South Sounders Plunge Into Wellness | Wellness | southsoundmag.com – southsoundmag.com
You’ve probably heard of the annual Polar Bear Plunge, where people start off the new year diving into chilly waters — a wet and cold symbol of a fresh start. Not unlike those who participate in the annual plunges, Renate Rain was at one time also looking for a new beginning — one that would hopefully lead to a less pain-filled life.
Rain has been suffering from chronic back pain for years. Surgeries, physical therapy, acupuncture, medication — nothing worked. Disappointed and frustrated, she began learning about other forms of treatment. She began following a doctor’s Instagram account. Through one of the posts that highlighted cold plunging and its effects on chronic pain, Rain knew she had to try it.
Through that same Instagram account, she connected with Tiffanie Srubek.
“We both wanted to do it but didn’t want to do it alone. We were like, ‘I’ll go if you go,’” Rain said. And they did. In late September, the two met for the first time and waded into the waters at Sunnyside Beach.
“I made it about one minute,” Rain said. “I’ve never liked the cold. I’m the type that likes to vacation in warm, tropical areas. This was out of my realm.” But even aft er just being in the water for a short time, Rain said she and Srubek started to notice some benefits. The two started going every week, increasing their time in the water each time.
“I started having relief for my back pain. It hasn’t fixed it, but I can get relief for a few hours, and that’s more than I’ve had in a long time,” Rain said.
Rain also started noticing her mood lifting after being in the water, and she is often feeling more energized.
“It was so worth it,” she said.
Some studies have shown that cold-water therapy — or cold hydrotherapy — when done carefully, can help reduce levels of inflammation, depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, and more. There is anecdotal evidence that also suggests that cold hydrotherapy can aid with weight loss, blood circulation, and energy levels.
Rain and Srubek posted about their newfound hobby on social media. Within a few weeks, more people started attending.
The group, now known as Puget Sound Plungers, has about a dozen members that come every Sunday morning at sunrise. Recently, a few plungers experienced a sunset dip.
“Helping people is as enjoyable as the water,” Rain said. “People tell me how good they feel after being in the water and that makes me feel amazing.”
Rain and Srubek coach newcomers how to adjust to the cold waters. “We help guide their breathing,” Rain said. “And we tell them that there’s nothing to be afraid of; it’s just cold water, and we say, ‘This is what cold feels like.’”
With this group, Rain and Srubek said they hope others will discover the benefits of cold plunging and community. It’s already taken off, as another plunging group formed on Whidbey Island based on the Puget Sound Plungers.
“Once you start, you will crave it,” Srubek said.
Madison Miller is the assistant editor at South Sound.
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