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Cold Shower Cures

Updated: 11/02/2009

Unless you live in a hot climate, this is not one of the more pleasant home therapies listed on this website! However, we've added it to our Earth Clinic because we find the therapy of immense value. The practice of taking cold showers in the morning is extraordinarily revitalizing and has been used therapeutically all over the world for thousands of years.

Gurudev Khar Khalsa, a Sat Nam Rasayan healer and Kundalini Yoga teacher in Los Angeles sent us this information on the healing power of cold showers.

"Cold Water Massage Therapy is the one of the healthiest and inexpensive of therapies. Simply massage the body with almond oil before taking a shower. Shower in cold water until your body temperature rises and no longer feels cold, but toasty and warm. Make sure the bathroom is heated. Never get out of a cold shower into a cold room.

*** Please note: Cold showers should not be taken during a women's time of menstruation. A woman needs extra rest and gentleness during her menses. Taking a cold shower is too much for the reproductive system during menstruation. A lukewarm shower is recommended. Generally speaking, hot showers are not good as they tend to depress the various physiological systems of the body.

Cold showers have the following positive effects:

* Brings blood to the capillaries, therefore increasing circulation throughout the body.

* Cleans the circulatory system.

* Reduces blood pressure on internal organs.

* Provides flushing for the organs and provides a new supply of blood.

* Strengthens the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems.

* Contracts the muscles to eliminate toxins and poisonous wastes.

* Strengthens the mucous membranes, which help resist hay fever, allergies, colds, coughs.

Many health problems are reduced or even eliminated over time by providing proper circulation of the blood to the affected area using the cold shower massage.

"Ishnan" is the term used in the old days when people in India referred to cold showers (very cold showers). "Ishnan" is the point at which the body, by its own virtue, creates the temperature that it can beat off the coldness of the water. This happens when the capillaries open with the onset of the cold water. They close again during the course of the cold shower and it is at that point that all the blood rushes back to flush the organs and the glands. This process allows the glands to renew their secretions and "youth" (i.e. young glands) again returns to the body."

DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.

ANXIETY

6 YEA

[YEA]  07/09/2007: Bryon from Cincinnati, OH writes: "I started cold showers about three or four weeks ago and I love them now. They seem to help me get rejuvenated in the morning and I have had less anxiety. Everyone should try them."

[YEA]  09/30/2008: Jon from Monongahela, PA replies: "Oh God...this is the most greatest thing in the world. I embrace the Eastern philosophy of medicine which talks about natural and organic treatments to the ailments that we all suffer. Unlike Western medicine that gives you toxic pills to swallow only to treat the symptoms and not to cure you. I feel great. I've never been so happy and energetic in my life and I feel like I'm high all day long...of course with out the impairment of psychotropic drugs. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED...yeah, there is the hesitation associated with jumping into a swimming pool, but please, just "bite the bullet" and do it.....every day.

THANK YOU EARTHCLINIC.COM!"

12/28/2008: Leon from Wichita, Kansas replies: "I agree. The Western medicine is atrocious. The only side effects I get from them is insomnia, weight gain, nervousness, and irritability. But most of all it tastes bad. I am glad to embrace the Eastern way of handling the problems with my body through taking cold baths and nasal cleansing. It works. It worked for Neiman in the Bible (leprosy), it worked for Father Sebastian Kneipp (tuberculosis), and it works for me (asthma and allergies)."

[YEA]  02/28/2007: Marc from Toronto, Canada writes: "I've been suffering from anxiety and depression for years, and recently I've started to get panic attacks. I finally got motivated to start researching my problem on my own because I've discovered that doctors (at least the ones I've been too) are useless.

I've discovered a lot of useful information on this website, but what really caught my eye is the cold shower therapy. I've never taken a cold shower in my life so I tried it today. Honestly, I've never felt so great. I don't know what it did to me, but I got a terrible fit of the giggles that lasted half an hour. I feel a lot better, and motivated, which is rare for me especially in the morning. I'll keep it up and see what else happens, but I definitely recommend trying it, for whatever reason. And Thank You for this great website!"

