Cold water therapy could lower the risk of deadly diseases.
The Wim Hof method could protect against deadly diseases
The practice - championed by the Dutch extreme athlete Wim Hof - produces an anti-inflammatory response in the body which can reduce the danger of Alzheimer's, heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
Scientists say that further research is still required to confirm the physical benefits of Wim Hof's method - which also involves breathing exercises and is designed to improve a person's life and connection to nature.
Dr. Omar Almahayni, of the University of Warwick, said: "The Wim Hof method appears to have the most benefit in the stress and anti-inflammatory response categories.
"Inflammation, particularly chronic inflammation, can cause severe complications such as heart diseases, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer's and inflammatory bowel disease.
"Therefore reducing inflammation is beneficial."