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