HOW DOES IT WORK?

The therapeutic effects of low temperatures have been known for centuries. Formerly known as cold therapy, it gained its current name - cryotherapy (from the ancient Greek words krýos - cold and therapeía - treatment) - in the 1970s.

There are two phases of the exposure to the cold. The first is the ischaemic phase, during which muscles and blood vessels contract. This slows down metabolism and circulation, creating a numbing effect. In the second (post-exposure) phase, known as reperfusion, the blood vessels rapidly dilate to warm the body through accelerated blood flow. As a result, tissues and organs are much better supplied with oxygen, which reduces pain and inflammation, speeds up recovery, relaxes the body and makes joints more flexible. It also increases cardiovascular fitness, aids post-exercise recovery, promotes weight loss and improves skin condition. Cryotherapy also leads to powerful releases of hormones and neurotransmitters, including beta-endorphins, adrenaline, or noradrenaline. These improve mood, increase resistance to stress, give an "energy kick" and significantly improve sleep quality.

Step by step. Experts recommend starting with cold showers - this is the easiest and safest way to develop cold tolerance.
The next step could be so-called snow dry baths. Rubbing or rolling in the snow gives you much more exposure to low temperatures, but also the opportunity to adapt it to your level of tolerance and comfort. It's not as direct as getting immersed in icy water, but the benefits are the same. The last step is full immersion, or "winter swimming". Initial sessions should be short, lasting between 30 and 60 seconds. An experienced "winter swimmer" can stay in the water for up to a few minutes, and doctors recommend a frequency of 1-2 times a week. A gentle warming up should be done before immersion, followed by a quick change into dry clothes and a cup of hot tea.

A handy hip flask for frosty days. See how we can dress it up!.

Maybe a smaller model?

The most extravagant form of walruses is mountain walking in summer clothes (or even just shorts). This is an activity reserved for really experienced walruses, and the biggest inspiration for many of them is Dutchman Wim Hof, known as the 'Ice Man', and his method of overcoming the body's reaction to prolonged cold.

Hof is known for his incredible ability to regulate body temperature and his associated sporting achievements. Among other things, he took a nearly two-hour bath in ice, during which his body temperature dropped by just 0.3 degrees Celsius. He climbed Kilimanjaro in shorts and boots. He ran a marathon in sub-par Finland in 5 hours and 25 minutes, dressed only in shorts....

Hof's method is based on three pillars. The first is, of course, the low temperature to which you have to subject yourself. The second pillar is breathing exercises, which help to control lung reactions, prevent hyperventilation and get the body used to a high degree of blood oxygenation. The third is derived from meditation techniques and aims to work on the mental attitude which, properly 'calibrated', results in patience, focus and determination. Wim Hof trains instructors of his method and his organisation Innerfire has a centre in Przesieka in the Giant Mountains. The centre offers, among other things, week-long courses that include exercises, meditation, ice baths and an ascent of Sněžka in summer clothing.

After this exciting dose of cold - enjoy a hot dinner and a clay mug full of steaming grog!

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