Cold Plunge Therapy

What Is a Cold Plunge?

Cold plunge therapy, also known as cold water immersion (CWI), involves short periods of immersion in cold water between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This practice has roots in ancient traditions worldwide, including within Nordic, Japanese and Roman cultures, and has seen a resurgence in modern times among athletes and wellness enthusiasts.

Cold plunge therapy for improved well-being is also gaining popularity as part of integrative, holistic recovery programs for discerning clientele due to its proven benefits for moods, stress resilience and physical recovery.

How Does a Cold Plunge Work?

Cold plunge therapy takes advantage of the body’s immediate “cold shock” response — the constriction of blood vessels, increased heart rate and deeper breathing. This response triggers the release of endorphins and norepinephrine, natural chemicals that boost mood and alertness. Exposure to cold also stimulates the vagus nerve, which helps regulate the nervous system and can promote a sense of calm and increase resilience to stress.

Regularly practicing cold plunge therapy can help reduce inflammation, improve circulation and support muscle recovery. For those facing challenges with anxiety, depression, trauma or drug addiction, these effects can translate to improved mental clarity, reduced anxiety and better emotional regulation — key for healing and recovery.

What Is a Cold Plunge?

Cold plunge therapy, also known as cold water immersion (CWI), involves short periods of immersion in cold water between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This practice has roots in ancient traditions worldwide, including within Nordic, Japanese and Roman cultures, and has seen a resurgence in modern times among athletes and wellness enthusiasts.

Cold plunge therapy for improved well-being is also gaining popularity as part of integrative, holistic recovery programs for discerning clientele due to its proven benefits for moods, stress resilience and physical recovery.

Benefits of Cold Plunges

Cold plunges for addiction, recovery or trauma offer a powerful, science-backed therapeutic tool to support healing from anxiety, depression and substance use. Cold plunge therapy can improve your well-being with:

Natural mood enhancement: Cold plunge therapy triggers the release of dopamine and endorphins — neurochemicals that naturally elevate mood and promote a sense of well-being. This release can provide immediate relief from depression symptoms and aid in restoring emotional balance, making a cold plunge for recovery an effective tool for those seeking holistic mental health support.
Reduced anxiety and stress: Cold water immersion activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping to calm the body’s stress response. It reduces feelings of anxiety, lowers cortisol levels and increases feelings of calm and control — effects that make a cold plunge for trauma especially valuable for regulating emotions and supporting long-term healing.
Improved resilience and emotional regulation: Regular cold plunge therapy sessions “train” the nervous system over time to better handle discomfort and stress, building resilience, improving emotional regulation and helping to break cycles of negative thinking that tend to accompany addiction and mood disorders. Using a cold plunge for addiction recovery can offer a healthy, empowering alternative for managing cravings and emotional triggers.
Increased physical recovery: Well-known for reducing inflammation, muscle soreness and physical pain, cold plunges for recovery can support detoxification, speed up physical healing and make the overall treatment process more comfortable for those rebuilding their bodies and minds after trauma or addiction.
Enhanced sleep quality: Cold plunge therapy can help regulate circadian rhythms and promote more profound, restorative sleep — essential for mental health recovery, emotional stability and holistic well-being.

Cold Plunge Treatments at The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary at Sedona incorporates cold plunge therapy into our holistic, comprehensive approach to help you reclaim your life. Cold plunge therapy is only one of our innovative treatments designed to support your recovery journey at our residential treatment center for addiction, trauma and mental health challenges.

Skilled professionals guide each cold plunge therapy session and tailor the experience to your specific needs and comfort level, and will provide close monitoring and encouragement as you are gradually introduced to the practice. Our serene, private setting lets you relax and focus on healing without distractions. With warm towels, calming spaces and immediate access to supportive staff, you’ll transition smoothly before and after each plunge.

In addition to cold plunge therapy and other elements of our integrative treatment approach, The Sanctuary offers the following benefits at our center:

A beautiful, 22-acre campus designed to inspire recovery
Care from licensed and compassionate practitioners
A private, safe, intimate and scenic environment for healing
Holistic programs that address the root causes of addiction and mental health challenges
Individualized therapy for mind, body, soul and spirit
Comprehensive aftercare support for lasting well-being

Cold Plunge Treatments at The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary at Sedona incorporates cold plunge therapy into our holistic, comprehensive approach to help you reclaim your life. Cold plunge therapy is only one of our innovative treatments designed to support your recovery journey at our residential treatment center for addiction, trauma and mental health challenges.