[YEA]  02/21/2009: Igor from Moscow, Russia replies: "Dear Earth Clinic,

Thank you for this excellent forum on cold water therapy. I had an anxiety which seemed to 'come from nowhere'. Cold baths work on this much better than cold showers. Also swimming in the sea or lakes. There is a tradition of doing this in Russia and also northern China: but in modern times people think it is madness. In this time of credit crunch (2009) this is a practice which everyone can afford.

I have a question to people on this forum: what about time? I do it for 1-4 minutes, 2 times a day, before and after sleeping, every day, as my uncle showed me, like the brushing of the teeth. (The washing with warm water and soap I do before or after this: it seems not to matter which.) It seems that a longer time is not beneficial at all. So I am interested to know other people's ideas about timing.

Another question: I work sometimes in Arabia where it is very hot in the Summer times. There is no problem to make a bath of water, but it is not very cold. So do people know of any device/machine which can be put in a bath to make the water cold? Putting ice from the fridge is OK but this method needs a lot of ice.

Kind regards,

Igor."

06/01/2009: Lavina from Lake Jackson, TX replies: "I live in texas and in the summer months there is often no cold water in the taps. I am sure several people have this problem. May i suggest buying one of those basic camping showers that come with a hose and hanging bag. You can put the bag in the fridge every night before bed and have an ice cold shower for the morning. Most of them have some sort of hook so you can hang it right on your shower head."

10/06/2009: Jared from Melbourne, Austrailia replies: "If you need to keep water cool, you could use an aquarium cooler in the bath. Its used to keep water temperature low for cold water fish."

[YEA]  03/30/2006: Chris from Kennewick, WA writes: "Hey! John from Arlington, TX, howdy. I thought "I" invented this cure for panic attacks. ;)"

[YEA]  John from Arlington, TX writes: "I started taking cold showers after I developed panic disorder, general anxiety disorder, and moderate depression. Cold showers have been the best distraction out of any other distraction to get a panic attack to go away. It feels so good when I take a cold shower that it is like an addiction to me. I feel instant gratification both physically and mentally when I take cold showers. They our the best to get rid of negative thoughts, minor physical pains from within the body, fear from a panic attack, and anger. At first I tense my muscles together so I can get use to it and then I let them un tense and let the water flow and it feels so great. Also I feel that my body is working better and I am a lot more alert and awake. I always feel like I am regenerated afterwards no matter how much I am going through. It is an intense body high. I would recommend this to anyone who suffers from anxiety, depression, or addiction problems. Remember when you take any of these three away you need to replace them with something else and cold showers is a great safe alternative that works wonders!"

CHINESE MEDICINE

10/08/2007: Richard from Toronto, Canada writes: "I have a diploma in Acupuncture and Chinese medicine and just thought that I would share some Chinese medicine theory with you. According to Chinese medicine, one way to remove bad energy (Chi), also known as anything that ails you—pain, fatigue, insomnia, headaches etc--one way is using cold showers. It forces the blood (a mixture of good and bad energy) to rise to the skin, and the bad energy (toxins) goes out (similar in theory to heat transfer); accelerated breathing due to the cold water pulls "good Chi" in, and a person feels rejuvinatated afterwards. As far as better skin, hair, breathing, etc, in Chinese medicine, the "channel" that contains the lungs also contains the skin and hair. The Lung Channel is the first line of defense against illness, therefore, anything that "tonifies", or strengthens, the Lung Channel also strengthens the immune systems; the strength of which is demonstrated by the condition of the skin and hair. Cold showers, used properly, are a tonic for the entire body."

