[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: 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."

[YEA]  10/20/2008: Sarah from Nailworth, Glos UK writes: "I have been an avid reader of your site since i found it. I use many of your suggestions such as acv, bsm and baking soda for a cleanser. I heard about cold showers and depression and decided to give it a try.
The main reason i tried it was because one day i was with a friend and we do wind each other up a bit and hurl joking insults at each other, but this one day i got really down about some of his comments as i suffer from depression and menopause i was feeling very vunerable. I could not get over his jokes and as much as i tried to reasure myself that he did not really mean them they still hurt and i was in tears for days. I thought i would take a cold shower to see if it cheered me up. All i can say is WOW. I must admit although i had lost the will to live i honestly thought i was going to die in the shower and decided i am not only depressed i am bloody bonkers, i was convinced i was going to die from heart failure, shock and hypothermia all at the same time. But after i stopped shivering and my teeth stopped chuttering i realised i was going to live after all and actually started to enjoy it. That was only this morning and i have been in such a good mood all day i cant wait to try it again tommorow. My face has also been glowing all day without any make up and i cant stop looking in the mirror, maybe it's just because i feel better but it has took years off me.I have got curly hair and heard it is good for curly hair as mine is going a bit frizzy. I will give you an update in a couple of months to see if it helps . I am one of the few women who love my curly hair and would not touch a straigtener. Everybody comments on my hair and how nice it is but lately with the onset of the menopause it seems to have died so i would love to see if something this simple gets it back to normal."

[YEA]  09/23/2008: Jeff from Madrid, Spain writes: "I started taking Cold showers about 3 weeks ago. I tried about 2 years ago but couldn't get used to it.
Well, I have one of those shower heads that come off so what I do is press it on your body and move it around a bit. It takes away the shock for the water hitting you from far away at first...then you can control where it hits.. once thats done then you can put it back and move around in the shower. Its the best thing Ive ever done...I love cold showers and will never go back to hot ones. I would like to know from others on what they think a good time in the shower would be to get the total effect of it."

09/18/2008: Ashley from Toronto, Canada writes: "Could someone provide guidelines for taking a cold shower? How long would you spend taking a cold shower? How cold does the water need to be? I've read the posts and think that this is the right remedy for my 'fuzzy' head in the mornings. I wake up feeling (but not looking) heavy and puffy, cannot get a clear mind till 11am or so. Thanks!!!"

09/18/2008: Tess from Palm Beach, FL replies: "Ashley, besides cold showers, you might also try cutting out your sugar for a month and see how that makes you feel. What you describe to me sounds like candida -- too much yeast! Good luck."

09/19/2008: Ashley from Toronto, ON replies: "Hi Tess,

09/18/2008: Tess from Palm Beach, FL writes: "Ashley, besides cold showers, you might also try cutting out your sugar for a month and see how that makes you feel. What you describe to me sounds like candida -- too much yeast! Good luck."

I actually don't consume sugar at all! I'm a health food and health style nut and sugar is not on my list of products."

[YEA]  08/04/2008: Coldwater from West Park, Fl writes: "Cold showers are extremely good for the body. They help to drive a fresh supply of oxygenated blood to the site of infection or blockage. Every single person should finish off a shower or bath with cold water. It is highly beneficial."

[YEA]  08/01/2008: Kathy from Woodbridge, VA writes: "WOW..I hadn't been able to afford fuel to run the furnace that heats my water for a week..hence I have been taking cold showers. I have felt rejuvinated and awake...and that feeling has lasted all day. GOOGLED "cold shower remedy" found this site and Wasn't amazed to find out that it wasn't in my head, my better mood and all around helth is atributed to my cold showers...YAY ME...so now when I get the fuel for the furnace I will continue to take them!"

