You might have seen professional athletes hop in an ice bath after a game or long practice. Or maybe you know a fitness buff or celebrity who swears by ice baths for post-workout recovery. Cold-water plunges are a form of cryotherapy, which involves using cold to treat various issues. Although the technique has become popular again in recent years, it’s nothing new. People have used cold-water immersion for health and wellness for centuries. Hopping into an icy bath might not seem appealing to everyone. But the practice may support your physical and mental health which is why we are starting to see them emerge around some firehouses.  Some firefighters find that they sleep better and feel more relaxed and refreshed following a cold bath session.   That said, don’t jump into a cold bath looking for a cure-all. Much of the research on the benefits of ice baths is mixed and…