03/11/2009: Chris from crip52@hotmail.com, Alberta Canada replies: "You wrote, "Cold showers, used properly, are a tonic for the entire body." Sould you please elaborate more on how to use them properly? Thanks, Chris"

03/12/2009: Linda from York County, Maine replies: "Hi Chris....I've done a little cold showering and I'm not as dedicated as a lot of folks, but I like to start with a warm (not hot) shower in order to wash up...also, I haven't used soap in ever so long and haven't missed it, just scrub really well with a shower brush...once I'm finished washing, I turn the water just a little colder for a couple of minutes exposing my pulse points to the cooler water first, then allowing the rest of my body to be bathed in the cooler water...after 2 or 3 minutes, the water begins to feel not so cold - kind of like going swimming in the lake - once the water feels warmer, I turn it another notch colder for 2 or 3 more minutes, etc. until I feel like getting out of the shower. I read that it takes 3 minutes for our blood to completely circulate through our bodies; I have no set time that I stay in the shower but always feel really good afterward. When I do this in the evening, the boost in my circulation energizes me enough to finish my bedtime routine, get into some warm jammies and enjoy a good night's sleep!"

COLD BATHS

5 YEA
1 NAY

[YEA]  01/27/2009: Tamara from Reading, Berkshire UK writes: "In the early 90's I took part in a trial of cold bath therapy. This consisted of taking a cold bath every morning and started off at 22 degrees C for 5 minutes and increasing the time and decreasing the temperature so that when one got to 14 degrees C one was immersed in the water for 20 minutes. That proved to be too long for me, but I did manage 14 degrees for 10 minutes and I must say, having done the therapy for a period of 6 months, I felt extraordinarily well on it. I have now decided to resume it and, having done my first 5 minutes in 22 degrees this morning, am feeling really rather well!

The therapy was thought out by a Pakistani physician here in the UK initially as a cure for Asthma and then ME. I have however lost all reference to him and the therapy and would be grateful if someone knows anything and would care to share! Happy cold bathing!"

EC: FYI, 22 C is about 72 F.

06/14/2009: Joe from Brisbane, Australia replies: "Funny you mentioning this asian fellow. I still have the cut out from the original telegraph /times (?) article in my lockbox at home. I can scan it for you."

[YEA]  12/26/2008: Leon from Wichita, Kansas writes: "I am taking cold baths now. I feel there is a better difference between the bath and the shower. For me the cold bath helps me to better recover from the night's sleep. My routine of starting my day is easier when I take baths than showers. While the bathwater's running, I can irrigate my nasal passages, wash my face, and play my music. I still get all the benefits of cold showers, but in a different way. I have more energy than taking the shower, and the energy lasts all day. 12 inches of water in my tub is not all possible but I do fill up. I am so happy about cold baths because they work."

[YEA]  02/22/2008: Kenneth from Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire UK writes: "Forget all about cold showers! Much too brutal. Cold water baths are the thing but then only early in the morning and before the brain is in gear & knows what is happening. You run the cold water bath tap whilst brushing your teeth & washing your face.This gives you a perfect 12 inches of water to which you add some good quality lavender lotion. Then it's in you go, feet first folloiwed by the bottom. A good sponge down of the torso follows. Then stand up & soap the forked bit. After this lie down slowish until everything but the head is submerged. ( At this point I say my morning prayers). A final sponge down completes the process & you step out of the tub feeling taut, fit & very self-righteous having been no more than about 3 minutes in the bath. I've been doing this for nearly 25 years now & am healthy & fit as a fiddle."

12/27/2008: Leon from Wichita, Kansas replies: "You're right cold showers are brutal. 12 inches of bath water, my bathtub isn't big enough for that. What I do is fill up my bath and while the water's running, I get my clothes ready, water my nose and then I get in after it's filled up. I try to keep the cold water comfortable and not frigid."

06/20/2009: Leon from Wichita, Kansas replies: "Now I feel the cold showers are not brutal if you do not turn the shower full blast. A gentle cold shower works just fine. I just now found out. But I do not feel as exhilerated from the bath as from the shower. So I am back to taking showers again."

[NAY]  09/01/2007: Doris from Murfreesboro, Tennessee writes: "To answer Araeshkigal from Hurst, TX regarding cold baths. I took one several years ago because I heard it would help the immune system. Well, I got the flu and missed work for a week. I haven't tried the cold showers yet. I'm afraid I'll get sick again."

