‘Standing under freezing cold showers every morning, – I did that. I got up to seven minutes most mornings, and it actually works; it immunizes your body, and your body starts getting used to the cold. It really works.”
Lian Neeson – Actor
Always consult with a doctor of health physician before embarking on a new regime. Especially if you are living with a long term health condition. Please note – Nothing on this website is to be taken as medical advice, recommendation or as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have any concern about your wellbeing, always seek the advice of a doctor, physiotherapist or mental health expert and take a professional guide with you for activities.
Cold Water Therapy for Yoga Practitioners
‘Why I started taking cold showers daily’
-Aimee, Managing Director and Teacher
‘I really struggled getting under freezing cold water initially, so much I did not participate in cold water therapy for a while. I seen documents with Whim Hoff AKA ‘ The Ice Man’ – who is an inspirational wellness advocate, who teachers that showering in cold water can be transformational for our physical and mental wellbeing. I decided to give it a go – could only last a few seconds. ‘
‘Building up from a few seconds, to fifteen seconds, thirty, a minute – up to 2 minutes, I actually started to enjoy them the more I got used to it. Straight away, after a session I noticed I felt really rejuvenated, with a sense of calm and clarity within my mind. I felt brighter. researching, there are many benefits to taking cold showers. For me, whatever I do, it is always primarily for my mind. Anything that helps still and calm my mind, or makes me feel naturally happier and is healthy for the physical body too, is a big drive for me. ‘
Have a go and see how you feel, but start gradually. If you have any heart problems or long term health conditions, always run it past your doctor or physio before trying anything new.
Please see our section below ‘when to be wary and heed dangers taking cold showers’ and seek medical advice if any of this applies to you.
Cold showers can be refreshing, rejuvenating and good for both body, mind and soul.
Are they something you have thought about including in your routine, but have not done it yet? Read on to see some of the benefits of taking cold showers regularly.
Recommended building up to 5 minutes, 2-3 times a week.
6 reasons why cold showers are beneficial, especially for our wellbeing journey.
Cold showers can be a beneficial addition to your routine for several reasons. Especially if you practice Yoga or Meditation!
Physical and Mental benefits
1. Improved circulation and reduced muscle soreness & inflammation
Cold showers can help reduce muscle soreness after a strenuous yoga or exercise session. They can also improve our circulation. The cold water makes blood travel to our organs, and causes capillaries in the skin to contract. This helps to improve our blood-flow around the body. It can also promote healing of injuries. Athletes and top sports practitioners have participated in ice-baths and cold showers, for these reasons. It has also been said to reduce inflammation in the body.
2. Increases endorphins in the body and reduces depression
A study into the effect of cold showers on the nervous system and brain shows that cold showers stimulate the nervous system to produce more endorphins, our ‘happy’ chemicals. The effects also stimulate the brain to have a positive effect on reducing the symptoms of depression and anxiety. It is recommended to take a cold shower for 5 minutes, 2-3 times a week to really feel the benefits of cold water therapy.
3. Boosts your immune system and builds resilience to stress
The effects of cold water therapy can boost your immune system. A study conducted in the Netherlands shows days off work reduced when people took regular cold showers. It can enhance production of white blood cells, as well as building resilience to the body and nervous systems reaction to stress and anxiety. It is known to improve clarity of the mind and invoke a sense of calm and mental wellbeing.
4. Improves health of hair and skin.
Cold showers may contribute to healthier hair and skin by closing the skin’s pores and strengthening hair follicles. By causing contraction and tightening, it improves our skin tone and condition. Cold Water Therapy invigorates the body and create a sense of rejuvenation, helping to soothe soreness after a workout.
Benefits for meditation practice
Meditation and Cold Water Therapy – why cold showers help to still the mind – a great combination for complimenting meditation practice.
5. Enhances ability to focus and still the mind
Cold showers allow us to build mental resilience. It helps to focus the mind by having a positive effect on stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. This is responsible for our ability to relax, rest and release tension. Cold shower therapy also rduces the amount of cortisol (stress hormone) the body produces. On top of this, it also encourages the body to produce more endorphins, our ‘happy chemicals’ and mood lifters. It leaves the body and mind feeling refreshed. It allows us to feel more connected to mind and body.
6. Aids mental clarity
Cold water therapy is may improve blood circulation, allowing more oxygen to flow to the brain. This can help improve mental clarity. The effects can contribute to heightened focus, allowing us to concentrate more and a greater sense of calm.
Dangers of practising cold water therapy – when to take caution.
Cold shower therapy can come with certain risks. This is particularly true for individuals with long-term health conditions.
Due to a potential increase in heart-rate, hose with high blood pressure or heart conditions should not practice. Also, those with respiratory conditions (such as lung cancer or asthma) can, due to the shock of the cold water, experience breathing difficulties.
People with conditions that affect blood flow to the extremeties, such as Raynaulds disease or peripheral neuropaphy, can experience adverse symptoms. Those with circulatory issues may feel symptoms of conditions exacerbated.
Due to these reasons, its imperative that anyone with a health condition consults with a healthcare professional to check if it is safe to add cold water therapy to thair wellbeing routine.
Why Cold Showers are Great for Yoga and Meditation Practitioners: A summary
Cold water therapy in the form of cold showers can benefit yoga and meditation practitioners by:
– improving mental alertness and clarity
– enhancing blood circulation.
– invigorating the body and mind
– reduce inflammation and muscle soreness
Cold showers are an effective way to start the day with a positive mind, rejuvenated body and fresh focus. Cold Water Therapy can be especially positive and beneficial for students who participate in yoga sessions, exercise, running or prolonged meditation practices. There ate a myriad of benefits for adding cold showers to your wellbeing practice.
Have you tried cold water therapy? Would you recommend it?
Keen to try, but haven’t had a chance yet? – let us know in the comments!
Aimee is Managing Director of AMALAwellness – as well as doing a lot of teaching too!
Aimee loves writing informative blogs about techniques that benefit her Yoga and Meditation Wellness journey – to find out about AMALAwellness and what we offer across Teesside, visit our home page and timetable.
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