Cold showers are more than just a way to cleanse yourself; they also help you organize your body's energy. As someone who prefers cold showers, I've always wondered why some people opt for warm ones. So, I decided to research and read up on the topic to share with you the incredible and lesser-known benefits of cold showers.
Before I list the benefits, it's crucial to mention the recommended water temperature. Cold showers refer to water between 15 to 20 degrees Celsius (59 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit)Healthline. This temperature range varies depending on the individual's tolerance levels. It's best to use water slightly cooler than the room temperature, about 5 to 8 degrees lower.
🍀Note
Cold showers are not recommended for senior citizens who are not used to cold showers or people with chronic diseases. Please consult with your doctor before trying cold showers.
In this article, we will explore the science behind cold showers and discuss ten surprising health benefits of taking cold showers every day. We will also provide tips for taking cold showers, supported by scientific explanations.
The Science Behind Cold Showers
When we bathe in cold water, the epithelial cells will contract and the pores between the cells will open up. This helps the cellular structure to get charged to a different dimension of energy. Cold showers hence keep you more alive and help you remain youthful for a very long time. This is the basic science that emerges from almost all benefits of cold water.
On the other hand, the cells themselves have pores that only open up when we dip in warm water. This would make the cell pores open and take in water which is not recommended.
10 Reasons Why Cold Showers are Good for Your Health
Cold showers have been a popular trend in recent years, with many people claiming that they offer numerous health benefits. While the thought of taking a cold shower may seem daunting, the benefits that come with it may be worth it.1. Boosts circulation
One of the most significant health benefits of cold showers is their ability to boost circulation. When you take a cold shower, your blood vessels constrict, which forces your blood to circulate more efficiently throughout your body. This increased circulation can help to reduce inflammation and improve the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your cells.2. Increases Energy Levels
Taking a cold shower in the morning can also help to increase your energy levels. Cold temperatures have been shown to stimulate the production of hormones like adrenaline and noradrenaline, which can help to give you a natural boost of energy.
3. Improves Immunity
Cold showers have also been shown to improve immunity. When you expose your body to cold temperatures, it triggers an increase in the number of white blood cells in your body. White blood cells are essential for fighting off infection and disease, so having more of them can help to keep you healthy.4. Reduces muscle soreness
If you're someone who regularly exercises, you may find that taking a cold shower after your workout can help to reduce muscle soreness. Cold temperatures have been shown to decrease inflammation and swelling, which can help to speed up the recovery process after a workout.Whether you take a cold or warm shower, it's advised to wait a bit after a workout to complete the sweating process and let it dry. Bathing just after a workout can cause cold or related issues.
5. Reduces Stress and Increases Resilience
Cold showers can also be an effective way to reduce stress. This may not bring solutions to your existing problems. But spending a few minutes under a cold shower letting each drop fall on your body can be spent as meditation time for you. When you expose your body to cold temperatures, it triggers the release of endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. This can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, leaving you feeling more relaxed and peaceful. A peaceful mind is what you need to find solutions to problems. [Ref: The New York Times]
“Your daily shower is a perfect opportunity to practice mindfulness. Alone, quiet, and away from the normal distractions of your life — even if only for a brief period — it can be a time to observe your habitual patterns of thinking. If you want to develop or deepen a meditation practice, the shower is an ideal place to start.” — Nancy O’Hara, who teaches and writes about mindfulness practice.
Finally, taking cold showers can help to increase your resilience. When you regularly expose your body to cold temperatures, it can help to build up your tolerance to stress and discomfort. This can make you more resilient in the face of challenges and help you to better handle difficult situations.
6. Enhances Mental Clarity
The shock of the cold water can help to wake up your brain, making you feel more alert and focused. This can be especially beneficial if you're someone who struggles with brain fog or difficulty concentrating.7. Improves Skin and Hair health
Cold showers can also have benefits for your skin and hair health. Cold temperatures can help to tighten and firm the skin, which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Additionally, cold water can help to seal the cuticles of your hair, which can make it look shinier and healthier.Warm water makes your skin dry and dehydrated. We would steam our face to open up pores to remove blackheads, and other treatments to remove impurities present. But, frequent use of warm water is not advised for your skin and body.
