Ice baths in a wooden bath tub

Ice baths in almost freezing water temperatures doesn‘t sound that inviting, but it is developing into a new mega trend. And for good reason – the positive physical and mental benefits are perfect for additional cardiovascular training. The physical benefits of regular ice baths encourage a longterm stabilisation of the circulatory system, the strengthening of the immune system, quicker recovery after physical exercise and the symptonmatic treatment of chronic joint disease.

The cold shock and the immersion of the body in the cold water release hormones such as endorphines, which brighten your mood and reduce stress symptons. A smaller, but important benefit is the idea that the stimulation of the brown fat cells due to release of the hormone, adrenalin. In addition you gain amazing feelings of self-discipline and self control.

Complete beginners to ice baths should approach things slowly though the change of seasons. Those who start in late summer to get used to cold water temperatures in the open air, retain the feeling of the spa experience even in winter. Fifteen degrees is an ideal water temperature to start with and from there you can slowly decrease the water temperature to eight or ten degrees. For those who spontaneously decide to take ice baths or during winter, the cold shower at home is a great alternative health-wise and in an energy-saving way!

There are a few things to consider
– Start slowly with short immersion times and water temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees.
– One to three sessions per week is recommended and shouldn‘t be exceeded.
– Immerse yourself slowly and remember to breathe calmly and evenly; this changes your perception of the coldness.
– Take a squatting position with hands folded under your armpits; wear wetsuit socks or shoes.
– To minimise heat loss from the body, the head and hair should not be submerged.
– When the water temperature is below zero, limit the bathing time to a few seconds.
– Don’t take ice baths alone as you can put yourself and your body into shock.

Contrary to the urge to get the ice bath over and done with as quickly as possible, you should spend a lot of time physically and mentally engrossing yourself in the experience so your body and mind unite. Each time you take an ice bath, you need to concentrate fully and ensure your breathing is steady and calm to help prepare you positively physically and mentally. Your wooden bath tub literally becomes a “think tank” in which there is no room for everyday worries. Not only does one consciously take time to do this, but as a result, you improve your general mood and positivity. After each bathing session, give yourself time to allow your body to regenerate and recover. The calming effect of wood, its fragrance and its skin-friendly feel make the wooden bath tub the number one choice.

Where can you feel more connected to nature than by taking an ice bath in a wooden tub or used barrel in the open air. Not only do your body and mind connect with the elements, but also physically with your immediate environment. During a mindfulness time in the ice bath, not only do your thoughts sort themselves out anew, but perhaps you will also discover and see your garden or balcony in a new light. Sitting in the calm stillness of the icy waters, you may see a squirrel burying one of its last winter stores in autumn or watch the birds flying south in winter and returning in spring.

However, if you feel more comfortable having an ice bath indoors, by using a wooden bath tub, you can bring nature into your home. By taking a bath in a wooden bath tub, this saying is true – “Do good not only for yourself, but also for the environment”.

A bath tub made of selected and regional Douglas fir from the Palatinate Forest not only offers a luxurious look but also a wonderfully tactile and sustainable bathing experience. The use of wood, a renewable raw material, not only heightens our ecological awareness, but also our longterm enjoyment of wood and its function. Wood that we use to make barrels and bath tubs has been grown and harvested according to the principles of sustainable forestry: the forest can grow in healthy, bio-diverse and in different age ranges. Large amounts of of CO² are stored in trees which means the production and use of wood products is entirely environmentally and climate friendly – anything stored in the wood remains there for ever.

Re- and upcycling are therefore not only important for our living space, but is close to our hearts and what we do. As well as producing new barrels and bath tubs, we also give used barrels (made of various types of wood) a new lease of life. These barrels are also great for bathing in, have a wonderful “vintage look” and are more affordable.

Wilhelm Eder cooperage stands for high-quality products which are also durable and sustainable.

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