COLD SHOWER FEEDBACK

[YEA]  11/25/2007: Alexa Fleckenstein M.D. (coldwatermd@yahoo.com) from Brookline, MA writes: "It seems, the one really important word has been left out of my message: "Ultimately about 20 to 30 SECONDS, but depending very much on age, fitness, body mass, time of the day, health status. We don't all have to be winter swimmers - but our modern life lacks the stimuli of the natural world we experienced in prehistoric times, and a short cold shower can restore some of our birthright." Finishing a warm/hot shower with a cold one for a few seconds improves immune function overtime. Staying under a cold shower for prolonged time (and then walking into a cold room) can suppress the immune system - especially if you are not young and healthy. And, please, refer to the contraindications and cautions in my water book "Health20"."

[YEA]  11/24/2007: Sandy from In the sticks, Nevada writes: "The cold shower therapy works really well for lifting my mood and making me feel alive. I am doing many other therapies, but I believe that the cold showers are the reason I have been so happy the last few months and have experienced moments of amazing joy that occur out of the blue and for no particular reason. I get cold easily and so starting this therapy made me question my sanity. I have to say that I started with cold showers in August of this year and that it is much easier to take cold showers in the summer than now! Even in the summer however, I was never able to stay in the shower until I felt warm. Now that it is winter, if I am even slightly chilled before I get in the shower, I will take a warm shower and gradually throttle it down so that I end the shower with a cold rinse. I think having the bathroom warm is important if you are going to try this therapy."

[YEA]  11/07/2007: Alexa Fleckenstein M.D. (coldwatermd[at]yahoo.com) from Brookline, MA writes: "I am fascinated how people stay under an ice-cold shower for a prolonged time. But as a physician and somebody who is using cold water for all of her life, I want to say that one can reap the benefits of cold water also in a shorter time: Just ending a hot shower with a few seconds improves immunity, heart and lung health, boosts the mood. Ultimately about 20 to 30, but depending very much on age, fitness, body mass, time of the day, health status. We don't all have to be winter swimmers - but our modern life lacks the stimuli of the natural world we experienced in prehistoric times, and a short cold shower can restore some of our birthright. My new book “Health20” may help you and Mother Earth to better health (McGraw Hill, February 2007). No, it's not "Health Twenty" but "Health Two O" like in "H20" (water), and it tells you about the myriad health benefits of water - inside and outside, warm and cold. Because we haven’t even dipped into the healing power in water! Water greetings! Alexa Fleckenstein M.D."

[YEA]  10/24/2007: Eddie from Minneapolis, USA writes: "Taking cold showers in the morning is a good feeling. also at night with the cool fall air, open your windows and get the full benefit of your cold showers."

[YEA]  10/16/2007: John from Virginia, USA writes: "I have been taking cold showers for the past 3 days at night and I can greatly tell the difference. If I lay down to sleep right after I take a shower, I usually fall asleep within 15 minutes, which is a miracle since it usually took me about an hour or more. I didnt even bother trying to take them over the summer as the water wasnt cold enough, but now that fall is coming and temperatures are getting in the 40's the water is freezing. I cant wait until snow comes so the water is even colder. I havent tried them in the morning as I get out of bed and go in the shower and usually dont feel like getting real cold but I will tomorrow to see if it effects my day. The only side effect is when I was in the shower for the first 5 seconds I started panting and almost became dilusional because it was shocking. Nothing bad about them though. I do have to go from medium to cold back to the middle of the both then cold in order to survive it. Would reccomend it to anyone!"

Perhaps someone have an explanation about the "state" of water during the night, especially between 2 and 4 AM ?"

[YEA]  10/01/2007: Steve from Santa Rosa, CA writes: "I have been taking cold showers for about a month. I also started a self massage with almond oil, especially on scalp. Hot showers and baths now feel like they drain energy. I take cold showers in the morning and at night. My hair and skin look and feel wonderful! I will never take hot showers again, unless I am coming out of a cold lake or something."

[YEA]  09/25/2007: Dylan from Galway, Scotland writes: "yeah after trying a few cold showers we are totally addicted to it!! good for staying up at night during exam times. as foreign students we are broke after the bill skyrocketed this summer, i have made a deal with my flatmates to turn off the water heater from now on. means we only have cold water to use into the winter !! we shall see who can last the longest..i even placed a bet that i wont turn it on again.. not until next year.."

