Do you want to heat up your sex life? Try taking an ice bath. According to a psychologist and sex therapist, taking ice baths regularly can lead to better sex. Learn more about it here.
In this article, you'll read:
- Take ice baths and have better sex, according to expert
- Wim Hof method - how ice baths benefit the body
- How to try this at home
We know that ice baths are commonly used by athletes as a post-game ritual. Also known as cryotherapy, they do it to recover quicker and reduce muscle pain and soreness after intense training sessions or competitions.
But did you know that taking ice baths can also give your sex life a boost?
According to Dr Oberdan Marianetti, a Singapore-based psychologist and clinical sexologist, taking ice baths can actually improve your sexual performance.
Marianetti's theory is based on the Wim Hof method, which is characterized by cold body therapy coupled with breathing exercises.
Wim Hof method
The psychologist has been conducting OM-Ice retreats in Singapore for the past four years, which is a residential programme that incorporates psychology, breathwork and cold exposure over a few days, to help people reconnect with themselves as their bodies become invigorated.
Marianetti was also sceptical of the Wim Hof method at first, but when he read articles backed by scientific evidence in support of the method, he decided to give it a try.
He set up a homemade ice bath in his flat (cold showers were not an option; Singapore’s mains water pipes flow at around 24 degrees Celsius, and you need a temperature of 15 degrees or lower to reap the benefits) and after taking his first icy plunge, he instantly felt better.
Now he says that including ice baths in his daily routine, along with yoga and breathwork, he feels that at age 49, he's in the best shape of his adult life.
Ice baths can lead to better sex
Not long after he had this discovery, he was able to make a connection between cold therapy and having better sex. He points out that the main idea behind this was cold exposure and breathing helps improve our cardiovascular system, which is vital in having a great sexual experience.
“Physiologically much of the sexual experience relies on a healthy cardiovascular system and a healthy nervous system,” he explained. “Because both the penis and vulva are erectile organs that rely on a strong blood flow to become engorged and allow penetration to occur to lead up to a pleasurable experience,” added the expert.
Moreover, Marianetti said that cold exposure is a fundamental "workout" for the cardiovascular system. Exposing the body to extreme cold results in vasoconstriction. It is a response where the blood vessels contract, especially the extremities, pushing blood to the vital organs and head to keep them warm.
And because we are used to centralised heating and air conditioning, there are fewer instances in which vasoconstriction occur naturally, unless we make a conscious effort to practise it.
“This cardiovascular ‘training’ can contribute to a more immediate and reliable sexual experience physically,” Marianetti said.
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“As a sex therapist, one of the most common complaints I see among men is erectile dysfunction. When it happens, it creates a psychological impact that can lead to deep self-confidence and self-esteem issues which, if left untreated, can destroy a relationship,” he said.
“Often, this is down to past experiences, which can lead to a vicious cycle of anxiety. But when the body feels stronger and healthier, the brain reacts with more positive inputs – “the body and brain healthily feed each other positive signals," he added.
Then there's also the factor of "spectatoring," where one of the sexual partners is unable to become fully present and feeling like an external observer when having sex.
"The ability to train the mind to focus is another benefit from cold exposure that can positively influence the sexual experience,” said the therapist.
"When people say, 'there’s no passion, no connection, it’s not fun anymore.' Training the mind can help with this,” he added.
According to him, ice baths combined with breathwork can build mental toughness, which allows one to fight distractions and be in the moment. And that is especially helpful when sharing intimate moments with your partner.
Reminders for those who want to try this at home
For those who want to give it a try, Marianetti recommends beginners to start with just 30 seconds under a cold shower, switching to hot water and back to cold, building up to a few minutes at a time.
If available, he also recommends dipping in natural cold-water sources like lakes, lidos or the sea, if available. But if not, a few minutes in a cold bath at home can still be beneficial.
Aside from boosting one's sexual performance, other benefits of the Wim Hof method include combating depression, rebalancing hormones, aiding in fat loss, suppressing pain and fighting autoimmune diseases.
However, according to Healthline, those with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases and high blood pressure should practise caution before taking ice baths.
The drop in the core temperature and the immersion in ice can constrict the blood vessels and slow the flow of blood in the body. It can be very dangerous if you have decreased blood flow and put you at risk for cardiac arrest or stroke.
Should you have the illnesses mentioned above, it is best to consult with your doctor first before engaging in an ice bath.
Moreover, if you and your partner are experiencing erectile dysfunction or issues in your sexual activities, don't hesitate to consult a doctor about it.