People have turned to the shock of cold water for healing and renewal for centuries. From the banks of the Nile, where ancient Egyptians healed inflamed skin with cool baths, to the grand public bathhouses of Greece and Rome, hydrotherapy was a part of daily life. In Nordic cultures, plunging into icy waters became a ritual paired with the sauna, celebrated for its benefits for both body and mind.
Today, science supports these age-old traditions, proving that ice baths can aid muscle recovery, calm inflammation, and even improve mental health.
Click through the gallery to discover how this timeless practice, which began as a ritual and shared tradition, continues to influence health and culture.