07/05/2008: Matt from Murfreesboro, TN replies: "You can't get the flu from being cold, whether the coldness was induced by bath or shower; hence the influenza "virus.""

12/27/2008: Leon from Wichita, Kansas replies: "I have never had the flu from taking cold baths. It is almost impossible. With nasal irrigation along with cold baths, you are less likely to get a cold, much less the flu."

12/27/2008: Jane from Los Angeles, Ca replies: "I think that the shock to the system can weaken an already weakened immune system. This is what happened to me one day when I went to a Korean spa in K-town. Except I went from dunking for 5 minutes in the mugwort tea pool (amazing but about 105 Farenheit) to the cold pool and plunged in. I almost fainted from the dizziness. It was not a smart thing to do. Any rate, the next day I had a terrible flu. Drastic temperature fluctuations are not healthy to the body I reckon."

[YEA]  02/16/2007: Araeshkigal from Hurst, TX writes: "I first started taking cold showers as a suggested remedy for migraines. It more than worked. It also helped alleviate skin breakouts, regular muscle cramping, and some blood pressure issues (I changed nothing else in diet or exercise to be sure this was what was having the effects) I find it's best to start barely warm and slowly get to cold. If you can't stand ice cold at first just go "on the cool side" till you get a tolerance. You don't have to *freeze* to get the benefits. Also I find cold baths do *not* have the same therapeutic effect as cold showers (anyone else?) "

[YEA]  04/17/2009: Leon from Wichita, Ks replies: "Actually I find that cold baths have a more soothing effect on my body than cold showers and I don't have to have it frigid cold and I get the same benefits."

COLD SHOWER FEEDBACK

131 YEA
2 NAY
1 WARNING!

11/02/2009: Tee from Chicago, Il writes: "I take cold showers everday but I noticed that I dont get the same feeling like I use to. Its almost winter here so the water is definitely cold. I don't get the warm tingly feeling anymore. Am I doing something wrong?"

[YEA]  10/10/2009: Sarah from Nottingham, Uk writes: "I was introduced to cold showers by a forceful boyfriend who absolutely insisted that they'd be good for me. I was suffering from a lack of energy and couldn't motivate myself to do anything, with the result that my studies were suffering badly. At first I was very reluctant to stand under cold water for 15 minutes and he more or less had to hold me under the shower. I'm so glad he did. I now have more energy, more motivation, my skin and hair glow, and my apetite has reduced with the added benefit that I'm now 10lb lighter.

I normally take one cold shower when I wake up (washing my hair as well as my body) and then a second cold shower (without washing my hair) before I go to bed. I know haven't had a hot/warm shower for over four years."

EC: Good idea to take your temperature after such a long shower!

http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/depression2.html#COLDSHOWERS

[WARNING!] 09/22/2007: Remy from Buffalo, NY writes: "Please tell website users that they have to be very careful if they have low body weight and use the "cold shower" method to alleviate depression. I have low blood circulation and several health problems because I am suffering and loosing to an eating disorder. Cold showers can be dangerous!

For people who are "underweight" it may be a good idea by slowly decreasing the temp. each time you take a shower, followed by taking your temperature afterward.

Core Temp. Side Effect
95 Shivering
90 Confusion
85 Lethargic
80 Coma
78 Death

Measuring the length of the shower is important, as the longer you expose your self to cold water, the lower your body temperature will drop.

I hope this helps, and as always; if you think you may have an eating disorder, you may have one, or develop one!"

[YEA]  08/02/2009: Shannon from Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada writes: "I recently started taking alternating hot/cold showers. I start off quite warm then gradually make it as hot as I can for about 3 minutes then switch to cold for about 1 minute. I do 3 cycles and gradually make the hot hotter and the cold colder each cycle. I've only been doing this for 2 weeks now but the chronic headaches I've had for 30 years have lessoned (only 1 in the last 10 days-absolute heaven) and I've mysteriosly lost 8 lbs. (I'm quite obese) without changing my eating habits. The fact that it has been stinking hot the past 2 weeks and I'm sweating to death with no air conditioning could also be a factor for the weight loss! LOL My body temperature stays cooler for a few hours after my shower, even in this 30+ weather. I've also been doing some awesome meditations, listening to binaural beats and watching subliminal videos so it could be a combination of everything.

