The power of a cold shower

“Why would you want to take a cold shower when we have access to hot water?!” say most people when I mention that I start each day with a freezing cold shower. Cold showers are a form of hydrotherapy and are known as Ishnaan in the East. They are one of the most basic yogic technologies Yogi Bhajan shared with us. The cold water stimulates the blood in the internal organs to rush out to the capillaries on the surface of the skin. This cleanses and energizes the glandular system and gives us the grit to meet the challenges we face.

Benefits:

  • Improves our immune system response

  • Can help with menopause symptoms

  • Releases ‘happy hormones’ alleviating mild depression

  • Brings blood to the capillaries

  • Cleanses our circulatory system

  • Flushes internal organs by giving them a new supply of blood

  • Strengthens the nervous system (strong nerves enable us to deal more effectively with stress)

  • Contracts the muscles and causes them to eliminate toxins and poisons more quickly

  • Brings the power of resilience to the body

  • Keeps the skin young and shining

  • Prevents the body from developing an extra layer of fat, which affects the liver

  • Balances all the glands (hormonal balance)

  • Helps with poor circulation and nerve problems 

If you start the day off with a freezing cold shower, you will breeze through the rest of your day!

Don’t just jump straight in there though, prepare yourself in the following way:

  1. Dry brushing - prior to getting into the shower, using a natural bristle body brush, start by brushing your skin so that with each stroke you are moving towards the area of the heart

  2. Massage - using almond oil or olive oil, massage the entire body. This creates a protective layer between your skin and the cold water, and also moisturises

  3. Turn your shower to cold, you are ready to get in. Start with your limbs and your face, still massaging. Take nice long deep breaths as you expose the torso to the water, allowing it to fall over you, still massaging and breathing deeply. Gradually increase the time you stay in the shower

  4. Have a towel ready to roughly dry your body. Stand back, admire your glow and enjoy the release of endorphins! 

Note for women - Cold showers should not be taken during menstruation or pregnancy


Jenny Smith