History of Deliberate Cold Exposure

Cold water therapy recently became an explosive trend in the West and was quickly backed up with lots of research. While research is a serious matter to consider, in order to fully comprehend the depth of this subject, we must look back at its roots and learn the history of deliberate cold exposure. The first documented evidence of deliberate cold exposure was found in ancient Egypt in one of the earliest known medical treatises known as the “Edwin Smith Papyrus” and dates back to 3500 B.C. Numerous references to cold therapy found in that scripture indicate that cold was used to treat injuries, inflammation, and fevers.

This practice later spread to Ancient Greece and Rome. Building a tolerance to cold was part of Lycurgus’ training system for teenage boys in Sparta. They were given only one cloak to wear all year long and were not allowed to wear shoes, in order to better adapt to harsh climates. The boys regularly bathed in the cold waters of the Eurotas River because it was believed that bathing in warm water would result in cowardice. Implementing deliberate cold exposure placed the soldiers of Sparta at a great advantage as they were far more disciplined, resilient, and independent from comfort and luxuries that Greek citizens of other cities grew accustomed to.

Cold water bathing would later become a regular practice for citizens across Greece for therapies and relaxation. Hippocrates (460 B.C-370 B.C), the “Father of Western Medicine”, documented the use of cold for analgesic benefits and medicinal purposes. Much like in ancient Egypt, cold was used to lower fevers, fight inflammation, and treat injuries.

Both in Greece and Rome, the culture of cold water exposure took form in public bathhouses, where citizens would gather to socialize while bathing in cold and hot baths to better their immune system. Cold exposure was more heavily implemented in Rome’s Legions. Young Roman soldiers were taught to swim and bathe in cold water which played a strong significance in building their immune system for cold weather and diseases.

Ancient cultures utilized deliberate cold exposure for medical reasons, helping their citizens survive various diseases and their soldiers to gain resilience and stand their ground against the enemy. One thing is certain, the power of cold or rather implementing cold is not to be underestimated. This becomes more apparent as cold exposure practices continue spreading across the world throughout time. Stay tuned for the next newsletter, where we will continue exploring this topic further. As for now, don’t forget to stay freezilient!