Even in the idea of the cold water running through their body some people have already been experienced a shock!Well to be honest is not that bad as it may sounds but once you get used to it your body,hair and immune system will be grateful of it.You may wonder so far why I publish this article in the month of January,but during the winter time this practice have been proved even more beneficial.
I did a research over the benefits and the pros of the famous Scottish shower,it is the one where from hot water you turn the dial to the opposite side and cold water begins to run from head to toe.However,to be honest,it has been in my routine since I was a teenager,but lately because I have been training for more than 1 and a half hour to 2 and a half I raised my 30 seconds of cold water to almost 3 minutes.But let’s check what I am talking about!
If by any chance you happened to be a big fan of James Bond and especially of Ian Fleming’s book version,you’ve already been aware of 007 favourite shower routine,he would normally start with hot water and then turn it down to cold for the past few minutes.This type of shower is widely known as Scottish,is that the link we have been missing?
The Benefits of ending the shower with cold water
- Improves circulation
As cold water hits our body and external limbs,it constricts circulation on the surface of your body.This causes blood in our deeper tissues to circulate at faster rates to maintain the ideal body temperature.Good blood circulation is vital for overall cardiovascular health.Healthy blood circulation also speeds up recovery time from strenuous exercises and work.Stimulating the circulatory system in this way keeps us healthier and younger.
- Shinier hair and softer skin
Our hair and scalps loves cold water.The delicate and thin skin of human’s scalp can get irritated by the use of extremely hot water and cause result in flakiness or itching.Same for the hair,if you have been visiting professional hair salons you may already know the benefits of the cold water as the experts suggest.The hair shine more and also help the colour-treated ones to maintain the colour longer.Additional for the rest of the body,the cold water alleviates winter dryness and calms itchy skin.
- Boost the immune system and prevent illness
After a cold shower,our body reacts to the temperature change by trying to warm itself.Our metabolic rates increase and the body kick-starts its natural bug-fighting defence system with a rapid release of white blood cells.So they’re especially beneficial during cold and flu season or whenever there’s a virus circulating.
- Cause lymph movement and aids the lymphatic drainage
As for me this is the major benefit.The lymphatic drainage plays a major part in our overall health.The lymphatic system is comprised of nodes and fluid that transport water and nutrients,as well as toxins and waste,through and out of the body all day,everyday.Stagnant lymph that accumulate in pockets of the body can result in puffiness in the face and abdomen,discomfort,infection,illness,breakouts and poor sleep.While the movement of it can result in the reduce of cellulite,detox and better skin especially around the eye area.For multiply benefits try dry brushing technique on your body before the shower.
- Help reduce muscle soreness after intense workouts
Since cold water has regenerative properties,our muscles will relax and repair after a tough workout.Also in holistic medicine approach since the previous century they use to treat injuries such as strained muscles and broken bones.It’s well known today that athletes are taking ice baths to speed their recovery from injuries and intense workouts.
- Increases energy and well being
The cold showers activate the sympathetic nervous system,they can increase neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and endorphins to give us that feel-good rush.The heart starts pumping and the rush of blood through the body helps shake off the lethargy of the previous night’s sleep.They are great choice after the morning workout to retain the full energy and boost our day.It also said to be a stress reducer.
But how to begin with them?Well have your normal hot or warm shower and gradually the past few minutes decrease the temperature of the water so your body can adjust.After a period of time try to turn the dial to the cold water for the last 30 seconds of the shower,once you get used to it you can increase the duration to several minutes of completely cold water then you will have yourself a proper Scottish Shower.
Hot showers have their benefits too,such as relief from cold or respiratory symptoms and the relaxation we need before the bed.So don’t skip one for another,be brave enough to try to switch between cold and hot and afterwards you feel a real badass just like James Bond!
Eleni Kadigkou Xx