8. Boosts metabolism
If you're looking to boost your metabolism, taking cold showers may be worth considering. When you expose your body to cold temperatures, it triggers an increase in your metabolic rate, which can help you burn more calories throughout the day.9. Helps in Weight Loss
While taking cold showers can temporarily boost your metabolism and cause your body to burn extra calories to stay warm, it's important to note that this effect is relatively minor and is unlikely to lead to significant weight loss on its own. Therefore, if you're looking to shed pounds, you'll likely need to combine cold showers with other healthy lifestyle choices, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise.It's important to avoid excessively seeking out freezing water to try to increase your calorie burn, as this can be dangerous and may cause harm to your body. Instead, consider incorporating cold showers into your routine in a safe and controlled manner to potentially reap some of the benefits they offer.
10. Improves Sleep Quality
Taking a cold shower before bed can also help to improve your sleep quality. When you expose your body to cold temperatures, it triggers a decrease in your core body temperature, which can help you fall asleep more easily and improve the overall quality of your sleep.Tips for Taking Cold Showers
If you're hesitant about taking cold showers, even though you know their benefits, don't worry - I'm here to help. Before we begin, it's important to understand that our bodies behave the way we train them.If you're someone who's always taken warm showers, it may be challenging to make the transition, but it's not impossible. The key is to slowly introduce your body to lower temperatures.
Here are a few tips to help you take cold showers and reap their maximum benefits:
Begin by showering at a temperature that's a few degrees lower than your room temperature (around 5 to 8 degrees lower). Start by wetting your feet and pouring a few drops of water on your head to allow your body to adjust to the temperature gradually, instead of shocking it with a sudden burst of cold water. Over time, decrease the temperature even further.
It's beneficial to take at least two cold showers daily. You don't need to use soap or scrub every time you shower - a simple dip in cold water can stimulate your body and help you develop a liking for cold showers. However, keep the duration short, especially when you're starting. It's best to keep your cold shower under 5 to 6 minutes.
If you are interested in buying eucalyptus oil for your shower routine check out Gya Labs Eucalyptus Essential Oil made from Australian Eucalyptus leaves.
Here are a few tips to help you take cold showers and reap their maximum benefits:
1. Start Slow
2. Focus and Breathe
Consider cold showers as a form of therapy or meditation [UCLA Health]. Close your eyes and take short, shallow breaths. This will help you relax and acclimate to the cold water more easily.
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3. Take Short and Frequent Showers
4. Use Eucalyptus Oil
If you experience cold or sneezing after a cold shower, try adding some eucalyptus oil to your bathwater and pouring it over your head.
5. Try Rasanadi Powder
Rasanadi Choornam is a powder made from a combination of potent anti-inflammatory preparations, such as Rasna, Aswagandha, Bala, Mustha, Useera, Kushta, Gairika, etc. It's applied to the Brahma region of the head just after a shower to draw out deep tissue inflammation and relieve pain, and coldness in the body. Ayurvedic scriptures recommend it as part of a daily regimen.
I have been using this for years for me and my child. If you are interested you can buy this rasanadi powder.
If you catch a cold or fever, take a break and gradually reintroduce yourself to colder temperatures. Remember, the key is to train your body to be exposed to cold water slowly. Finally, keep in mind that taking cold showers may not be suitable for everyone. It's essential to listen to your body and adjust accordingly.
If you catch a cold or fever, take a break and gradually reintroduce yourself to colder temperatures. Remember, the key is to train your body to be exposed to cold water slowly. Finally, keep in mind that taking cold showers may not be suitable for everyone. It's essential to listen to your body and adjust accordingly.
- Kawahara, Y., Nagata, M., Niimi, Y., Miwa, C., & Iwase, S. (n.d.). Effects of bath water and bathroom temperatures on human thermoregulatory function and thermal perception during half-body bathing in winter⋆. [Journal Article]. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1572347X05800291
- Kobayashi, T., Tanaka, T., & Nagashima, K. (2004). Influence of water temperature on thermoregulatory responses during immersion bathing in humans. Journal of thermal biology, 29(1), 17-21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtherbio.2003.09.005
- Cold Shower Benefits for Your Health, Health Line
- How to Be Mindful While Taking a Shower, New York Times,
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