Across the northern United States, members of “polar bear clubs” delight in swimming in frigid oceans, lakes, and streams every winter. There is no better way to start off a new year. Most Americans, on the other hand, view voluntary immersion in cold water as odd, if not crazy. Well, score one for the polar bears. Cold baths can be quite therapeutic.

1. Muscle Soreness And Joint Injuries

Baseball pitchers do it. Basketball and football players do it. After they leave the game, they often slap a bag of ice on their arms, legs or major joints. Athletic trainers believe that icing helps prevent muscle soreness and joint injuries by controlling the swelling caused by minor damage to muscle cells and ligament and tendon fibers. If ice is not available or does not seem to do the trick, trainers recommend a heat treatment.

2. Low Sperm Count

Because heat kills sperm, researchers wondered if cooling the scrotum might increase sperm quality. In one study, 64 infertile men were fitted with special underwear that kept their scrotums unusually cool. After 16 weeks, more than two-thirds showed improved semen quality. If your sperm count is low, or if you are dealing with infertility, cold baths might help.

3. Fever

Cool baths were once routinely recommended for treating fever in the days before aspirin and other fever-reducing medicines. They are still a standard medical recommendation for childhood fevers.

4. Asthma

For centuries, cold baths have been a mainstay of traditional Japanese treatment of asthma. In a study, 25 children with asthma were stop taking their asthma medication for 12 hours. After which, about a half-gallon of near-freezing water was poured over their bodies. Within five minutes, sophisticated instruments showed that they were breathing significantly more easily. Later, similar treatment with warm water did not ease the children’s breathing. It is not clear why cold water opens the bronchial tubes, which constrict during an asthma attack. It is believed that it produces subtle changes in circulating hormone levels that play a role in constriction.

5. Low Sex Libido

For more than a century, cold showers have been touted to cool the fire of men’s sexual desire. Research, however, suggests they might do exactly the opposite. Cold baths have been recommended for centuries to invigorate men and enhance their sexual abilities. A group of volunteers was subjected to cold baths and measured their reactions. Icy immersion increased the flow of oxygen within their bodies, boosting their energy. It also elevated their mood and enhanced their immune function. Finally, it increased the levels of testosterone in their blood. Getting more of the male hormone testosterone does not boost the sexual ability of men who already have normal hormone levels, but the increased energy level and mood elevation certainly would not suppress the male libido. Anyone with heart disease, high blood pressure or other chronic condition should consult a physician before plunging into cold water.


Raymond Lee is one of the foremost experts in the health and fitness industry and is the Founder of Bodyfixes Group specializing in body health, muscle development and dieting. He is currently the author of the latest edition of \"Neck Exercises and Workouts.\" Visit http://www.bodyfixes.com for more information.