Dr. Nicole van Poelgeest, ND
1308 West 8th Avenue V6H 1C7 Vancouver, BC, Canada

2) Neuroplasticity & Cold Water In addition to the increase in mood elevating neurotransmitters, we also have an extremely high concentration of cold receptors on the surface of our skin. When these nerve endings are simultaneously activated, the brain receives a huge influx of sensory information thought to have an antidepressant effect. Try to think about something other than the cold when you’re dipping into a glacial lake! When you take the plunge, this surge of senso...ry input is temporarily prioritized by our brains and may momentarily disrupt neurological pathways & synapses established in depression and anxiety, allowing for a recalibration or "rewiring." Researchers suspect that this flood of sensory information from the skin to the brain acts as a reset button on the neurological processes that are part of depression and anxiety. Furthermore, animal research demonstrates an increase in Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor #bdnf a protein that triggers the growth of new neuro pathways in our brains! #coolscience So when we’re immersed in #coldwater we may be interrupting certain neurological cycles contributing to mental health issues AND helping to develop new neuronal circuits. Think of cold water hydrotherapy as a very cool method of neurofeedback, which harnesses our brain's neuroplasticity and promotes mental health!

1) Neurotransmitters & Cold Water Ever wonder where the rush comes from when you dive in a glacial lake?? Cold water immersion increases mood-elevating neurotransmitters (beta-#endorphins, #norepinephrine, and #dopamine) that contribute to a sense of wellbeing and are best known for the "runner's high" felt after exercise. You'll certainly feel the benefits at the time of and just following a cold water dip, but the benefits are believed to last longer and be sustained with regular hydrotherapy sessions

COLD WATER HYDROTHERAPY: Cold water hydrotherapy is gaining in popularity, however, the practice of immersing oneself in frigid water while practicing jedi mind mastery is not new. Hydrotherapy, the practice of applying or bathing in water of varying temperatures for therapeutic purposes, is not a recent phenomenon. Use of #hydrotherapy dates back to Hippocrates who believed cold water to be a treatment for lassitude.... Thomas Jefferson credited his morning cold water foot bath with ‘maintaining his good health.’ And in the 19th and early 20th century, the water cure was extolled by Sebastian Kneipp, a German forefather of naturopathic medicine and fierce advocate of the benefits of hydrotherapy #naturecure Now, modern, guru-type figures like the #Iceman Wim Hof are vocal proponents of cold-water immersion in conjunction with mindfulness and breathing techniques borrowed from eastern traditions to regulate the nervous system. The next few posts will focus on the mental health benefits of cold water hydrotherapy, including but not limited to the following: 1) Neurotransmitters 2) Neuroplasticity 3) Anti-inflammatory 4) Hormesis 5) Psychosocial Stay tuned for more cold water content

A very excellent article inspiring my most recent reflections on the role modern living/eating has on our health. Open source available at the link below: https://www.dovepress.com//RRCC-16919-the-western-diet-and

Hey plant lovers! On Jan 15th I'm facilitating a nutrition & DIY herbal workshop in collab with her-people x Indigo for their Vancouver launch. Excited to be working alongside these passionate community builders to share my love for herbal medicine! There's still a few spots available in the 4 workshop series: https://www.her-people.ca//p/indigo-x-her-people-vancouver

Hilary from the Trail Running Women Podcast interviews me today. I get to answer questions that have come up from her athlete listeners! Have a listen on iTunes, Spotify, or www.ruggedconditioning.com !