Cold Plunges & Menstrual Cycles
There’s a reason why you don’t see many posts like “cold plunges for menstrual health” 😅
In TCM, we believe cold constricts and causes pain. Cold is a pathogen that gets trapped inside the body and can cause digestive issues (bloating, loose stools), hormonal issues (hypothyroidism), painful periods (cramps, clots), painful bones and joints (arthritis), etc. This is why we’re usually encouraging warmth, warm cooked foods, warm teas, and warm baths even in the summer months for most patients. In our treatments, we often use heat therapy like TDP infrared lamps and Moxa to dispel cold that’s deep inside the body.
When it comes to women’s health, progesterone is a key hormone that warms the body in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and also sustains the first part of pregnancy. In a healthy menstrual cycle, a basal body temperature reading will show a rise in the second half of the menstrual cycle indicating this.
Progesterone can oftentimes be very deficient because it’s greatly impacted by stress and lifestyle. We want to encourage progesterone to flourish, not hinder it any more than it is, for optimal hormonal health even if we’re not trying to conceive.
If you love to do a good cold plunge and are trying to consider your menstrual health or fertility then try to time it during your follicular phase. After your period completes and before your ovulation. I also highly recommend sandwiching it with a sauna! 🥪🧖🏻
Contrast therapy is laid out in that exact format for a reason. For example, you would sauna for 15-20 min before you cold plunge 2-4 min, repeat. Finish with a sauna so you don’t end up frozen. Especially in the winter!
I would still caution against cold plunges for patients who are:
✨ Trying to conceive
✨ Thyroid issues
✨ Ovulation issues
✨ Painful or difficult periods
✨ Intense chronic stress symptoms
As always, listen to your body. Please take note of how you feel after and notice any changes in your cycle. I’m here if you need any guidance, book a free initial consultation anytime.
