S2 | E5 – The Benefits Behind Cold Plunging & What the Icy Dip Does for Your Wellness

Cold Plunging practices are taking off, but why?  Billy Brown is trained in Wim Hoff breathwork and cold plunge therapy and walks us through what it is, how to do it and how it can contribute to your personal health and healing.

In this episode, we explore cold exposure methods, research on the benefits and how exposing yourself to discomfort can nurture healing. Wim Hoff discovered powerful benefits to cold exposure, breathwork and mindset and has exposed himself to several rounds of scientific research for the science community to investigate biological processes happening in his practice. Cold exposure and breathwork modulate the immune system, nervous system, cardiovascular system and hormones and for the first time in medical science, we have evidence that people can directly influence the autonomic nervous system at will. 

Tune in for a conversation about the nervous system, chronic stress and trauma in the body, learning how to regulate your body, the power of your mind and more. Your body can move toward the healing available to you through cold plunging. 

Cold Plunging is a mental, emotional, and spiritual practice that offers a range of benefits for participants. It’s not about achievement, it’s about acceptance. If you can face the cold, what else can you face?

Listen in for tips and tools for starting your personal cold plunge practice and explore your own healing and wellness through cold exposure.

Resources: 

Wim Hof VICE video - Inside the Superhuman World of Ice Man

Dr Susana Soberg research - Groundbreaking Approach to Health and Performance

Gabor Mate on trauma

Breath by James Nestor in the bookshop 

Dr Caroline Leaf 

Instagram: @ eat.learn.grow

Sarah asks Billy:

• What is cold plunging?
• What benefits have you or have you seen others experience from cold plunging? Can you tell us about the latest research around it?
• You recently went to Spain to study Wim Hof breathwork and cold plunge methods - what did you take away from that?
• Talk to the listener who's curious about how to get started - what advice do you have about cold plunging for beginners?
• What is keeping you well in this season? 
• Visit www.coveywellnesscentre.com for support and resources.

*This episode is intended for mental health education purposes and is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek a mental health professional or other qualified health provider regarding your mental health for personal advice and care.