Generally Australians think that thermal bathing means soaking in naturally heated water, typically from hot springs, mineral springs, or other geothermal sources, often rich in minerals and can be found in various locations around the world. Spas, resorts relaxation wellness centres come to mind.
The not-so-common natural alternative is cold water bathing which conjures up images of Scandinavian saunas and a quick roll in the snow or a plunge into an icy lake or rock pool.
King Island has a lack of volcanoes and underground hot bubblers, but there are saunas to be found in higher-end accommodation, however, the latest winter season activity is braving the edges of the Southern Ocean at British Admiral Beach and chilling out.
A two-week cold-water challenge started last week and finishes on the Winter solstice on June 22. The plunge is open to everyone and starts at 8am each morning (8.30am on Saturday) at the rock pool at British Admiral. After the first week, numbers have grown from half a dozen intrepid enthusiasts and are increasing each morning.
The cold dip appeals to all genders, and they return each day as the cold therapy sessions have benefits.
“We live on an island surrounded by water and most think of summer for a swim, surf or paddle. Winter time offers the perfect water conditions for cold water therapy,” organiser Sabine Gabauer said.
Cold water can help to reduce the winter blues, sore muscles and that run-down feeling”.
‘Taking the waters’ is rooted in bathing pilgrimages going back many centuries to pre-Roman times. In the 18th and 19th centuries, a new focus developed on the ‘water cures’ with the rise in concerns with bodily and mental health.
Austria embraced this rise and focused on their residents and the developing tourism sector.
“The cold-water challenge was born out of my Austrian background,” Ms Gabauer said.
“In Austria, having saunas and cold-water exposure (hot and cold therapy) is a cultural lifestyle choice. There are many ‘public wellness temples’, easily accessible for all age groups.
“King Island’s winter season offers the most beneficial conditions for cold water exposure, particularly at the natural rockpool at British Admiral.
“This time of year offers the perfect conditions to focus on our breathing and activating the parasympathetic mode which is the rest and relax state that we can drop into just by breathing through the nose.
“The breath plays a crucial role in cold water therapy. Within a mindset of presence and calm we focus on our breath and enter the cold water in a state of ‘forced mindfulness’. If we were thrown into cold water or fell overboard we would naturally hyperventilate and go into shock and stress mode.
In our case, we are in full control as we are exploring the edge of our tolerance.
Can we be comfortably uncomfortable and remain mindful and present? These are probably the most relevant factors when engaging in cold water therapy.
Ms Gabauer follows the work of Wim Hof and Dr. Marc Cohen, world-renowned researchers and forerunners in the field of hot and cold therapy.
“Dr. Marc Cohen suggests that regular saunas and cold-water therapy assist in the opening and closing of blood vessels which keeps them elastic and helps the body to detoxify and rid itself of waste products,” she said.
“Scientists have found evidence that exposure to cold speeds up metabolism. Another benefit of exposing your body to cold is that it reduces inflammation, swelling, and sore muscles. Many athletes use ice baths and other types of exposure to cold as a way to speed up recovery after physical exercise. Cold body therapy is linked to improved quality of sleep, and an improved immune response, including the stimulation and elevation of our mood and can help raise energy levels.
“While we don’t have the luxury of public saunas on the island, it is important to move the body after cold water therapy and bring warmth back into the extremities. Everyone is welcome each morning at 8am and 8.30am on Saturday.”
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