Who should check with a doctor first?
Talk to your doctor before an ice bath if any of these apply to you:
- A heart condition, or you’ve had chest pain or a heart attack
- High blood pressure
- Pregnancy
- Poor circulation, or fingers and toes that turn white in the cold
- Skin that reacts to cold, such as hives
- Epilepsy, or a history of fainting
If any of these apply to you, check with your doctor before your visit and tell the team when you arrive.
What are the risks?
The main risk comes in the first minute or two. Cold water triggers a gasp and fast breathing, and your heart rate and blood pressure jump. This is called cold shock. Slow, guided breathing helps you through it.
The other risk is staying in too long. Your body cools, your hands stop working properly and you can start to shiver hard. Short dips, with someone timing you, avoid that.
Warning signs to get out
- You can’t get your breathing under control
- You feel dizzy, confused or faint
- You have chest pain, or your heartbeat feels wrong
- Your hands or feet go numb, or your skin turns white or blue
- You keep shivering hard long after you’re out
Get out and tell the team straight away.
Is pain afterwards normal?
Stinging, tingling or red skin while you warm up is common and usually passes within minutes. Pain that lasts, skin that stays white, grey or blue, or numbness that doesn’t go away is not normal. Get medical advice if that happens.
How does Peaceful Day keep guests safe?
- Guided breathing before every ice bath, and a reminder never to hold your breath in the tub
- The team stays by the tub and keeps time for you
- Water kept at about 2 to 5°C and checked by the team during the day
- Tubs cleaned every day before opening; a tub with any problem is closed, cleaned and refilled
- Small groups: up to 5 a slot on weekdays, 8 at weekends and on holidays
- A warm sauna and towels a few steps away
Before your first round, the team checks that the ice is safe for you. You can answer six short health questions when you book online, or go through them with the team when you arrive.
Is there a minimum age?
Ask the team on LINE before you bring children or teenagers.