Monk, a pioneering health tech company based in London, is redefining cold water therapy with an innovative approach tailored specifically for women. Founded in 2021 by serial entrepreneur Laura Fullerton, Monk combines over 5,000 years of ancestral practices with modern technology to create a transformative wellness solution. This groundbreaking product line is designed to harness the benefits of cold water immersion, not just for general health but with a particular focus on addressing the unique needs of the female body. Monk’s mission is to optimize cold therapy, enhancing mental and physical health by aligning it with the female cycle.
The company’s flagship product, the world’s first smart ice bath, sets a new standard in wellness innovation. Unlike traditional ice baths, which can be cumbersome and difficult to set up, Monk’s smart ice bath provides a sleek, efficient, and convenient cold plunge experience. With advanced features like self-cleaning ozone sanitization, quiet filtration, and an energy-efficient design, the bath is adaptable for both indoor and outdoor use. It offers adjustable temperatures ranging from 3°C to 16°C, allowing women to tailor their cold water therapy sessions to meet specific needs, from physical recovery and stress management to mental clarity.
While the technology behind Monk’s ice bath is remarkable, the true breakthrough lies in its ability to cater to women’s health needs. Through the Monk app, which integrates with popular wearables like Whoop and Oura, users can track key health metrics such as sleep patterns, heart rate variability, and menstrual cycle phases. The app also monitors mental health factors, including motivation, stress levels, and focus, offering a personalized approach to cold therapy that supports optimal wellness throughout the female cycle.
The Role of the Infradian Rhythm in Cold Water Therapy for Women
One of the most significant advancements Monk has made is recognizing the importance of the infradian rhythm, a term that refers to the cyclical hormonal pattern women experience across their menstrual cycle. Unlike the circadian rhythm, which operates on a 24-hour clock, the infradian rhythm spans about 28 days, affecting energy levels, mood, physical performance, and recovery. Cold water therapy can be more effective when aligned with this natural cycle, helping women maximize the benefits of cold immersion.
During the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, which occurs in the first half before ovulation, women typically experience higher energy levels and improved physical performance. Cold therapy during this phase can be particularly beneficial for recovery after strenuous workouts, reducing inflammation and improving muscle recovery. By targeting inflammation and enhancing mental clarity, cold plunges support women looking to optimize their fitness routine.
As women enter the luteal phase, which follows ovulation and leads into menstruation, the body may experience fatigue, bloating, and mood swings. Cold therapy during this phase can be used to manage these symptoms. Cold immersion supports circulation, helps to balance hormonal fluctuations, and regulates cortisol levels, which are vital for managing stress. By aligning cold therapy with the luteal phase, women can maintain physical and mental well-being during this challenging period.
Harnessing Cold Therapy to Address Female-Specific Health Concerns
Beyond optimizing workouts and recovery, Monk’s cold water therapy is also gaining attention for its potential to alleviate several female-specific health issues. For women with endometriosis, a condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, cold therapy may provide relief by reducing pelvic inflammation and offering pain management. While clinical studies are still ongoing, anecdotal evidence suggests cold immersion can help mitigate some of the symptoms associated with this condition.
Similarly, cold therapy has emerged as a promising solution for women navigating perimenopause and menopause. During this transitional period, many women experience symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and disrupted sleep. Cold plunges can help counteract hot flashes by providing a cooling effect on the body and promoting better sleep. Cold therapy also supports mental clarity and emotional regulation, helping women manage the physical and psychological stress of this life stage.
Period pain, a common issue for many women, can also be alleviated with cold water therapy. The cooling effect of cold immersion can help reduce muscle spasms and inflammation in the pelvic area, offering a natural remedy for menstrual cramps. In addition to physical relief, cold therapy during menstruation may also support mood regulation, helping women cope with the emotional fluctuations that often accompany their period.
Monk’s Commitment to Empowering Women Through Cold Water Therapy
Monk’s dedication to providing accessible, tailored cold water therapy extends beyond its innovative product design. The company’s approach integrates seamlessly into daily routines, offering women a low-maintenance, high-functionality solution that addresses various aspects of health and wellness. With its user-friendly technology, Monk enables women to harness the benefits of cold therapy without the obstacles often associated with traditional methods.
Laura Fullerton, Monk’s founder and CEO, is deeply passionate about making cold water therapy a tool for women’s health. Drawing from her personal experience with cold immersion, Fullerton discovered how cold therapy could enhance physical recovery, mental resilience, and stress management. “We’re not just selling a tub,” says Fullerton. “We’re creating a ritual that rewires your nervous system, builds mental resilience, and supports a longer, healthier life for women of all ages.”
Monk’s groundbreaking approach to cold therapy has garnered recognition in the wellness industry, with the company being featured in prestigious publications like Vogue, Financial Times, and GQ. Monk’s inclusion in the Startups 100 list for 2025 underscores its impact on the wellness space and its growing popularity among women seeking to optimize their health through science-backed, personalized solutions.
A Personalized Wellness Experience with Monk
Monk’s smart ice bath offers more than just physical benefits—it is an essential tool for those looking to improve their mental health, enhance focus, and optimize their physical performance. Through its data-driven insights, the Monk app provides real-time guidance on how to best incorporate cold water therapy into a woman’s health regimen. Whether it’s to reduce period pain, improve workout recovery, or manage the symptoms of menopause, Monk’s cold therapy solutions are tailored to the individual needs of women.
As the wellness industry continues to embrace personalized solutions, Monk is at the forefront of this movement, combining ancient practices with the latest technology to meet the evolving needs of women. By providing a scientifically supported and accessible approach to cold therapy, Monk is empowering women to take charge of their health, optimize their well-being, and unlock the benefits of cold immersion throughout their life stages.
For more information about Monk and to explore its range of products, visit discovermonk.com.
