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10 reasons to take a cold shower

the_cold_shower - Dr Prem

 

The daily bath is a cleansing and relaxing session. Everyone would have experienced the joy inherent in a bath. However, did you know that having a cold shower has many benefits and advantages? Before we delve into that, let us make clear what a cold shower is. A cold shower does not mean dousing oneself with cold water everyday. That would become a torture in cold places and in cold months. A cold shower refers to the practice of having a bath in warm water and concluding it with a few minutes of a cool shower. Having said that, let us examine 10 benefits of a cold shower.

1. It acts as in instant mood booster

It has been the experience of many people that when they are tired, worn out and dusty, a cold shower revitalizes them and makes them feel fresh. It also removes sleep instantly making you alive, energetic and awake. There is a reason why this happens. Cold water, when it contacts your skin, induces the release of endorphins into the blood stream and the brain. These endorphins are ‘happy molecules’ and instantly put you in a good and happy mood. The shower also releases all the blocked energy in different parts of the body. Thus, it even relieves stress and tension, leading to a happy mood overall.

2. It improves blood circulation

It is a scientific fact that warm water brings a rush of blood to your skin while cold water makes the blood rush to the inner organs. If used in an alternating manner, the blood in the body is made to move and the overall circulation is enhanced. It has also been found that though alternating between hot and cold water is the best, even ending the shower with cold water is good enough. An improved circulation also means a reduced susceptibility to varicose veins, hardening of arteries and hypertension. Good blood circulation also helps the overall functioning of the body and thus makes you feel healthier and better.

3. It flushes out toxins from the system

Over time, any human body accumulates toxins. These toxins can come as food, as by products of metabolic processes or through wounds. They often get accumulated in muscles. When cold water falls on the body, the muscles contract and squeeze out these toxins. The circulation, which has also been enhanced by the cold water, ensures that these toxins are thrown out of the system. Thus cold showers flush out the toxins from the body.

4. It makes your skin look much better

Warm water showers open up the pores on your skin. A cold water shower cleans the pores and then makes them contract and close. This ensures that the pores do not get clogged and blocked by dirt and sebum. Thus, there is lesser chance of getting acne and pimples. The cold water also makes the blood vessels contract and constrict. This reduces the swellings on the body. The skin around ones eyes is thin and tender. The reduction of swelling here makes sure that dark circles do not occur around the eyes.

5. It speeds us the healing process

The method by which a cold shower improves circulation and flushes out toxins from the system has already been discussed. Add to this the fact that a cold shower enhances the oxygen circulation in the system. All these ensure that the immune system is boosted. Thus, in the long run, the body becomes more capable of repairing itself and healing from illnesses.

6. It provides you with healthier hair

You would have definitely noticed the ‘cold air’ button on the hair dryer. There is a reason why this is provided. Cold air and cold water are good for the hair. Just like how it contracts the pores on the body, cold water also closes the cuticles on the head. Thus dirt is not able to settle in the scalp and the hair gets stronger. Stronger hair means less loss and fall due to combing and other daily activities. Cold water also adds a sort of shine to the hair.

7. It improves focus

When you are having a cold water shower, you can be 100 percent sure that all your attention is in the present moment. The mind is completely focused on the body and you will also notice the goosebumps that come on your skin. For a few minutes, all the worries seem to get flushed out of the system. The lethargy is gone and you are at your sharp and intuitive best. Thus it is that some of the greatest insights come in a cold shower. Even the great, ancient scientist, Archimedes, came up with his principle of buoyancy when in a cold water tub!

8. It is cheap and environmentally friendly

Cold water costs absolutely nothing. It saves power that is used to heat water. Thus, it also becomes a ‘green’ method of energizing oneself. It also has indirect water-saving benefits. It has been found that when one bathes with hot water, there is greater tendency to wastefully use more water than necessary. Cold baths, on the other hand, take care that only the necessary amount of water is used.

9. It provides many mental benefits

From the olden times, Samurai warriors in Japan used to pour cold water on their heads in the morning. They believed that this would clear their minds and refresh them for the entire day. Instead of trusting the beliefs of the Samurai, why not go into the shower and have a cold one yourself. You will surely feel invigorated and relaxed.

10. It provides many spiritual benefits

Even in the spiritual spheres, a cold water shower has been recommended. It is believed to clean the aura of all the draining and depleting influences. It is also though to have the capacity to revitalize and energize all the chakras in the body. In particular, it opens up the chakra in the throat which gets missed otherwise. The western psychology also believes that a cold shower takes out all the negative thoughts from your system.

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