[YEA]  05/14/2008: Zvonko Spasic from Belgrade, Serbia writes: "Cold showers helped me to become stronger. When I was little, stomack problems often troubled me. Diarea, for example. Whenewer it was cold you could se me running home or to the nearest bathroom. Sometimes I would not eat anything for houres, so I would not have the need to go. Also, I had a few embarassing moments because of my problem, but nothing to seiouse. Then, one day I came across the idea of a cold shower, because I saw the Russians runing in to the frozen lake after being in a sauna for 15 minutes, as a tradition. There were children, little boys and girls among them. I remember thinking:"Those must be some strong people.". Then it also came to me that we, in Serbia, have a simillar tradition, but without the sauna and as a part of oure religiouse heredity. Those are definitly strong people, because most of them are members of serbians ellite police force. That made me step up. I wanted to become stronger... And i did. I have been taking relatively cold showers for a year and a half now. I have stomack problems very rarrely now and they are more under my controle. I rarely get a cold now, although i hade a few ones only because I took a cold shower and went in to a, not so warm, room. So be carefull. Don't make the same mistake. That would be stupid,as was I. Also, my whole body functions much smoother... I can't explane it, but it feels good. Then I made another step. I joined the Serbian tradition and jumped in to the lake in the middle of winter, alongside the members of the police force and some more people like me. It was freezing. Despite the air themperature, wich was 12 degreas (Celsius), the water was 3-4 degreas (Celsius, don't know how much is that in Farenheits). It felt like my mind separated it self from my body and alowed it to run on authomatic for a few seconds. When I came out off the wather I expected to get a flew or something, but I was just fine, and had a simbolic lunch with the other guys who jumped. Anyway, cold showers helped me plenty. With my body and mentally. The coldnes takes youre thoughts from the things that are on youre mind and leave you in a peacefull state. Try it... If you like it, continue, and begin with babysteps. Sorry for the gramar mistakes and for writing this much. Greatings..."

[YEA]  05/06/2008: Nadia from Chicago, Illinois writes: "I read on the youtube comment http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYxHagZ4W5E that almond oil mixed with water will be absorbed to the skin and not leave you oily afterwards. It says almond oil has good minerals."

06/20/2009: Leon from Wichita, Kansas replies: "When I watch the video, I am convinced the cold shower works. When I take a cold shower every morning I feel the rush of exhileration and blood circulation when I get out, which is why I feel warm. Still my health is among the best in the world. No medication and no allergies or asthma. Period."

[YEA]  04/15/2008: Joe from Brooklyn, NY writes: "I came across the whole notion of cold showers on this website and I thought the people here were crazy. Then, this morning, for no particular reason (in 'Forrest Gump' parlance), I turned my shower water cold and took the plunge. Yeah, it was a heck of a shock to my system, but after about a minute or two, I started warming up automatically -- likely my own body temperature responding to the cold. After I got out, I felt great. Now, it'll take a few days of this to see if this really benefits me or not, but I've already seen two effects:

a) For some reason, my skin is tingly all over and I can't explain it.

and

b) I was early to work today because of the limited time I spent in the shower (hot showers have always encouraged me to just linger under the steam for as long as possible). Before, showers would last 20 minutes. Today, I was in and out in less than 10 -- and more than adequately clean.

I'll write back again to report my progress. Happy scrubbing!"

[YEA]  04/08/2008: Nate from Los Angeles, CA writes: "Cold showers are great for waking up in the morning and actually lifting one's mood. Takes a bit to get used to (heavy breath intakes and shivering) but after you step out you feel alive and then, as you warm up ... awesome! I have been doing them for 4 days now - do it slightly "cool", to get used to it, then cool it down even more. I make it about a 3-4 minute affair. Seems to have cured morning "head fog". If you're new to it - get ready for a rush."

[YEA]  02/19/2008: Kenny from Strathclyde, Scotland writes: "I have been trying ACV for a while now and agree that it's great for improving metabolism and curbing apetite. I use supermarket bought organic ACV. However, for some time now (since before I started ACV), I've suffered red SPOTS/PIMPLES on the face/cheeks and on my head, and since I have little hair, it's particularly unsightly, I also had kind of FLAKEY SKIN on these areas, both would normally be quite itchy. I have recently taken to the topical application of ACV on these areas, speculatively. I have to say, in just a couple of days, the results are dramatic... I tilt the bottle onto a cotton pad a couple of times to saturate it, about the same size as a cosmetic make-up remover and wipe all over my face and head liberally, avoiding the eyes (cos it stings). I leave it on and repeat several times a day (just remember to wash the face with clean lukewarm water before you go out and pat it dry). The resulting effect is no redness, no flakey skin, just a taught, fresh-faced complexion. To compliment that, I have been taking daily sauna and steam bath treatments, interspersed with cold showers,excellent for a variety of conditions I'm sure, marvellous for the circulation, very invigorating and great for the skin, which I read here somewhere - is like the body's third kidney, and when in tip-top working condition, serves the body well to flush-out and detox the system. Try it!"

