“Who needs psychedelics when you can just go for a swim in the cold lake.” Bonnie Tsui, Why We Swim

I am feeling invigorated from a morning swim in the cold, great Lake Huron. Growing up in northern Michigan, the Straights of Mackinaw was our front yard and we played and swam in the big water from June through September. I continue to savor dipping and swimming in cold water to soothe, refresh, invigorate and provide healing, therapeutic and health benefits for this older body. 

Cold hydrotherapy has been used extensively in physical therapy and rehabilitation settings. Specifically cold water swimming has shown to offer the following benefits:

• Reduces pain and inflammation by activating temperature receptors in the skin that release hormones such as endorphins, adrenalin and cortisol which have therapeutic benefits for musculoskeletal conditions.

• Enhances function of the parasympathetic nervous system which helps with organ function and has been linked to an increase in the release of dopamine and serotonin.

• Boosts immune system by enhancing white blood cell count as the body is forced to react to changing conditions. 

• Improves circulation by flushing veins, arteries and capillaries and forcing blood to the surface to warm the extremities.

• Burns calories and increases metabolic output as far more calories are burned during cold water swimming than swimming in warmer conditions.

• Promotes a natural high by activating endorphins.

• Reduces stress through physical activity, rhythmic breathing and the relaxing and buoyant nature of the water.

• Enhances mindfulness incorporating enhanced breathing and focus while surrounded by nature.

• Increases libido, boosting estrogen and testosterone production, adding an edge to fertility and libido. 

And my favorite benefit, as Dana Torres states so eloquently, “When you are in the water, you simply don’t know your age.”

The key is to start dipping to acclimate to cold water. When I arrive in northern Michigan in June water temps are still in the 50 degree F, gradually increasing to 70 plus F by August and returning to the 50 degree F by late Sept. Ditch the wet suit and just wrap in fleece or a dry robe as soon as exiting the water.

Time to find your swim suit, a nice pond and just go for the plunge.