Jury still out on whether cold water immersion is good for your mental health

• Despite growing anecdotal evidence and historical claims, robust scientific confirmation for the health benefits of cold water immersion remains largely unproven.
• Proponents like Dr Mark Harper suggest potential mental health benefits, such as improved well-being and reduced depression, though he acknowledges these could be partly due to a placebo effect.
• Research by Dr Mike Tipton and Dr Harper highlights that while cold water immersion can offer benefits through the body's cold-shock response, it also carries significant risks.
• They can include hyperventilation, drowning, and potential damage from excessive exposure.
• Experts advise caution, recommending moderate water temperatures (e.g., 20-15°C) and short immersion times (a few minutes, or no more than two minutes if below 12°C) to maximise benefits and minimise dangers.

IN FULL

Mental health benefits of cold water immersion may be placebo, says expert