[NAY]  01/30/2008: Scott from New York, NY writes: "Cold Showers: I've tried them a number of times the last few weeks and I keep getting headaches, stomach aches and back aches. It doesn't look like it works for me."

12/28/2008: Leon from Wichita, Kansas replies: "I agree. The shower does cause me stomach pains, headaches, especially around the sinus area, and lower back pains. When I took the cold bath, the pains seem to go away. May I suggest the cold bath? It works for me, maybe it'll work for you."

06/20/2009: Leon from Wichita, Ks replies: "Well now I am back to taking cold showers again and I'll tell'ya. No stomach pains or anything else. I am not sure what it could be. Maybe my body's used to the cold showers rather than the cold baths."

[YEA]  01/30/2008: Sandy from San Rafael, CA writes: "About two months ago I was having yet another anxiety attack in the middle of the night. I got up and Googled and wound up at your site. Thank goodness ! I read all the testamonials for Cold Shower Therapy. I tried it and much to my amazement I have felt so much better! I am grounded,emotionally stable and strong. My skin feels fabulous, my hair is soft and shiny, I am energized and also relaxed. I have tried so many treatments for severe depression,anxiety and pacic attacks. CST has helped me beyond my wildest dreams. Yes, I now sleep so well that I am having amazing dreams as well. Thank you for this great resource and community !!!!!"

[YEA]  01/28/2008: Kayla from San Jose, California writes: "I tried the cold shower therapy and it was great! at first it was really hard to get started the first 3 times then it was easy. i feel really energized after and positive! It's great even in the winter. But dont go out into the cold after taking one.at first i used frezing water and that was horrible!Take cold showers not freezing. afrezing shower make my head hurt really bad and i started to hyperventalate. so yeah im 15 and cold showers were awsome for me:) i say tough it out and just do it!"

[YEA]  01/24/2008: Jacob Witherson from Raleigh, North Carolina writes: "I began taking cold showers 2 weeks ago. Needless to say, they make me feel incredible, like I can touch the sky. No joke. I usually take them at night but I had a state test today so I decided to take it since I've read on here it boots energy and concentration (I get distracted and tired really easy) and it turned out to be true. They also make me sleep like a baby, where before I had insomnia. As 2 others mentioned, it makes you hair really curly (I have extremely curly hair, even with warm water) but they get less frizzy than they usually do. I would reccommend these to anyone as they do help. Word of advice, I purchased one of those shower heads that have the metal cord thing so you can hand hold it to spray parts of your body. This helps a lot as you have more self control over doing it and dont instinctively move out of the water, you are forcing yourself to do it. Awesome remedy, thanks much!!"

[YEA]  01/17/2008: Lisa from Victoria, Texas writes: "I woke up early this morning and went right into one of the worst panic attacks of my life. Nausea, dizziness, heart rate going at about twice what it normally does... I found this site after looking for quick ways to lower my hart rate because I was having trouble breathing. I decided to give the cold shower treatment a try and, while I regretted it for the first five minutes or so, I am now feeling totally back to normal. I'll be sure to use this method in the future as it works so much faster than any medication I have tried."

[YEA]  01/16/2008: Susan from Portland, OR writes: "I have been sold on this cold water business for a couple of years now..and am convinced that it has surpressed my usual severe chronic pain to a manageable level. I don't have a shower and have some heart failure so I am generally freezing 99% of the time. But I do have a large claw foot tub. So each day I start with a warm/hot bath..and then towel off and hang out while the tub refilled with all cold. Then I get in...up to my waist and lay in the cold water for at least 5 minutes. Recently, after a car accident I started to lay down up to my neck (though I never immerse my chest..cause that would just be insane :) I lay there long enough for the "heat" to be pulled away..then get out. In summer..the water isn't quite cold enough..but I go swimming in cold lakes and rivers...in winter..the water gets so cold..I cheat a bit and add some hot to the mix so it is not 39 degrees. I swear by this and now do it everyday. If I am at a public pool, I use the cold shower method after swimming...but the cold bath is really good and I always soak my feet in it. I used to have chronic nerve pain the feet..but no more. I read that Thomas Jefferson (or was it Washington....?) soaked his feet in a cold water bucket every day too. It is also really good for the wrist pain you get with typing and mousing. I do not use ice...but have added ice to the tub when soaking at motels in the summer on vacation if the tap water is too warm. It is hard to lay in the tub...but I'm hooked and do it daily."

