SHORT ANSWER: probably not, but I am not yet convinced of this.
LONG ANSWER: There are many ways and degrees (pun intended) to experience therapeutic cold-water exposure. To say this is a personal choice and experience is an understatement. Because of its popularity, the plethora of benefits it has provided folks across the globe, and the significant positive research brought to us by scientists such as Dr. Andrew Huberman @hubermanlab, (I like the way he delivers the neuroscience) it’s more important to make doubly sure this is something you want to do rather than something you feel pressured to do.
That’s number one.
Number two: answer the following questions for yourself deeply and honestly before and during your experience:
- What is your INTENTION?
- What is your METHOD?
- Do you feel SAFE?
Very general beginning cold-water dipping recommendations:
- Never dip alone
- Never bridge/cliff jump
- Start slow
- Breathe
- Start with a short amount of time – seconds maybe – a couple times a week
- Breathe
- Have warmth readily available to you
- Avoid wearing cotton when wet
- Wear neoprene booties and gloves when in outdoor bodies of water
- Remember Mother Nature is in charge
- Remember there is no governing body in charge you how you dip other than YOUR BODY and you may never feel more connected to it or have more respect for it than after a cold dip. (Also see # 10)
- Stay hydrated, humble and conservative
Saltwater Mountain Co. is about using cold-water experiences as tools to stretch our self-care “inlook.” Physically. Mentally. Spiritually. Physiologically. There is no competition. Little measuring. More feeling.
With 2 1/2 years of a cold-water dipping practice, over 25 years of supporting women and families prepare for and give birth – and helping clients connect with their breath, body and mind through yoga and massage therapy, I can’t tell you if cold-water dipping is right for you, but if and after you’ve determined it is, I will happily and confidently be your ‘dipping doula.’
For more FAQs visit our FAQ page