Contrast Showers
The contrast between hot and cold water increases circulation through tissues, promotes detoxification, and strengthens the immune system. This helps bring nutrients, oxygen and immune cells to damaged and stressed tissues and carries away metabolic waste, inflammatory by-products and other toxic substances. Contrast showers also strengthen the immune system by increasing the number of white blood cells.
Cold Water
Constricts local blood vessels, decreases inflammation, stimulates the nervous and digestive systems with short applications
Improves muscle strength, builds resistance to disease and invigorates the body during long applications
Reduces fever, relieves thirst and pain, soothes burns, reduces constipation, aids in the elimination of toxins, increases energy and reduces fatigue
Hot Water
Dilates small blood vessels, relaxes muscles and raises body temperature with short applications
Increases blood flow, induces perspiration to aid in eliminating toxins and stimulates the healing process during long applications
Aids in relaxation, calms the body and mind and decreases pain.
Should be avoided in acute inflammatory conditions.
Method
Start with 3 minutes of hot water followed by 30 seconds of cold water (to tolerance).
Repeat 3 times: 3 min hot – 30 sec cold / 3 min hot – 30 sec cold / 3 min hot – 30 sec cold.
Use this at least once during every shower, always finishing with cold.
Alternate Method
End your shower with a 30 second blast of cold water.
In health,
Vicky Rizothanassis ND
Naturopathic Doctor
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