I know that most people will prefer having a warm, relaxing shower rather than going under a flow of icy water, but once in a while, or for sports aspects, a cold shower could do wonders to your body.
COLD SHOWERS
- Calms itchy skin: The cold sensation and drop in temperature will help reduce the inflammation in the affected area thus reducing the itching and the need to scratch
- Increases alertness and helps increase circulation: The cold water will help increase the heart rate, blood pressure and therefore circulation through your body and ‘switching you on’ for a strong day ahead!
- Reduces inflammation in muscles and aids against post workout soreness: Very good after a heavy workout or a long run, having a cold bath can help in reducing inflammation of the muscles, and aid toxin removal from your body through heightened circulation. That is why professional athletes who have just competed in a though game or had a hard training session sometimes undergo the loved and hated ice baths – painful but beneficial for faster recovery
- Potentially boosts weight loss: Due to the cold temperature the body will react by trying to keep your organs warm and active and increase calorie burning. This reaction will also help you keep a heightened metabolism throughout the day, giving more energy for your daily tasks
- Helps give shinier hair and skin: The cold water will cause a reaction in your skin to tighten and close the pores to reduce heat loss. Thanks to that reaction the skin and hair will become tighter, more toned and stronger over time
- Stimulates immune system: Regular cold showers will help the body improve its resistance to illnesses. The improved circulation and health benefits of getting cold showers will strengthen one’s natural defence system
- Stimulates antidepressant hormones: Cold showers are known to reduce cortisol ‘stress’ hormones in blood and thus even cause a stress relieving sensation
Careful when taking too cold a shower
If already cold, avoid taking a cold shower. A cooler temperature will not help warm you up and could actually make it worse
Cold showers are not advisable when sick. With a reduced immune system a further shock to your body will not make it stronger but weaker.
HOT SHOWERS
- Relaxes muscles: Sometimes the best way to relax after a tough day is to have a hot bath. The high temperature will help relax the muscles by dilating blood vessels and bringing more blood to affected areas
- Reduces fatigue: Thanks to increased blood flow through the hot temperatures the body will clear toxins faster leaving muscles and joints refuelled with fresh nutrients
- Reduces puffiness and relieves headaches: People who have hot showers have been noted to have higher levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor proteins. They promote survival of nerve cells; promote growth, maturation, and maintenance of nerve cells; promote learning and memory
- Reduces anxiety and promote better sleep: The relaxation effects of a hot shower will induce the body to go to sleep more easily
- Improves respiratory system: Especially through the hot vapours, fumes help catch dirt particles in the lungs and clear pores. Also, the higher temperature will relax muscles and open pores to improve respiratory circulation
- Aids in toxin removal from the skin: The high temperature will cause skin pores to open thus easing the cleansing process from dirt and help reduce any excessive heat build-up
Careful with very hot showers
Showers or baths that are too hot will cause the skin to dry by breaking up keratin cells in the upper layer of the skin, the epidermis.
Can make some skin conditions like eczema worse.
Very hot baths are not advisable for people who suffer from cardiovascular conditions or high blood pressure.
So which type is better?
As you can see both type of techniques can be of benefit to one, if utilised in a sensible manner. It is always advisable to avoid extreme cold or hot temperatures, so keep the ranges in the bearable regions.
One last technique that can be mentioned is the mixing of both hot and cold showers in one session.
Basically, one starts with a cold shower and should stand in it for one minute. When the minute is up, the shower is changed to a hot one for an additional minute. Alternate between one minute each of cold and hot showers for three to five cycles.
The health benefits come from the cold water constricting the blood vessels. This means all the blood will go to the middle of the body. Once you start the hot water shower this will open the blood vessels and all the blood comes rushing out again. This can pump the blood completely through the muscles and organs and is great for helping with regeneration and detoxification.
Until next time Stay Strong, Stay Focused, Stay Safe!
