The Art of the Cold Plunge

To wake up and seek an invigorating cold plunge requires another level of determination. Yet in the frostbitten landscapes of the Nordic countries, the ice bath is actually a 300-year-old winter tradition. Far from being a simple endurance test (we’ve all tried to take minute-long cold showers or taking cold dips after reading the benefits), this practice is actually deeply embedded in the cultural lifestyle of places such as Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Rooted in tradition, ice bathing has transcended generations and offers both physical rejuvenation and mental clarity.

The icy plunge isn't just reserved for the Nordic countries. Other places include the US, Canada and Russia (Gin Majka)

A Tradition Carved in Ice

The origins of ice bathing in the Nordic region are intertwined with the sauna culture, particularly in Finland. The Finnish sauna, recognised by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, often concludes with a plunge into icy waters. Again, whilst it seems like an endurance test to see if we can handle the extreme change in temperature, this practice actually has a name: avanto. This combination of intense heat followed by extreme cold is believed to invigorate the body and mind; a ritual passed down through centuries. 

In Denmark, this tradition manifests a little differently, known as harbour bathing. Locals dive into frigid waters year-round as a way to reduce stress whilst also having an excuse to spend time outdoors. These practices once considered niche, have seen a resurgence, with modern facilities and festivals celebrating the cold plunge. 

Enthusiasts take part in competitions which attract numerous spectators to see who will be the most resilient (Roman Biernacki)

The Science of the Chill

Cold-water immersion is not just tradition, it is also a sport. Between swimming long stretches through icy climates or undergoing intense breath work, majority of the reasoning behind it is not just to add another level of difficulty but about the benefits that cold water can have on the body and mind. Whilst adventure-seekers have been braving freezing bodies of water without wet suits since the 1800s, the science behind it is relatively new. Hear are some of the health advantages associated with regular ice bathing:

• Enhanced circulation: The cold causes blood vessels to constrict and then dilate, improving overall circulation. 

• Immune system boost: Exposure to cold water can stimulate the production of white blood cells, strengthening the immune response. 

• Mental health benefits: The shock of cold water triggers the release of endorphins and dopamine, leading to improved mood and reduced stress.

• Increased resilience: Regular exposure to cold is thought to build mental fortitude, helping individuals better manage stress and anxiety. 

  
  

While more comprehensive studies are needed (especially for the mental health side of things), anecdotal evidence and preliminary research suggest that ice bathing can be a powerful tool for enhancing general well-being. 

Frozen lakes are the prime spot to dive head first in what some consider to be an extreme sport (Olavi Anttila)

Embracing the Cold in Modern Times

The global contemporary wellness movement has embraced ice bathing (whether it being in the form of a cold shower, icy-water dips or full-on freezing rituals), with enthusiasts touting its benefits across social media platforms. In fact, ice swimming clubs in Finland have seen a surge in membership, attracting individuals seeking the euphoric afterglow that follows a cold plunge. 

In Denmark, the practice has been integrated into corporate wellness programs, with companies encouraging employees to partake in cold-water swims as a form of team building and stress relief. In fact, they consider it a way to shock the body into happiness. 

The cold water is believed to help boost your immune systems whilst simultaneously releasing endorphins to boost your mood (Mikhail Nilov)

Beyond the physiological effects, ice bathing holds cultural significance in Nordic countries. It's a communal activity, a rite of passage, and a testament to the resilience ingrained in these societies. The practice embodies the concept of sisu in Finland, a unique blend of determination, courage, and grit.

The allure of the ice bath lies not just in its health benefits but in its ability to connect individuals to a longstanding tradition that celebrates the harmony between body, mind, and nature. As the world continues to seek holistic approaches to well-being, the Nordic practice of ice bathing offers a compelling, if chilly, path to rejuvenation.