Fact check: Does showering Cause Paralysis and Brain Hemorrhage?
A viral Instagram reel claims that the bathing technique, which involves pouring water head down such as that in shower, can cause paralysis and brain hemorrhages. The claim by the user is False.
Claim
In an Instagram reel, it is claimed that the bathing under the shower can cause paralysis and brain hemorrhages. In the reel by vedantsir_, the user says that the biggest reason why people are experiencing paralysis and brain hemorrhages these days is because of their way of bathing.
As per him, "Our ancestors used to go to the river for bathing. They would first wet their feet, then slowly up to their knees, then gradually up to their chest, and finally pour water over their heads. But we do the exact opposite."
The user further adds that when you turn on the shower directly, stand under it, or start pouring water straight onto our heads and it causes a sudden temperature change, which leads to the blood vessels expanding abruptly, and the nerves in the brain are affected. As per the user, "This sudden change can result in paralysis, and you might have heard that most cases of paralysis are observed in the bathroom itself. So, whenever you bathe, start by pouring water on your feet first, then on your shoulders, and only at the end pour water over your head."
The viral reel, which can be viewed here, has garnered 17.6 million views, 481,438 likes, 3,059 comments, and 1.5 million shares.
Fact Check
The claim by the user is False. Although there is certain evidence that cold baths may provide some health benefits there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to back the claim made by the Instagram user that the athing technique such as showering can cause paralysis and brain hemorrhages.
What is Paralysis?
As per NHS, Paralysis is the inability to move part or all of the body and can be either temporary or permanent, depending on its cause. The symptoms may include the inability to move some or all of the body or face, weakness or floppiness, numbness, constant pain, tingling, or muscle stiffness with spasms and twitching. These symptoms can develop suddenly, gradually, or may come and go.
What are Brain Hemorrhages?
A brain hemorrhage, specifically a subarachnoid hemorrhage, is a rare and serious type of stroke caused by bleeding on the brain's surface. It can occur suddenly, often during physical activities like coughing, straining, lifting heavy objects, or sexual activity. Common symptoms include an intense, sudden headache that feels unlike any previous headache, a stiff neck, nausea, sensitivity to light, blurred or double vision, and stroke-like signs such as slurred speech and weakness on one side of the body. In severe cases, it may lead to loss of consciousness or convulsions. This condition is extremely serious and can be fatal.
Can wrong bathing techniques cause paralysis and brain hemorrhages?
Scientific evidence suggests that cold baths offer health benefits, including enhanced immune function, improved stress resilience, cardiovascular support, better insulin sensitivity, and positive effects on mental health. However, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to substantiate the claim by the Instagram user.
Recent research has emphasized the potential health benefits of cold water bathings, drawing attention to their positive effects on various aspects of well-being. The findings of a study published in the Journal of Thermal Biology suggest that regular cold shower exposure can enhance both humoral and cell-mediated immunity by increasing levels of antibodies, interleukin-2, and interleukin-4. Additionally, brief cold stress exposures may trigger physiological adaptations that prepare the immune system for a more effective response.
Another randomized controlled trial by Geert A. Buijze et al. indicates that a regular cold shower routine significantly reduced self-reported sickness absence, though it did not decrease the total number of illness days in adults without severe comorbidities.
Similarly, s study published in the International Journal Of Circumpolar Health suggests that voluntary cold water exposure may offer several potential health benefits, including positive effects on the immune system, such as improved stress tolerance and reduced respiratory infections. It may also have protective effects on the cardiovascular system, help prevent insulin resistance, enhance insulin sensitivity, and improve mental health. These areas show promise and require further research.
Thus, cold baths may be a simple yet effective way to promote better health and overall well-being. Nevertheless, no scientific evidence to back the claim by the user that wrong bathing techniques can cause paralysis and brain hemorrhages.
In a conversation with the Medical Dialogues Fact Check Team Dr. Rahul Chawla, MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DM (Neurology), Consultant, Neurologist at IBS Hospital, New Delhi said "As a doctor, I can confidently reassure you that there is no scientific evidence linking improper bathing techniques to serious conditions like paralysis or brain hemorrhages. Despite common myths, there is no "correct" way to bathe. For instance, some people believe that stepping directly under a shower or pouring water straight onto the head causes a sudden temperature change that leads to stroke, paralysis, or brain hemorrhage. However, these claims are completely unfounded and have no scientific support. While cold showers can offer health benefits, extreme temperature changes can affect certain individuals. Nevertheless, the notion that bathing could cause severe outcomes like paralysis, stroke or brain hemorrhages is not supported by medical research. It is also important to note that Stroke can be extremely dangerous, and its occurrence tends to rise during the colder winters due to increased blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure or are at risk for stroke, it is important to monitor your blood pressure regularly. It is important to consult a doctor for the treatment and management of Blood pressure and stroke."
Medical Dialogues Final Take
Cold water baths may offer a range of potential health benefits, including enhanced immune function, improved stress resilience, cardiovascular protection, better insulin sensitivity, and positive effects on mental health, making them an integral part of wellness routines. There is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to support the claim by the user that bathing techniques such as showering can cause paralysis and brain hemorrhages.
Thus, the claim by the user is FALSE.