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

[YEA]  09/11/2007: Jody from Portland, ME writes: "I came upon this site and now I think I am hooked on this idea of cold showers instead of hot. I took one last night and one this morning and I am feeling the effects already. This morning I took a cold shower when I arrived at work after biking in and it seemed to really wake up my senses to get me ready for the day. I really enjoy cold water swims so I knew I would enjoy these cold showers as well. I am going to take one at night and one in the morning from now on."

[YEA]  09/08/2007: Mike Creauxwave from Cincinnati, ID writes: "I TOOK A COLD SHOWER BEFORE BREAKFAST (ON AN EMPTY STOMACH) AND IT INSTANTLY CURED MY LOOSE STOOLS. MOREOVER, IT CURED MY LOOSENED HEAD ACHES AND NAUSEA FOREVER. DROWSINESS, ACNE, ORANGE, STIFF JOINTS, LOOSE AND STIFF STOOLS, SORE THROATS, FEVERS, STRESS, TIRED BLOOD, HAUNTED. I HAVE ALSO BEEN LOSING WEIGHT AT AN ALARMING RATE. GOUT."

For the people who are wondering if they should try a cold bath or shower, they should consider how cold their cold water is. My cold water is not that cold right now because its 100F outside, so bath water may warm too quickly for me. But if your water is super cold - somewhere in South Argentina during this time - immersing your entire body in ice cold water might weaken your immune system too much. The shower provides a stream of water at a consistent controlled temperature and exposes only parts of your body to the cold at a time."

[YEA]  09/02/2007: Aron from Cluj-Napoca, Romania writes: "I started taking cold showers about five weeks ago. I started with Scottish showers (hot/cold) and then after a couple of days I tried the cold ones. I just love them: it gives me enough energy to last throughout the day and my overall mood has improved.Now my daily routine includes a Scottish shower in the morning and a cold one before I go to sleep. Usually it takes no more than 10 minutes to shower. I start from the feet, arms, armpits and then the chest. In the beginning I expected to catch a cold, which didn't happen(good thing), although I sneeze a lot more(bad thing). I've discovered that I have less BO and I am cleaner after showering, although I don't use soap or duche gel.Also, for the ones who want to try it: take it easy; go from hot to lukewarm, and then gradually go to cold. Try it for 3 weeks and then decide if you don't like them. Try it."

[YEA]  09/01/2007: Leon from Wichita, KS writes: "I take two cold showers a day so that I can take a cold shower in the morning to stay awake all day and a cold one at night to sleep at night. It really helps me to avoid naps and it helps me to stay asleep at night."

[YEA]  08/15/2007: Jennifer from Chicago, Illinois writes: "I started taking cold showers only a few days ago and I'm already addicted!! I used to LOVE a hot shower- but I will never go back. In just a few short days, I've noticed a drastic energy boost, better overall mood/spirits and improved skin and muscle tone. I feel like I'm able to concentrate better at work and my energy seems to last all day. I start out lukewarm and gradually turn colder - until the last few minutes are as cold as I can stand. It gets a little longer each day!! I take one in the morning and am finding that I'm now craving a second one at night. Only question is - why shouldn't women take cold showers during menstration? Is this harmful?"

[YEA]  08/14/2007: Howard Carter from Fayetteville, North Carolina writes: "WOW was all I could say after my first cold shower by design.Into day three I notice that I have more energy that last longer throughout the day. The great feeling after the shower has prompted me to take a mid-day cold shower. I cannot imagine ever taking another hot shower. I only wish my water was colder."

[YEA]  08/14/2007: Susan from HUNTERSVILLE, NC writes: "I'm having a hard time finding a beginning to describe what cold showers has done for me! first of all, this seems insane for me because i'm such a cold natured person. But since i've tried this i find that i'm not so cold anymore! I work out every day and play tennis twice a week, but first let me say i'm in my mid 40's, i have 4 children (two in their 20's and two are not yet school age) so keeping fit and appearance are very important to me! I've always been told i look half my age, but what i've noticed more than anything is my skin!! The improvement in tone is just amazing to me. The first few days (after showering in the cold) i just kept looking at my face in the mirror. Only after a few days of cold showers i noticed a difference in the way i felt, my energy, metabolism, skin, and my pain!!! i had a hip injury almost 8 months ago and i've been doing strengthening excersizes and therapy to help this slow healing process, but after taking the showers i've had almost NO pain!! that has been the most amazing part to me. I'm hooked. I'll never go back to warm showers (except when necessary) I only wish i had known about this years ago! But i can tell you, it's never too late!!!"

