There is a theory that overtime through evolution, humans lack a lifestyle where physiological stressors that primates were previously exposed to are experienced (e.g. changes in body temperature experienced from a cold swim). This proposes the theory that a reduction in 'thermal exercise' may cause inadequate functioning of the brain. The second thought, is that our genetic makeup predisposes some people to this phenomenon more than others.
Exposing our body to the cold has a range of health benefits which may include reducing swelling, inflammation and muscle soreness, improving sleep hygiene, attention and strengthening of the immune system.
Recent evidence has also investigated the impact that cold therapy may have on our mood and symptoms of depression.
The sympathetic nervous system is activated when our body is exposed to the cold. Exposure to cold also increases the amount of beta-endorphin and noradrenaline in the blood, both of which have an impact on our mood. Our skin has a high density of cold receptors. By exposing our skin to the cold, our body receives an influx of impulses from peripheral nerve endings to the brain. According to research from the Journal of Medical Hypotheses, this could also result in an anti-depressive effect.
As well as a positive impact on depression, cold therapy was also found to have a significant analgesic effect according the the Journal of Medical Hypotheses. An advantage of cold therapy over traditional medicinal management tools for pain management is that it does not appear to have noticeable side effects or cause dependence. For many Australians, chronic pain and depression are inevitably linked. This therefore provides another avenue to support the use of cold therapy as a tool to help stabilise your mood.
