Manx Care: We would 'make use of natural resources'

Cold water therapy is an emerging practice

If cold water therapy were to be prescribed here, the Island would need to make use of our 'natural environment'.

That's according to Manx Care, who responded to a request for comment from Manx Radio.

It's after hopes were raised the activity could be prescribed for those with anxiety and depression in the Isle of Man.

In a statement, a spokesperson from Manx Care said: "Whilst there is some preliminary evidence emerging that may suggest cold water therapy has some therapeutic benefits, wider and more rigorous studies would be needed to test the validity of the hypothesis. 

"The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published an update on the treatment and Management of Depression in June 2022, but currently make no reference to Cold Water Therapy.

"Given the abundance of cold water in our natural environment, it is likely that if evidence did emerge, it may be a Public Health recommendation to safely make use of these natural resources, rather than an expectation that Manx Care’s Mental Health Services would provide cold-water emersion tanks."

You can hear more about sea swimming in tonight's (10 January) episode of Island Life entitled 'Sea Stories' with Christy Dehaven from 6pm.