[YEA]  01/08/2008: Mike from Toronto, Canada writes: "I use the cold shower therapy everyday now, I try to do it at least twice a day. I also practice falun dafa which results me in good health also. Two power combination. I have more energy, more alert, less anxiety and less depression. It is uncomfortable at the beginning but well worth it."

[YEA]  01/01/2008: Jackie from Toronto, Canada writes: "I must admit, I was very apprehensive as I am not a fan of cold water but all the posts here worked me up. I started with my feet and legs, then arms as I was afraid the shock directly on the heart would send me into cardiac arrest. (I always was a bit of a pain wuss) The horror! It was like being attacked by an army of evil, miniature trolls wielding tiny frozen ice piks. It was especially amplified in the head area. The HORROR but I refused to give up, reminding myself that the body will adjust its temperature, effectively turning my tortured skin into a barrier between me and the evil trolls. I couldn't take it, and opened my mouth to scream in surrender when amazingly, a loud horribly off key opera roared forth. T'was just the ticket. I sang like never before, turning round and round reaching a singing ferver when something strange began happening. The water didn't hurt anymore and in fact, began to feel wonderfully refreshing. The singing continued and I actually began enjoying the whole experience! I washed and sang feeling energized as I pictured the evil trolls swooshing away down the drain. After jumping out of the shower, I vigorously dried myself off delighting in the wakeful feeling of aliveness that soared my spirits. I shall see how long this lasts and seriously consider attempting another one before bed tonight. Thanks all for this wonderful site! Oh and a question...is there a time limit for the cold shower before it starts to adversly affect one?"

09/16/2008: Kevin from Rochester, NY replies: "Great visual! I never thought to sing opera in the shower. I'll have to try that. ha."

[YEA]  10/01/2009: Zach from Saginaw, Texas replies: "I sang along to music in my cold shower this morning, I think it helped distract me from the cold lol, and it's fun trying to sing while you're body is trying to make you breath in and out so fast!"

10/02/2009: Kathy from Dubois, Pa replies: "I tried the cold-shower thing a couple of times and I made noise, too, but I wouldn't call it singing...more like howling, or shrieking ;)"

[YEA]  12/12/2007: Shirl from Missouri writes: "Hello all,
It's been 9 months or better since I found this site and started taking cold showers.
I am so glad I found this site and was brave enough to start the cold showers.

I did know to start off with my feet because many years ago we owned horses and one of the mares got injured out in the pasture. It was a huge gaping injury on the upper part of the front leg. The vet's instructions were to run cold water on it for 15 minutes, twice a day. Since I wasn't working at the time, it would be my job to do until the sore healed.

The mare would have had a fit except I would run the water over her feet first for a few minutes then work my way up to the sore. She would stand still for all of it that way. It took quite a few weeks to heal. It not only healed but the large hole closed up and it was hard to see a scar from it.

So by that, I knew it would be easier for me to start on my feet and work upwards. Starting at the feet, legs, arms, head and body. I even wash my hair in the cold water. I have less hair fall out using cold water along with a good natural shampoo.

I will usually stay in the water completely from 10 to 15 minutes. I do get a slight headache while I am washing my hair under the cold water but it stops as soon as I finish.

I have started using the baking soda scrub before I start my shower. I get the wash cloth wet and add a little liquid soap then sprinkle baking soda on the cloth and do a gentle scrub all over & making sure to not forget the back of my hands. After I get all finished, I turn on the shower and begin. I've never had such smooth skin as now.

Also you had a poster some time ago, say that the cold shower made his hair curly and he wasn't sure if it was the cold water or not. It does that to mine too. I've always had straight hair until the cold showers and now it's very curly right after the shower and stays semi-curly after it dries.

I'm 65 years old and have to say I've always been very healthy. I haven't had to go to a doctor in years. My doctor moved from our area several years ago and I've not looked for a new doctor because so far I haven't needed one. I thank God for my good health and for leading me to this site."

[YEA]  12/10/2007: Leon from Wichita, KS writes: "Cold showers are fun. I take them every morning and I sleep great at night. The cold showers really help my immune system and my autonomic nervous system. It also regulate my brain chemistry. I tried the dip showers, but the cold is lots better for me. I tried taking them twice a day but I decided to take them in the morning."

     

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