[YEA]  08/11/2007: Leon from Wichita, KS writes: "I like taking cold showers at night. It helps to sleep and I feel confident getting up in the morning. I encourage everybody to take a cold shower at night. It really helps with insomnia."

[YEA]  08/07/2007: Brenna from Rochester, NY, USA writes: "Well, I found your site from a link on paxilprogress.org and I suggested this "crazy idea" to my husband who's been dealing with panic attacks and anxiety. He hopped in, screamed for a few minutes, and came out looking a lot better than he had in a long time. I figured I'd "take the plunge" as well, just to try it out. As a FORMER hot-shower addict, I have to say that cold showers are IT!! I feel amazing, my face isn't dry, my hair is silky, etc. Plus, my husband happened to jump back in and...well, let's just say that "taking a cold shower" has a whole new meaning for us! ;)"

[YEA]  07/28/2007: Keith (kkbowen@yahoo.ca) from Vancouver, Canada writes: "I tried the cold shower therapy and found it great. Very energizing. But, I am notoriously warm blooded, and I had to develop a routine cause it was too cold at first. I think the key is the adjustment period when getting started..I started with water very cold and did head and armpits. Then I turned water to medium(it will feel warm) . Do the whole body for a few minutes. Give it a few minutes so body temperature can adjust to water temperature. Slowly crank it to cold in increments , and when you get to cold stay there as long as possible. Do a little more each day."

[YEA]  06/28/2007: Craig (Craig386@yahoo.com) from Fredericksburg, Virginia writes: "Cold showers have been working wonderfully for me. No longer do I feel sluggish in the morning. It gives me energy throughout the day and makes my body feel (and look) HEALTHY! I'd recommend them for anyone. It does take a little while to get used to it, but be brave and do it. One thing I like to do while being under the ice cold for a couple minutes is turn the knob to warm for a few seconds. WARNING - This might make you giggle uncontrollably for a few seconds and feel semi-orgasmic! After doing cold showers, I don't get rashes, my hair and skin looks healthy and I feel energetic. Have fun with your cold showers, it really does change you for the better."

[YEA]  06/26/2007: Gwen from Baltimore, MD writes: "Let's keep it moving. I am still taking the cold showers. I went on a retreat, and felt like i would be cheating if I took a hot shower just because it was available. Well, I tell you I have no regrets. I love taking cold showers. The problem I have is getting out of the shower because it feels so great once you get started. I have been feeling wonderful, full of zest for life. More positive thougths. I search this site everyday. I am looking to hear more from you all. Keep the faith, we are ahead of the game/gang."

[YEA]  06/13/2007: Gwendolyn (gwendolyn.witherspoon@ssa.gov) from Baltimore, Maryland writes: "Hi Everybody. I found out about cold showers by default. I had always heard that hot and cold showers were good for you and on occasion i would take one. But, when my gas got turned off, i had no choice. Now, i want no other. It is the most invigorating event of my day. I have been taking cold showers for at least a month with no regrets. My skin seems to be changing for the better and i feel great everyday. I sleep like a baby. I do not get sick even when everyone around me is coughing, sniffing and spitting. I dont even know if i want my gas on anymore. I am glad i am learning how to live without it. I thank God that i found this website. I will keep in touch. God bless you trendsetters."

[YEA]  05/25/2007: Komal (komalsharmaji@hotmail.com) from NJ, USA writes: "I am 28 and have been a vegetarian all my life.I have been taking cold showers for the last 12 years.I have a way of doing it. I start from my head and keep the water dripping on the head for a few seconds and I feel the rest of the body warming up. then i get into it. Talking about the advantages, Where can I start. Cold showers helped me get over the anxiety of the teen age, they have helped me concentrate in studies, feel confident when facing challenges and the list goes on. The recent example is when I had to undergo a knee reconstruction. It is a painful surgery and I was strongly advised by my surgeon to have pain killers for the next few months (I was told not to be brave and have a pill every time I was in pain). I had a better way out. It's been 6 months and not even 1 painkiller and no pain as well. I know there must be a number of factors but cold showers are the greatest. So keep the hot knob closed and keep the warmth coming out for good."