When I went to my Dr. last week and he asked how I was, I told him he'd better sit down. I've suffered (and I do mean suffer-suicidal thoughts daily) chronic depression for the last 17 years. I've gone off meds 3 times - once for 4 years even- but always end up crashing and need to go back on. Anyways back to the Dr. appt... I told him I had been HAPPY!!!! for 7 whole days and I hadn't cried since Sunday. The reason I cried was because I didn't know how long this would last. Had a bum day yesterday but not too bad today.

I thought it could be the combination of all the above or just my meds kicking in after trying 3 different kinds in 2 months. Not until I read all these posts did I think my showers could actually being contributing to my emotional well-being. Being 45, back in college with a bunch of 20 year olds, dealing with my disrespectful, pot smoking 17 year old son, chronic headaches and migraines, depression, hormone hostage (peri-menapause)... well I can use all the help I can get. I've also developed tennis elbow from being on the computer most of the day for school and homework. The showers haven't helped with that yet so I'm going to try emmursing my arm between my 2 kitchen sinks in hot and cold water.

Thanks for reading and I will definitely be checking out more of this website and referring my friends to it."

[YEA]  07/23/2009: Sveta from Des Plaines, IL writes: "I just want to say that cold showers are great for major depression and anxiety disorder, but they don't help much if you don't shower your head. First, I was doing cold showers but was avoiding showering my head. It helped but I still had a lot of anxiety and depression going on. Then, after trying to SHOWER NOT ONLY MY BODY BUT MY HEAD too with cold water (I was told it's good for hair loss), I felt like I was born again. Plus, my hair doesn't seem to fall out much any more."

[YEA]  07/13/2009: Indigobeauty from Daly City, CA writes: "I have been taking cold showers for mths, i never really kept track but over 5 mths i would say. I have notice many benefits. My stress level has dropped, my skin never becomes dry, my hair is shinier, and my insides feel they function better. but since you have been taking cold showers for 10 yrs plus, i was wondering if you can tell me please what are some other benefits i can expect. thank you! peace"

07/07/2009: Alexa from Boston, MA writes: "With all respect to Gurudev Khar Khalsa, the medical literature does not confirm that cold showers are contra-indicated during menstruation. One can shorten the cold shower a bit if one wishes - but cold water certainly is not unhealthy during that time.

I should know - I am a woman who is enthusiastic about cold water has been taking cold showers her whole life and has two healthy children. Besides, I am a physician who wrote a book about all kinds of water cures and natural remedies.

Keep up the good work!

Alexa Fleckenstein M.D., physician, author."

[YEA]  06/07/2009: Gerald from Sydney, Australia writes: "I have taken a cold shower in the morning for over ten years, and can attest that I suffer less cold and flu symptoms than other workers in my office. In fact when the flu virus strikes Sydney each winter, I am normally the only one unaffected. When I am in the shower I also do some stretching. I hold onto the top of the shower screen and stretch my spine, to release stress. Which is great, because I have a stressful job. For years I have told others my theory about the benefits of cold showers, but am usually met with derision. So I am glad I found on this website a community of like-minded enthusiasts. I had my blood tested and my white cell count is three times higher than average. So I am sure that a wider scientific study would verify the health benefits of the cold shower. Gerald."

