Since childhood, it is recommended to dress warmly enough so as not to get sick at low temperatures. For us, the cold often has a negative connotation. Freezing temperatures can have a positive effect on health. Philipp Bannwart (57), doctor and medical director at Medbase Luzern Allmend, explains to Blick.ch that this is reflected in the anti-inflammatory effects: “Cold therapy, technically known as cryotherapy, causes a change in blood circulation throughout the body. Muscles that affect inflammatory parameters. and connective tissue.
Unfortunately, according to the doctor, there are not many qualitatively convincing studies yet. “Cryotherapy can provide many health benefits.” As a student, Bannwart became interested in the effects of cold therapy when he learned from a patient with the chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease, multiple sclerosis, that he managed to get his disease under control by swimming in Aare every day—even when it was snowing.
How is cryotherapy used?
“In some cases, very low temperatures, down to minus 100 degrees Celsius or more, are used in cryotherapy, which is particularly beneficial for patients suffering from rheumatism or psoriatic arthralgia or atrial joint pain,” Bannwart says. The duration of use should always be tailored to the patient. At such low temperatures, a few minutes of cold application is sufficient. “What is perceived as harmful to one person may have a healing effect on another,” says the doctor.
According to Bannwart, a good way to get used to cold therapy or increase circulation at home is to take contrast showers.
not suitable for everyone
The medical director of Medbase Luzern Allmend explains that, in principle, cold therapy is very well tolerated and is also suitable for older people. However, for patients with a weak heart, the initial rise in blood pressure caused by low temperatures can be problematic. “A preliminary medical study is recommended,” says Bannwart.
In addition, treatment with sub-zero temperatures does not have a health-promoting effect on everyone. The specialist warns that there are cases when this treatment even causes deterioration.
This is how cold affects the organism
As Bannwart explains, the body protects vital organs from freezing by constricting veins in the extremities. This means less fluid gets into the tissue and any swelling is reduced and inflammation is also reduced. Cryotherapy often leads to an immediate reduction in pain, meaning that patients can move around pain-free again for a short period of time. “As a result, they need less pain medication,” says the expert.
As Bannwart explains in simplified terms, increased blood flow to large muscle groups in extreme cold can also enable faster transport of breakdown products. This is why many athletes regularly take ice baths or cryotherapy.
Ice bath outside of conviction
Eli Vogt (53), a nurse from Friedrichshafen (D), also believes in the healing power of cold. “It makes me feel fitter and better than when I was 20,” she says. In an interview with Bick, she admits that her husband, who had been swimming in icy waters for nearly two years, was initially unconvinced of her new hobby. Meanwhile, the two go hiking in the mountains together almost every weekend and swim in the lakes there.
“If the ice isn’t too thick, make a hole with an ice pick and get into the water. I couldn’t imagine it at first, but it got better each time and now I’m really looking forward to the ice water,” says Vogt.
At first it could only withstand the cold for a few seconds, but now it can stay longer in mountain lakes. The nurse explains that regular ice swimming strengthens you, strengthens your immune system, and also strengthens your spirit. Well-known pioneers in ice swimming, Wim Hof and Josef Köberl are great role models for them.
Tips for bathing in cold water
Vogt and her husband are happy to discover the ice bath and recommend it to everyone. The couple advises never to go swimming alone on the ice and always have good equipment with you. These include, for example, ice claws, dressing gowns, hot tea and sometimes even a string. It is also important to breathe calmly and comfortably. “Having a healthy heart is also important. You should have this checked by a doctor beforehand,” says Vogt.
Amateur ice bathers say they always warm up before getting into the water due to hiking. This is necessary and you need to start slow at first or it can be dangerous. He takes a cold shower at home every day and is often harder than ice swimming. Vogt hopes more people will discover the healthy effects of the cold for themselves, and he’s excited: “I used to have a lot of colds, a lot of sinus infections, and I used to need antibiotics over and over again – not anymore. You get the feeling that the water is purifying your body and mind.”