– One more secret to a strong health… –
Just this last winter I went with my friends to banya (somewhat like sauna). After banya I felt like my whole body began breathing again, I felt how every pore of mine was gulping the air. After doing my research on the benefits it brings to my health I got intrigued.
Unfortunately I don’t always have an opportunity of going to banya so luckily I can substitute this procedure by performing contrast showers. Contrast showers has somewhat similar effects on a body then banya does. I feel more energized right away after performing it. At the end, it just feels right – healthy!
Why our body is getting such a great effect from hot/cold water? The answer is that skin is our biggest organ in the body, and when exercising contrast showers, we exercise our whole body. It is important to know how to perform this procedure properly, to prevent a negative effect on the body.
How to:
At first, stand under comfortably warm water. When the body gets used to the temperature-stand for couple of minutes under hot water, then, one minute under cold water again, then, couple of minutes under hot water, then, one minute under cold water. Continue in this order for about 10 minutes. If you got more time you can even do this for a longer period of time. It takes longer for the body to warm up then to cool down. Easy right? But with such an easy process, a strong, good health is guaranteed!
Raise and lower water’s temperature gradually with each procedure. Your body needs to get used to the big difference in temperatures.
Lets start:
- Enjoy standing under a comfortably warm water. Then begin changing the temperature to hot water for couple of minutes. It takes way much longer for the body to warm up then to cool down.)
- Next, always start cooling your body from the top to the bottom. For best results it is recommended to splash your body with a cold water. *Perhaps, ask someone to pour a bucket of cold water above your head!!!
- Do not ever let your body to get into a “freeze” mode! You need to enjoy the overall feeling of the process. Feeling awake and comfortable is the main indicator that you are doing this properly. Do not do this against your will or in a way to harm your body. Relax and enjoy!
- It is best to take contrast showers in the mornings after exercising. (At that point your body is warmed up, has increased blood flow, and with an additional benefit of washing the sweat off!) But if you decide to take it in the evening, it is recommended to take it for about 1-2 hours before bed.
- It is best to end contrast showers with cold water when taking them in the mornings. End with warm water when taking contrast showers in the evenings. (That is because cold water gives you more energy and warm water relaxes your body.)
- After showers, rub your body intensively with a towel. (This will add a good massage to the body and stimulate capillaries with increased blood flow.)
- You are welcome to also increase the effect of contrast-shower procedures psychologically by humming a happy song during the process. The mood will noticeably get happier. In addition to that, if during the process you do the positive self talk such as “my body is cleansing, getting healthier/stronger, and getting younger” or something along those lines, the effect from contrast showers will be amazing!
My experience:
I have been doing contrast showers for one month straight, for nearly every day, so I could share my experience on this. When I just began performing contrast showers a month ago, it seemed to me impossible to get used to cool/cold water. It was very uncomfortable. After some time, I am surprised to how my body got used to it, and what temperature difference I can tolerate now! What’s interesting is that the more I do contrast showers the more I get comfortable with the difference in temperature! The feeling is very similar to how I felt after going to banya – full of positive energy, every cell in the body begins to breath! At the end it feels so, so good when you know you did something so beneficial to your bodie’s health! A little word of encouragement, if I can do this, you can! It is time to get out of our comfort zone and start taking steps towards a healthier, stronger you!
Benefits of performing contrast showers on a regular basis:
- All the bodies organs function better.
- Detoxifies organs.
- Eliminates toxins through contrasting muscles.
- Provides fresh supply of blood to all the cells.
- Increases/improves circulation (lymphatic and blood).
- Reduces blood pressure.
- Supports immune system.
- Provides body with stronger metabolism.
- Body looses weight-we have two type of fats white (adipose) from junk food and brown (the good fat). Brown fat generates heat by burning white fat, and helps your body stay warm. So by getting cold in the shower, your body starts to burn fat with fat!
- Tones heart and blood vessels, makes them healthy.
- Helps with varicose veins.
- Treats heart arrhythmia.
- Increases red and white blood cells in the body.
- Increases energy levels/ability to work.
- Relieves depression.
- Strengthens nervous system.
- Normalizes positive energy in the body.
- Heals sore muscles.
- Relaxes the muscles (when hot water).
- Lowers body tension (when hot water).
- Alleviates migrane (when hot water).
- Reduces swelling (when hot water).
- Reduces anxiety (when hot water).
- Keeps hair healthy.
- Rejuvenates the body (makes you look younger).
- Tones and adds elasticity to the skin.
- Cellulite goes away.
- Increases testosterone and fertility.
Get encouraged and continue performing contrast showers! Make it a habit in your life!
Word of caution:
If your blood pressure is inconsistent, or have any problems with the heart, blood vessels, and blood-consult your doctor if it is okay for you to practice contrast showers. Perhaps, it may be okay, just start very gradually.
One more thing:
Some results you will notice from just the first time of taking contrast showers but some results you will only notice/see with time. For example, you will feel more energy from just after the first time of taking a contrast shower, I did! Others such as weight loss, for example, you will notice with time.
Once results come, you will absolutely notice them. Just get into the habit of performing contrast showers and positive effects will last for a lifetime. Use it and Stay Healthy!
References:
https://shkolazhizni.ru/health/articles/16360/
http://www.endofthreefitness.com/contrast-shower-cold-shower/
https://thewellnessinfo.com/2015/05/contrast-shower-against-cellulite/
http://www.bodybybrooklyn.com/spa-benefits/benefits-of-hot-and-cold-water/
Lenas Healthy Notes 