Wednesday, May 23, 2012

HOT and COLD





Hot and Cold CONTRAST Shower Benefits

First of all, what is contrast showers?
It is starting off with a warm or hot shower
and finishing with a cold one.
Very simple.

Century old traditions of saunas, followed by
cold immersion or a plunge pool follows
exactly the same principles as hot
and cold showers.
It is believed that it has many health benefits.

Here's how it works!

The temperature ranges are small -
less than 10 degrees Fahrenheit -
but increase to ranges of 45 degrees.
If you feel you need a thermostat to gauge
the temperature, you may be able to 
find one in the baby section of stores
where they are used to test bath temperature.
It may not give you the mim and max range
you require, but after a while you will find
you can estimate your own temperatures.

So here's what is suggested:
For the first ten days shower for 40 seconds at 97 degrees F,
then follow this by 20 seconds of 86 degrees. Repeat 
twice more for a total of three warm and three cold treatments.
After the first few days, increase the temperature range
gradually until after three months the range is 45 degrees.

We all react to cold variations differently. It may take 
some longer to reach the maximum temperature.
Don't rush it. Listen to your body.
A good gauge to know when enough is enough
is that of shivering. Aim to be
towel drying as you START to shiver.

OK. Now WHAT is this good for?

Contrast showers have many claims of health benefits
through medical and scientific backing. Professional 
athletes and ardent amateurs claim the treatment
is highly effective for post workout skeletal and soft 
tissue trauma, muscle spasm and soreness.

Contrast showers are indicated in treatments
for the relief of arthritis, lowering blood pressure,
boosting the central nervous system, the reduction
and relief of respiratory infections and conditions,
stimulating male and female sex hormone production
and pain relief. It is said that these type showers
also bolster the immune system through the sudden
temperature changes and overall well-being is
promoted through improving the blood circulation.

What about antioxidant functioning? Through gradual adaptation 
to cold temperatures it is thought that contrast showers
may in fact improve the body's antioxidant functioning!
Then with the combination of the hot treatment, triggers
the body's natural toxin elimination and sweating, helps the
body to detoxify.

It is said, though, that if any individual has any type
of chronic condition including heart disease or high
blood pressure should seek medical advice before
starting this type of treatment.

Here's to your health!



Article found through Out of Stress.com

7 comments:

  1. Girl you are a wealth of information! Thanks. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  2. Brenda, I couldn't find you email....Just wanted to say "A Breath Away"...took my breath away reading what you wrote about that!!!! Thanks. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  3. Very interesting. I remember reading a yogi talking about taking cold showers...something about stimulating the glands and such....it was a long time ago.

    I'm sure it wouldn't take me long to shiver....col....

    Oh, I forgot to mention on your other post that the celery 'rose' is beautiful...Isn't it amazing what we will notice when we are in tune.

    Blessings,
    Marianne xo

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  4. Some good healthy tips here at your blog site! I should give this shower thing a try for my aching body!! Have a great day!!

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  5. Very interesting indeed, I had never heard about this before. We only have a bath tub at ours though, no shower..but if we ever do have one, I will have to give this a go.
    Have a lovely day today..
    Magie x

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  6. Brenda,
    I have heard about the benefits of the different showers. I, myself, have one temperature...very warm. I love warm showers because it's relaxing to me. I really enjoyed your alley story. My son is 20 now too, and I remember those days when he was 12 and 13 playing with his friends. Sons are so special, aren't they? Thanks for the story. I loved it.
    ~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

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  7. Living in the land of saunas, this is interesting to read :) One is always hearing 'how healthy' the ice swimming etc is...but, I've never heard exactly WHY it's healthy!

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