The Rise of Cold Therapy: Is the Cold Plunge the New Meditation?

In Los Angeles, where a green juice is never just a green juice and self-care often comes with a schedule, cold therapy has taken center stage. Cold plunges are everywhere—inside infrared saunas, backyard biohacker setups, luxury resorts, and even rooftop clubs. But is the buzz backed by benefits? And more importantly: is it for everyone?

The Allure of the Chill

Cold plunges are not new—just newly stylish. Ancient cultures have used cold water immersion for centuries, from Japanese Misogi rituals to Scandinavian ice dips. Today, they’re repackaged with a modern edge and an aesthetic flair. In LA, it’s Remedy Place; in Milan, it’s Humanrace by Pharrell. Even Goop has gone in.

There’s a reason why people keep coming back for more: the mental clarity is immediate. The moment your body hits 50°F water, you stop thinking about your inbox. Everything contracts—except your focus. You’re in the now.

What Science Says

A growing body of research points to real benefits:

• Mood & Mental Health: Cold plunges may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by activating the vagus nerve and triggering endorphin release. Some call it nature’s reset button.
• Reduced Inflammation: Post-workout, it can support recovery by minimizing swelling and muscle soreness.
• Metabolic Boost: Exposure to cold activates brown fat—raising your metabolic rate and potentially improving blood sugar balance.

That said, most clinical studies have been conducted on men, especially athletes. Women’s hormonal systems respond differently to stress stimuli, and cold exposure can sometimes increase cortisol levels rather than regulate them—particularly for those already in a state of chronic stress or burnout.

Pause Before You Plunge

Here’s what I wish more people said: cold plunges aren’t for everyone.

If your nervous system already lives in a fight-or-flight loop (hello, Type A women and the burnout-prone), shocking your body with freezing water might not be the healing modality you need. In fact, it could spike stress further, leaving you jittery, not energized.

For some, warmth, rhythm, and nervous system regulation through breathwork, sound healing, or rest might be far more effective than forcing the body into yet another “productive” discomfort zone.

Luxury Dips: Where Cold Meets Chic

Still tempted to try? These hotels elevate the experience to something soulful and stunning:

• FORESTIS, Dolomites, Italy – A minimalist sanctuary where the plunge pools are carved into alpine stillness.
• Blue Sky Lodge, Utah, USA – Think cowboy-chic meets cryotherapy, with custom tubs overlooking the Wasatch Range.
• Amanoi, Vietnam – Cold immersion in a jungle-framed stone pool, followed by tea and stillness in a Vietnamese pavilion.
• The Chedi Andermatt, Switzerland – Traditional meets modern in their underground spa, with plunge circuits worthy of royalty.
• The Retreat at Blue Lagoon, Iceland – Geothermal meets glacial; go from mineral-rich hot springs to silken arctic plunge in minutes.

These destinations understand something essential: healing isn’t just about discipline—it’s about beauty. Ritual. Environment.

Nature’s Best Cold Plunges

For the adventurous, these five wild water spots are the definition of breathtaking:

1. Katsura River, Kyoto, Japan – Flowing past ancient shrines and cedar forests, this river is a place of spiritual purification.
2. Lago di Braies, South Tyrol, Italy – Glassy teal waters framed by snow-capped peaks—an alpine fantasy made real.
3. The Forty Foot, Dublin, Ireland – A historic coastal dip spot, locals plunge year-round into the Irish Sea.
4. Lake Joutolampi, Lapland, Finland – Frozen half the year, but a favorite among sauna-goers for its pure, icy waters.
5. Akchour Waterfalls, Morocco – Set in the Rif Mountains, this natural cascade offers an invigorating immersion in emerald green pools.

My Take

I’ve done the cold plunge. I’ve stepped into steel tubs in LA wellness clubs, stood under glacial waterfalls in Italy, and eased into chilled springs post-hammam. I see the appeal—and I respect the benefits. But I also listen to my body.

For me, cold therapy is a sometimes ritual, not a daily necessity. I prefer to follow it with grounding breathwork, warm herbal tea, and rest. Because in a world that glorifies extremes, the real luxury is in balance.