Cold water immersion benefits are not backed by quality science, report says

A review of scientific studies on the effectiveness of the Wim Hof method of cold water therapy found inadequate research quality to support most claims. The analysis cautioned that the results should be interpreted with caution due to the low quality of the studies. While some research hinted at promising anti-inflammatory effects, more high-quality research is needed. The method, developed by Dutch athlete Wim Hof, involves practicing cold water therapy combined with specific breathing techniques. Hof attributes various health benefits to the method, but many of these claims have not been scientifically validated. Cold water immersion can be dangerous for individuals with certain medical conditions. The popularity of cold water therapy has increased, with many people practicing it at home. It is important to practice cold water immersion safely, including getting a thorough medical checkup before starting and acclimating gradually to colder water.