The modern industry of beauty and health offers a wide range of procedures aimed at rejuvenating and strengthening the body. This is hardware cosmetology, and various massages, and cryotherapy (cold treatment). By the way, our article has something to do with the last point, because it will focus on the benefits and harms of a cold shower.
Errors in nutrition, stress and a sedentary lifestyle are not the best way to affect the health of the body. But these attributes have become an integral part of the lives of many people. And if earlier such problems as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, overweight, were first encountered only in old age, now this occurs in young and middle-aged people.
Water procedures are the oldest means of preventing many diseases. And how does pouring a cold shower affect the body? Supporters of cold treatment say that ice-cold water improves blood circulation, while producing endorphins, known as the hormone of happiness. A person's mood improves, his body tone rises and his immunity strengthens. Below we analyze in more detail the effect of a cold shower on the human body.
Fat burning
Under the influence of cold, the body spends more energy to keep warm. In order to provide vital organs with heat, fat reserves are expended. And there is also evidence that cold water helps produce brown fat, which is thought to be beneficial. It helps eliminate harmful fats stored in the abdomen. If you regularly take a cold shower, then in a year you can lose up to 4 kg.
Blood circulation improvement
There is an improvement in blood circulation. Under the influence of cold, a narrowing of the vessels occurs. Blood moves more actively, warming the body and filling the internal organs. This is a good prevention of diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Mood improvement
The effect of a cold shower is comparable to the euphoria of a runner. On the skin is a huge number of nerve endings. When cold water enters the skin, nerve impulses are sent directly to the brain. This contributes to the fact that a person experiences less stress and depression.
Cold water is especially useful for the stronger sex. A shower of ice water raises testosterone levels.
Beauty of skin and hair
Cold water has a good effect on the condition of the skin and hair. Under the influence of hot water, the skin and hair dry out, which can not be said about cold water. Oddly enough, the skin after a cold shower becomes softer, wrinkles are smoothed out, and the hair becomes shiny.
Tone improvement
If you take a cold shower in the morning, you will feel the benefit all day long. From cold water, the body wakes up faster, starting the work of all systems. This effect will last all day. Instead of a cup of coffee, try to cheer up in the morning with cold water from the shower.
Relaxation and healthy sleep
It is believed that sleeping in a cool room is better. Cold water treatments will help insomnia sufferers. They lead to excitation of the receptors, and then to relaxation. A person calms down easier, which means that he falls asleep faster.
Rules for performing cold water procedures
If the beneficial effect on the body inspired to try this procedure, it is important to learn how to take a cold shower:
- Take your time to completely stand under a cold stream. Wet your hands and feet first, wash your face. Let the body get used to the low temperature. And then rinse thoroughly. You can even limit yourself to washing your limbs for the first few days.
- Once your limbs get used to cold water, plug in your chest, back, and head. Pay attention to the gap of the body where the head connects to the neck. Hold the jet there for a while, letting the water flow down the spine.
- In the bathroom, the temperature should be comfortably warm so that, leaving the ice shower, not to be in the cold air. Otherwise, there will be too much stress, which can lead to a weakening of the body's defenses.
- It is important to remember that this is still not dousing with ice water, and give the body time to get used to. Start with room temperature water, gradually lowering. Remember that at a water temperature of +16 ° C, hypothermia begins.
- Water should be cold, but not extremely icy. Find the right temperature. If it’s breath taking from the water, slightly increase the degree.
- At first, take a shower for a few seconds, gradually increasing the duration to 20 seconds.
- After completing the procedure, rub the entire body well, including arms and legs. In order not to disturb the lymph movement, rub from the limbs to the body, avoiding the lymph nodes that are in the inguinal region and behind the ears, do not rub the armpits.
After a shower, you should feel warmth throughout your body. This is an indication that the procedure is completed correctly. It’s good to be in underwear for some time, but if you feel very cold, get dressed right away.
Contraindications and harm
Can anyone take a cold shower without exception? With many useful properties, there are contraindications. For any heart disease (ischemia, tachycardia, heart failure), such a shower should not be taken. During acute respiratory and viral diseases, it is better to postpone the procedure until complete recovery. If you have skin problems, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist. Also, an ice shower is contraindicated for people suffering from high or low blood pressure.
In addition to the diseases listed above, individual intolerance to cold water is possible. If you can’t get used to such water in any way, even gradually reducing the temperature, then perhaps the procedure should be postponed for a while.
Cold and hot shower
No less useful properties have a contrast shower. The essence of the procedure is the alternation of cold and hot water. Moreover, the sequence for men and women will be different. So, men start with cold water, then hot water comes, and end again with cold water. Women need to start the procedure with hot water, turn on cold, and then warm. The time of the hot and warm phase should be minimal so that there is a better effect. Basic rules for taking a contrast shower:
- The procedure is performed in the morning on an empty stomach after charging.
- The difference between cold and hot water should be around 30 ° C. Of course, it will take time to get used to this contrast. Hot water - approximately 43 ° C, cold - 14-15 ° C.
- At least 4 contrasting douches should be done, each for 1 minute. Duration from 5 to 8 minutes.
- Start pouring water from the bottom, moving up. Do not hold the jet for a long time in one place.
- Do not use detergents (soap, gels, shampoos).
- After the procedure, do not wipe or wipe dry. Let the body dry itself.
In general, a contrast shower tones up the body, strengthens the immune system, and is the prevention of many diseases.
A cold shower in the morning wakes up and energizes for the whole day. This procedure will bring benefits only if it is performed correctly, otherwise it could be harmful. In any case, listen to your body and sensations. And if there are any chronic diseases, first consult with your doctor. If you follow the recommendations and regularity, procedures with cold water will bring health, good spirits and good mood.