[YEA]  05/25/2009: Patrick from Sydney, Australia writes: "I found cold water by accident. I swim each day and when the cold weather arrived I kept swimming in the outdoor pool until they closed for winter. And, I was the only person left swimming in the 15 degree water. I found that cold water gave me an incredible feeling and I wondered if anyone else has experienced it - so I checked the internet. And yes, many had - I was not alone. Now, for the past month I have been swimming in the heated indoor pool but having cold showers after - plus I also have cold showers each morning. I laugh before I get in the shower; my head is a can of worms screaming at me not to inflict this pain. But I do it. I stay under the water until it feels comfortable. BUT, it is best to wear rubber thongs/jandalls/flip flops to save freezing your little feet off on the cold tiles."

[YEA]  05/04/2009: Rob Dillon from San Francisco, CA writes: "I feel sad for a very odd reason. Why on earth did I not find this simple cold water shower cure earlier. I suffered from a lot of diseases all life and this cold water shower cured this. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AND A MUST FOR EVERYONE WHO WANT TO STAY HAPPY AND HEALTHY."

[YEA]  03/02/2009: Heidi from Ogden, UT writes: "Cold Shower: While I was in the shower, it wasn't so great. I could only take the water on the front of my body, and not ice cold, but cool. Then I moved and let the water go over my shoulders. My back is really sensitive, so I didn't go there, but when I put my head under the water and allowed it to flow through my hair and over my scalp! oh! that felt so good! I did that over and over again. mmm. then got out and toweled off, and now I feel terrific. Really tired, as if I could sleep deeply (but I have work, so...) But I'm relaxed and warm, and my emotional state is calm and level. I plan on repeating this every day. I can feel the vigor and alertness, yet I'm relaxed. Calm and alert. Yeah, I can live with this!"

[YEA]  02/01/2009: Sushan from London, UK writes: "cold shower therapy to reduce blood sugar:

cold shower therapy to reduce blood glucose, and get lots of other health benefits. as someone with type 2 diabetes i have been experimenting off and on over 2 years or so with cold showers. they definitely work to reduce blood sugar, by encouraging the cells to utilise the glucose.

some tips :

1. for sustained benefit, its necessary to habituate to cold water( colder temperature is better, ideally around 10 degree centigrade , so it helps to live in a cold climate). It will probably take about a month to habituate. You know this has occurred when you dont really feel the cold after a minute or so of the cold shower, but instead feel quite deatached from consideration of the temperature- you dont really mind it; infact you rather enjoy the sensation.

2. duration: best results occur when the duration of the shower is upwards of 3 minutes ( it takes 3 minutes for blood to make a complete circuit of the system )to 15 minutes. I personally aim for 2 cold showers a day, 11 minutes each time. morning and evening. self- massage your body during the shower to stimulate circulation, and warm the body. Peripheral circulation (PC) is an issue with diabetes - i have found my practice has significantly improved my own PC- but the self massage is essential especially where the body feels cold.

3. wrap up well after the shower, incl thick socks and if you take longer showers (over 6 minutes) ensure the body temperature has returned to homeostasis before venturing out.

4. caution - if you have diabetes with uncontrolled HBP or atherosclerosis , dont try this approch . At the start it can spike BP up , although its final effect on BP is benign and beneficial."

02/02/2009: Jan from Seattle, WA replies: "I read years ago that the late Katherine Hepburn who lived to age 96 took two cold showers daily her entire life, as I recall inspired by her grandmother as a child. I found this quote from a close friend of her online that shows the zest Hepburn had for life; I suspect her cold showers were a great impetus for her good health and long life."

[YEA]  12/31/2008: Jeff from Houston, Texas writes: "Cold Shower Therapy for Depression:

I didn't initially read about cold shower therapy for depression here, but wanted to comment on the positive benefits and why scientists think it works.

I've suffered from treatment resistant or refractory depression since the age of sixteen and am now forty-one years old. I've tried over 50 medications (MAOI's are the best in my personal and medical option), had over 70 ECT (electronvulsive or shock therapy treatments at the age of 18/19), and have tried every other known treatment for depression in the history of mankind.

Cold showers (or baths, swimming in lakes) has been a complimentary or adjunct therapy for me over the past several years. Scientist think it stimulates the blue spot or locus cerulus in the brain which is the main source of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (noradrenaline), but it also stimulates endorphins and has other effects on the hypothalamus/pituitary like stimulating thyroid hormone, helping with hot flashes (I have them with depression) and helps normalize circadian rhythms. I believe it works wonders and am living proof.

