Contrast showers are a simple and inexpensive way to improve your health. For this, start the shower with lukewarm water and switch to cold water after about a minute. First you have to keep your right foot under cold water, as this is the farthest point from the heart and after a short period of time the body gets used to the cold, it gradually goes completely under the shower jet.
After about 60 seconds the warm water comes back, so you alternately change the temperatures a few more times. Warm water should not be hotter than 40 degrees. You finish the shower with cold water and then immediately wrap yourself in a large towel or bathrobe. And these nine positive effects have contrast showers on the body and mind:
1. Refreshing and invigorating
If you can’t get up in the morning and are tired, contrast showers are an ideal way to wake up fast and start the day fresh.
2. Give positive energy
Another advantage is that many people get a good mood from an alternating hot and cold shower, as blood circulation is stimulated after a shower and you feel like you are recharging your batteries.
3. Promote circulation and blood flow
Contrast showers promote blood circulation, which can even prevent heart disease in the long run. An increased circulation prevents low blood pressure and can help against dizziness.
4. Strengthen the immune system
The big difference in the temperature of the shower water strengthens the immune system with regular use, because the whole organism is supplied with many immune cells through the stimulated circulation through the blood. In this way, pathogens are combated more quickly and effectively.
In addition, powerful alternating showers strengthen the capillaries responsible for the exchange of gases and substances between the blood and the surrounding tissue, as these vessels expand when hot and contract when cold. This stimulates the procurement process.
5. Improve thermoregulation
As the body has to adapt quickly to different water temperatures, it learns to regulate temperature better over time.
6. Prevent varicose veins
In addition to endurance sports and vascular gymnastics, contrast showers should also be able to prevent the formation of varicose veins. They have a stimulating effect on the tissue and in most cases increase the elasticity of the vessels.
7. Keep your hands and feet warm
Those who take frequent contrast showers avoid cold hands and feet, as the stimulated blood circulation makes the fingers and toes feel warmer.
8. Help with sore muscles
Cold water relieves pain for sore muscles that persist for a short time after a shower. The sharp change in temperature, on the other hand, allows slightly torn muscles that cause discomfort in the muscles to heal faster, thanks to the promoted blood circulation.
9. Detox the body
The lymphatic system is also stimulated by this particular type of shower, which means toxins can be better removed.
In these cases, contrast showers should be avoided.
If you are showing cold symptoms or if you already have a fever, you should not take turns showering. People with heart disease should also avoid doing this or talk to their doctor beforehand. Otherwise, such showers are suitable for healthy adults of all ages.