Why we don't go straight to using ice in recovery

Ice can be a good tool, but try not to go straight for it.

Q) I stepped off a curb wrong and twisted my ankle. No fracture, just some joint irritation. I’ve been resting and icing like they suggested, but it made me wonder — how would Kaiut Yoga view the use of ice? 

A) In Kaiut Yoga, we don’t usually reach for ice right away to shut inflammation down. Your body’s not making a mistake — it’s actually doing something intelligent. Inflammation is part of the healing process. When we allow it to unfold instead of rushing to shut it off, the brain stays connected and starts to learn from what’s going on. That’s where real change can begin.

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The body’s always trying to return to balance, but it moves at the pace of nature—not the pace we want. So instead of forcing or overriding that process, we slow down and listen. Sometimes that means doing less or moving differently depending on what’s available in the moment.

Of course, real life happens. If you’re going to be on your feet for five hours at a wedding and know it’s going to stir something up, using ice intentionally can help. It’s not about bypassing the body; it’s about supporting it wisely when you need to get through something. It’s all about using the tools with intention, not out of habit or fear.