From Gasping Showers to Guiding Others: My Cold Therapy Journey

Written By Emma Heslop

Discover the Power of Cold: My Journey with the Thermalist Method

Five years ago, I took my first freezing cold shower—gasping, breathless, and wide-eyed. A friend had just introduced me to the Wim Hof Method, and although I wasn’t sure what I was getting into, something in me said keep going.

What followed was a deep dive into the world of cold immersion, ice baths, and eventually, the life-changing Thermalist Method developed by Dr. Susanna Søberg, founder of the Søberg Institute.

From Local Lakes to the Nordic Ocean

After those first icy showers, another friend invited me winter swimming at The Shac in Reigate. We met every Tuesday, no matter the weather, to plunge into cold, open water. The routine was simple but powerful: show up, get in, breathe through the discomfort, and come out buzzing with energy.

The feeling after each session was nothing short of magic—like I could take on the world. It wasn’t just the cold; it was the connection, the courage, and the clarity it created.

Science Meets Spirit

Fast forward to today: I’ve completed my certification as a Thermalist Method Instructor through the Søberg Institute. My training in Sweden was intense and rewarding—daily Nordic ocean swims, sauna meditations, and breathwork sessions that deepened my understanding of cold and heat exposure for health and longevity.

We explored the four foundational elements of the Søberg Principle:

  • Cold – activating your body’s natural stress response and resilience

  • Heat – supporting detox, recovery, and cellular health

  • Breath – calming the nervous system and improving focus

  • Meditation – grounding the body and mind for lasting wellness

And while the science is fascinating, I continue this practice for the same reason I started—it feels incredible.

Why Cold Therapy Works

Cold exposure has been shown to improve:

  • Mental clarity and focus

  • Sleep quality

  • Immune function

  • Metabolism

  • Stress resilience

Whether you’re stepping into an ice bath, trying cold plunges for the first time, or looking to deepen your wellness practice, the Thermalist Method is a safe, science-backed way to build strength from the inside out.

Ready to Take the Plunge?

If you’re curious about cold immersion, winter swimming, or the health benefits of temperature therapy—this is your invitation. I offer Thermalist Method workshops that combine guided breathwork, ice baths, and sauna sessions rooted in the latest research from Dr. Susanna Søberg.

Whether you're a wellness newbie or a seasoned seeker, I’ll meet you where you are—cold feet and all.

🌊 Book your workshop now and discover what’s waiting on the other side of discomfort.

Empower Mind Body Spirit
Your journey to resilience starts here.
[www.empoweryourmindbodyspirit.co.uk]

 

Emma Heslop