Dr. Mark Harper recalls his first cold-water swim in the south of England 20 years ago. It was August, but the initial jolt from the plunge took his breath away. The shock to his system lasted a ...

Your body's first reaction to a plunge in chilly water is the "cold shock" response. Your heart rate jumps. Stress hormones spike. You gasp suddenly, and may hyperventilate. Your reward if you stay in ...

Researchers have examined the increasingly popular practice of cold-water immersion – things like taking a cold shower or sitting in an ice bath – to see whether there’s any scientific basis for ...

This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here. Cold-water immersion may boost mental health and well-being. The practice carries risks, too, including drowning ...