. By following these, you can safely enjoy the maximum health benefits.

Preparation and Precautions

First, before a cold bath, perform a “kakeyu” by lightly rinsing your body with lukewarm water. This reduces the risk of strain on the heart or heat shock. It’s important not to hold your breath, but to submerge slowly while exhaling. Entering with your hands first can cause excessive cold sensation, so it’s not recommended.

Proper Time Management

Soaking for too long can be counterproductive. Typically, 1 to 2 minutes is sufficient, and staying longer can lead to health issues or hypothermia. Also, avoid excessive repetition when combining with a sauna.

Synergistic Effects with Saunas

There are synergistic effects to be gained by entering a cold bath after a sauna. This method, known as “alternating baths,” often provides the following benefits.

Enhanced Blood Pressure Regulation

The temperature difference naturally causes blood pressure fluctuations, and maintaining this circulation pattern may reduce the risk of high blood pressure. This mechanism is also thought to reduce stress on the heart and brain.

Increased Emotional Stability and Happiness

A regular habit of alternating hot and cold baths positively affects the autonomic nervous system, leading to stress relief and emotional stability. It also has a happiness-boosting effect, positively impacting daily life.

Summary: The Abundant Benefits of Cold Baths

Initially, there may be some resistance. However, the benefits are immeasurable, and once it becomes a habit, it becomes indispensable. Just remember to prioritize safety for yourself and those around you (avoid sudden movements and prolonged use). With effort, this method holds further potential!

How Long Should You Stay in a Cold Bath?

The recommended time for a cold bath is generally 1 to 2 minutes. Staying too long can excessively lower body temperature, so it’s important to finish at an appropriate time. However, it’s also important to adjust according to your own condition and feelings.

What Effects Do Cold Baths Have?

Cold baths rapidly lower the body temperature elevated by the sauna. This promotes blood circulation and activates metabolism. Additionally, it’s said that during rest after a cold bath, you can more easily experience the feeling of being “refreshed.”

What Is the Temperature of a Cold Bath?

The average temperature of a cold bath is 15°C to 18°C. However, since the set temperature varies by facility, it’s recommended to check for yourself on-site. If it’s your first time or you have a reluctance, starting with a slightly warmer temperature is fine.

Why Is It Better to Alternate Between Sauna and Cold Bath?

Alternating between sauna and cold bath repeatedly expands and contracts blood vessels, improving blood flow. It is particularly helpful in reducing strain on the heart and skin. After warming the body in a sauna, cooling it in a cold bath, and then resting, you can more easily feel “refreshed.”

What Is a Safe Way for Beginners to Enter a Cold Bath?

First, always rinse off sweat before entering a cold bath.

Next, instead of submerging up to your shoulders all at once, gradually lower your body starting from your feet to mitigate shock.

It’s important to bathe within a range that feels comfortable without overexerting yourself.

Are There Any Health Risks to Be Aware Of?

If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or other health issues, it’s recommended to consult a doctor before using a cold bath.

Additionally, elderly individuals and small children need to use it with caution. It’s important to enjoy it safely and without overexertion.

What If You Really Can’t Stand the Cold?

Start by soaking for a short time, then gradually extend as you get used to it. You can also start with water slightly cooler than your usual bath at home. Take it step by step at your own pace!

Please refer to the above information to enjoy a safe and comfortable sauna life.

The Diverse Effects and Proper Use of Cold Baths

Cold baths are gaining attention as a method that plays a significant role in health maintenance and relaxation. Combined with a sauna, they are expected to promote circulation and regulate the autonomic nervous system. The temperature difference activates blood circulation, contributing to the improvement of poor circulation. Additionally, cold baths have a fatigue recovery effect by relaxing muscle tension. Regular use of cold baths also enhances immunity, contributing to weight loss and body maintenance.

The correct way to enter is also important. By acclimating your body with lukewarm water before entering a cold bath, you can reduce strain on the heart. It’s also recommended to enter slowly without holding your breath. Entering with your hands raised rather than first can alleviate the sensation of cold, allowing you to enjoy it safely.

Entering a cold bath after a sauna strengthens natural blood pressure regulation. This alternating hot and cold bath relieves stress and enhances emotional stability, positively impacting daily life. By using it correctly, cold baths can provide abundant benefits. However, precautions such as avoiding sudden movements and prolonged soaking are necessary for safety.