Skilled professionals guide each cold plunge therapy session and tailor the experience to your specific needs and comfort level, and will provide close monitoring and encouragement as you are gradually introduced to the practice. Our serene, private setting lets you relax and focus on healing without distractions. With warm towels, calming spaces and immediate access to supportive staff, you’ll transition smoothly before and after each plunge.

Why Should You Consider Cold Plunge Therapy?

If you are seeking a new, evidence-based approach to healing, cold plunge therapy may be the breakthrough you need. A cold plunge for mental health recovery provides immediate benefits — boosting mood, reducing anxiety and helping you be more present and resilient. For those struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or substance use, a cold plunge for addiction or trauma can help you reset your nervous system and provide a healthy way to manage stress and cravings.

Cold plunge therapy can be a transformative experience for high-achieving individuals who want a cutting-edge, holistic solution in a private, luxurious setting. At The Sanctuary at Sedona, you’ll receive personalized care and integrative treatments designed to restore vitality, clarity and emotional balance.

Why Should You Consider Cold Plunge Therapy?

If you are seeking a new, evidence-based approach to healing, cold plunge therapy may be the breakthrough you need. A cold plunge for mental health recovery provides immediate benefits — boosting mood, reducing anxiety and helping you be more present and resilient. For those struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or substance use, a cold plunge for addiction or trauma can help you reset your nervous system and provide a healthy way to manage stress and cravings.

Cold plunge therapy can be a transformative experience for high-achieving individuals who want a cutting-edge, holistic solution in a private, luxurious setting. At The Sanctuary at Sedona, you’ll receive personalized care and integrative treatments designed to restore vitality, clarity and emotional balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about cold plunges for recovery with these FAQs:

How Do Cold Plunges Help Depression?

A cold plunge for depression stimulates the release of dopamine and endorphins, which can naturally elevate moods and reduce depression symptoms. The shock of cold water can also increase alertness and mental clarity, helping you feel more grounded and energized.

How Do Cold Plunges Help Anxiety?

A cold plunge for anxiety stimulates the vagus nerve — a key component of the parasympathetic nervous system — calming your body’s stress response. This process can lower cortisol levels, reduce anxious thoughts and promote a sense of calm and control for those healing from trauma or chronic stress.

Is Cold Plunge Therapy Safe?

Yes, when performed under professional supervision. The Sanctuary only conducts cold plunge therapy sessions with the guidance of trained staff who monitor your safety and comfort, ensuring that your experience is tailored to your needs and health status.

How Often Should I Do a Cold Plunge?

Frequency varies by individual, but many benefit from 2 to 3 sessions per week. The compassionate, expert professionals at The Sanctuary will customize your plan based on your recovery needs, goals and tolerance.

What Should I Expect During a Session?

You will gradually be introduced to the cold water, with expert guidance throughout. Sessions are brief, and you’ll have access to warm towels and calming spaces before and after. Our focus is always on your comfort, privacy and healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about cold plunges for recovery with these FAQs:

How Do Cold Plunges Help Depression?

A cold plunge for depression stimulates the release of dopamine and endorphins, which can naturally elevate moods and reduce depression symptoms. The shock of cold water can also increase alertness and mental clarity, helping you feel more grounded and energized.

Take the Next Step Toward Lasting Recovery at The Sanctuary

If you’ve been searching for a holistic, integrated recovery center addressing the root causes of addiction, anxiety, depression and trauma, The Sanctuary at Sedona is here for you. We use multiple evidence-based therapies to heal the mind, body, soul and spirit. Our resident care providers support you at every stage of your journey.

To take the next step toward healing, call us at 877-710-3385 or request a call from our counselors online.

Talk to An Expert

Take the Next Step Toward Lasting Recovery at The Sanctuary

If you’ve been searching for a holistic, integrated recovery center addressing the root causes of addiction, anxiety, depression and trauma, The Sanctuary at Sedona is here for you. We use multiple evidence-based therapies to heal the mind, body, soul and spirit. Our resident care providers support you at every stage of your journey.

To take the next step toward healing, call us at 877-710-3385 or request a call from our counselors online.