I also want to add something else for those who suffer from depression that they might want to try. Sleep deprivation for one or two nights. You might think it would cause depression, but it stimulates most of the neurotransmitters in the brain and is useful for enhancing the antidepressant effect of medications.

Lastly, if one is not so depressed that they're bed ridden, exercise can work wonders."

12/01/2008: Alice from Reims, France writes: "Hello Everybody,

I have been fascinated by the experiences shared on this forum concerning cold showers. I am a design student developing a project to encourage people to have cold showers in order to consume less water (and energy) resources.

I would like to pose this forum some questions in order to help me design the best environment to take cold showers:

1. What type of materials do you feel is the most suitable for the environment in which to take a cold shower?(wood, glass, metal etc) and colours?

2. Is there a preference for a fixed or moveable showering head?

3.What is the average length of shower? (in minutes)

4. What do you like to do directly after taking a cold shower?

5. Is using soap and shampoo an issue when taking cold showers?

6. Taking a cold shower is a vigourous affair...I sometime knock my elbows on the side of the shower. What dimensions would ideally suit 'cold showering'

7. Is it disirable to have special 'non-skid' surfaces, special taps?

Any thoughts you would wish to share regarding these questions would be wildly appreciated.
Cordialement, Alice"

12/01/2008: Paul from Uxbridge, MA replies: "1. Not sure. I take mine in a regular shower with a normal shower curtain. I don't think it would matter to be honest.

2. Fixed shower heads probably work better b/c you need to force yourself under the cold water. A moveable head doesn't give you the full affect of the refreshing blast of cold water coming at you.

3. I used to take hot showers for a good 15 minutes. I've been able to cut my showers down to 5 minutes while fully cleaning myself. Cold showers are extremely environmental friendly in that respect.

4. Dry off. I don't feel the need to shiver in the bathroom and try to warm myself up. My body temp has risen to the point where I can get out of the shower and not reach for the towel to warm up but rather dry off.

5. Not at all. I thought it would when I first started but it really isn't. The shampoo and soap come off just as if it was warm water.

6. Dimensions... I don't think it matters. One thing I do is run in place as soon as that cold blast hits me. You do feel a good shock to the body but compose yourself and run in place for 30 seconds and you will notice that you can handle the cold water better.

7. Not that I can think of.

The best way to promote cold showers would be to talk about how healthy cold showers are. My moods have improved, Headaches are limited, I almost never get sick, I can handle sleeping in a cold basement now, my hair is thicker and stronger, my skin is smoother, I have much better circulation. To be honest, I didn't even think of the environmental effect cold showers would have, but it certainly has cut my oil and water bill drastically.

Best of Luck!!!"

11/10/2008: Pat from London, England writes: "I am the sort of person that will not swim unless the water is lovely and warm so I dont know what made me start turning the shower to cold after my normal hot session. I didnt stand under it just put my arms and legs under and splashed myself. Then I had the bizarre idea of running a shallow cold bath and putting some good oil in and getting into that. At first I just paddled and splashed but now i sit down in it, and sponge myself down. Wonder if I will ever lie down?? i dont have any ailments i want to cure, but I feel so good after the bath that I dont think I will ever stop startng my day like this. I googled cold shower to see if I was not the only completely mad person and found this site. Since reading this thread i tried the hand held shower nozzle but that was unpleasant and made me feel cold afterwards rather than tingly warm. i am sure it is improving my skin tone, I am 60 this week and my skin needs all the help it can get. And is it just a coincidence that my tennis elbow has gone??"

[YEA]  10/31/2008: Leon from Wichita, Kansas writes: "The cold shower has improved my body and my health. I am so full of energy and do not have any allergies or asthma. I feel great. No medication, no flu shot, and no pharmacy trips need. Ever. I am WATER-CURED."

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