ARE THERE ANY HEALTH BENEFITS OF COLD SHOWERS AND BATHS?

Cold water immersion therapy, the scientific term for taking freezing cold showers and ice baths, has become a popular health trend lately. Cold showers have been linked to a variety of health benefits, ranging from reducing recovery time and increasing immunity to curing depression.

The use of ice to heal is as old as civilization. Ice is known to preserve food, reduce body swelling, and cool the surroundings. Hydrotherapy (comprising both cold and hot water) has been used in India, Egypt, China, and many other cultures for naturopathic treatment.

Taking a bath or shower, or simply submerging yourself in the water below the temperature of 21°C constitutes a form of therapeutic exercise called cold water immersion or cold hydrotherapy. There are many ways to practice cold therapy, like taking cold showers, ice baths, winter swimming, or simply general cold exposure.

BENEFITS OF COLD SHOWERS AND BATHS:

Stress is the main factor behind the success of cold showers and ice baths. Putting the body under the sudden stress of low temperatures activates the fight or flight response. It is marked by dilated pupils, elevated heart rate, rapid breathing, and trembling. Hormones like adrenaline, noradrenaline, testosterone, endorphins, and dopamine are injected into the blood stream. Regular release of these hormones works wonders towards improving alertness, recovery, immune system and mood

Based on numerous scientific studies and the satisfaction of their partakers, it can be concluded that the view that cold showers and ice baths are beneficial for health is a reality. A cold shower puts the body under sudden, immense stress, activating the fight or flight mode. Hormones like adrenaline, testosterone, endorphins, and dopamine—all proven mood boosters and potent stimulants—are released into the bloodstream, resulting in increased alertness, better recovery, a strong immune system, and an improved mood.