I made a very important discovery while on holiday in Dorset.
Maddie and I went swimming in the sea at Weymouth. It was sort of sunny with a brisk breeze. Not very August.
Ancestors bathing in the sea, Weymouth 1912
I noticed that my feet were showing the effects of poor circulation. And it wasn't that warm sitting on the beach - not very promising.
We tentatively tested the water.
The water was cold, very cold.
We had to get on with it and plunged into the sea, the feeling was fantastic - exhilarating.
Even better after a minute or two immersed.
Out of the sea I realised that my left leg was no longer painful or twitching, and later my sense of smell returned (maybe only for 3 or 4 hours) - what joy. And normal circulation had returned.
And the mid afternoon siesta no longer required.
BUPA describes it thus:
Cold water therapy has been reported to benefit the body in many ways, including:
reducing muscle pain and stiffness after exercise, by reducing swelling and inflammation
improving risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels
boosting the immune system, helping to lower the risk of infection
improving general wellbeing, and possibly helping with depression
Just need to find somewhere to have the therapy, bearing in mind I am currently not close to the sea.
Fantastic!! There is also the wild swimming pond in Beckenham Place Park.
Great! You forced yourself to do something uncomfortable and it produced an unexpected benefit! You can go cold water swimming at Brockwell Park Lido, can't you? Lucy (don't know why I'm showing as an unknown member because I logged in?!