Winter swimming is a sport that many people love. It not only exercises one's willpower but also benefits physical health. So let's take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of winter swimming.
Enhances the Function of the Nervous System
People who frequently engage in winter swimming develop a conditioned reflex due to the prolonged exposure to cold water. When faced with cold temperatures, their brains become stimulated, activating all organ systems in the body to increase activity and heat production to resist the cold. As a result, the various organ systems in the body are exercised and strengthened. Therefore, people who frequently swim in cold water have high neural flexibility and strong neural control ability.
Enhances the Function of the Cardiovascular System
When swimming in cold water, the body experiences stimulation, causing the blood vessels in the skin to rapidly contract. A large amount of blood is driven into the internal organs and deep tissues, causing the blood vessels in the internal organs to dilate. After a short pause, the blood vessels in the skin expand again, allowing a large amount of blood to flow from the internal organs to the surface of the body. This expansion and contraction exercise the blood vessels throughout the body, which can enhance their elasticity in the long term, prevent cholesterol deposition on the blood vessel walls, and prevent and treat conditions such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, and coronary heart disease.
Enhances the Function of the Respiratory System
People who frequently engage in winter swimming generally have deep and powerful breaths due to the stimulation of cold water. This allows them to inhale more oxygen and exhale more carbon dioxide, thereby enhancing the function of the respiratory system.
Enhances the Function of the Digestive System
People who frequently engage in winter swimming have increased depth of breathing and greater elevation of the diaphragm during swimming. This can increase the amplitude of intestinal peristalsis, and therefore, it is beneficial for treating conditions such as chronic gastritis, gastric ptosis, constipation, and functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Enhances Resistance
Frequent winter swimming can improve the secretion of body fluids, enhance the function of the pituitary gland and adrenal cortex system, and thus improve the body's resistance and immunity against diseases.
Maintains Clean and Healthy Skin
People who frequently engage in winter swimming experience water impact and massage on their entire skin and muscles. This stimulates the dilation and constriction of the skin blood vessels, strengthens blood circulation, and helps to maintain a rosy, radiant, and elastic skin.
Drawbacks of Winter Swimming
People with chronic illnesses such as heart disease, hypertension, hepatitis, nephritis, gastric ulcers, etc., may worsen their condition by swimming in cold water when feeling unwell. Winter swimming for individuals with infectious skin diseases or other contagious diseases can potentially lead to infection in others and is also detrimental to their own health.
