I find this topic quite interesting after I read about it on Primal Blueprint's blog. It stated that cold water therapy could introduce the body to natural stresses, which could have health benefits. Most of us are a little turned off by the idea of a cold shower, right? We look forward to those long hot showers, and hate it when we have to shower last, when all the hot water is gone. Is it bad to endure a cold shower once in awhile though? What are the benefits to a nice cold shower? First we'll look at it from an exercise point of view and the positive effects of taking a cold shower after a tough workout. Firstly, it constricts blood vessels and flushes out waste (like lactic acid, which is what's causing you to be sore after a workout). It can also slow down the physiological processes and reduce the swelling and tissue breakdown. The rewarming after a cold shower increases circulation, which improves healing after a workout. Other benefits: cleans the circulatory system, flushes organs out and provides a new blood supply, reduces blood pressure of internal organs, contracts muscles to eliminate toxins, strengthens the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, strengthens mucous membranes, and reduces pain by releases endorphins. Not only does it have all of these physical benefits, but emotionally as well! Cold water can be emotionally uplifting and prepare you for new experiences. One source I read said that cold water wipes away negative energy, which I found interesting (if you believe in that kind of thing). This correlated to ocean swimming which is said to do the same, which is why beach cultures tend to be considered more laid back (just an interesting side note that I enjoyed). Studies on cold water therapy has shown promise for chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic heart failure, and some cancers. What should you do to get benefits? There was no conclusive evidence of which works best, but it appears that habituation seems to be effective. Basically incorporate some cold showers into your routine. Start with shorter ones or work with feet first and then full body. Spice things up every once in awhile by adding full immersion in cold water, like jumping in a cold spring or something. Just have fun, start out slowly or just jump in!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Cold Water Therapy
I find this topic quite interesting after I read about it on Primal Blueprint's blog. It stated that cold water therapy could introduce the body to natural stresses, which could have health benefits. Most of us are a little turned off by the idea of a cold shower, right? We look forward to those long hot showers, and hate it when we have to shower last, when all the hot water is gone. Is it bad to endure a cold shower once in awhile though? What are the benefits to a nice cold shower? First we'll look at it from an exercise point of view and the positive effects of taking a cold shower after a tough workout. Firstly, it constricts blood vessels and flushes out waste (like lactic acid, which is what's causing you to be sore after a workout). It can also slow down the physiological processes and reduce the swelling and tissue breakdown. The rewarming after a cold shower increases circulation, which improves healing after a workout. Other benefits: cleans the circulatory system, flushes organs out and provides a new blood supply, reduces blood pressure of internal organs, contracts muscles to eliminate toxins, strengthens the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, strengthens mucous membranes, and reduces pain by releases endorphins. Not only does it have all of these physical benefits, but emotionally as well! Cold water can be emotionally uplifting and prepare you for new experiences. One source I read said that cold water wipes away negative energy, which I found interesting (if you believe in that kind of thing). This correlated to ocean swimming which is said to do the same, which is why beach cultures tend to be considered more laid back (just an interesting side note that I enjoyed). Studies on cold water therapy has shown promise for chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic heart failure, and some cancers. What should you do to get benefits? There was no conclusive evidence of which works best, but it appears that habituation seems to be effective. Basically incorporate some cold showers into your routine. Start with shorter ones or work with feet first and then full body. Spice things up every once in awhile by adding full immersion in cold water, like jumping in a cold spring or something. Just have fun, start out slowly or just jump in!
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