The Dangerous Trend of Cold Water Plunges: Harm or Healing?

The growing trend of cold water immersion (CWI) in Australia, touted for its physical and mental health benefits, is raising concerns among experts. While ice baths are credited with burning fat, relieving anxiety and depression, and increasing energy, there is limited experimental evidence to support these claims. CWI expert Professor Mike Tipton warns that cold water immersion can induce cardiac arrhythmias, which can be potentially fatal. He calls for more regulation surrounding the trend and highlights the need for awareness of the peripheral vascular damage that ice water can inflict. A recent coroner's ruling in the UK, following the death of a woman during a cold water immersion session, also calls for increased regulation in this area.