Cold Shower Cures
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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.
COLD SHOWER FEEDBACK
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[YEA] 11/26/2007: JUANITA WADE from BASKING RIDGE, NEW JERSEY writes: "HI, I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT I AM SO GLAD FOR THIS SITE. I TRIED THE COLD SHOWERS AND REALLY LOVE THEM, I HAVE BEEN TAKING THE COLD SHOWERS FOR A MONTH AND REALLY LOVE IT.SO I WILL NOT BE GOING BACK TO HOT SHOWERS, I AM HOOKED. THANK YOU FOR THE SITE."
Replies11/26/2007: "HI, AGAIN, JUST WANT TO SAY AFTER I GET OUT OF THE SHOWER, I FEEL SO GOOD AND HAVE LOTS OF ENERGY."
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[YEA] 11/25/2007: Alexa Fleckenstein M.D. 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"."
Replies09/10/2011: Lisa from Lafayette, Lah replies: "Dear Dr. Fleckenstein: I have your book, and as I read it, the one thing that stood out is your constant reference to your belief that we have evolved from specks in the ocean to the complex, awesome human beings that we are now. You repeat that over and over, and in my opinion, it makes it harder to take anything else that you say seriously. You can't really believe that nonsense. God did not make specks in the ocean that aren't still there today. We are made in his image, and He certainly isn't a speck. Now, as for cold showers, I have begun taking them, and they are invigorating. My hair is definitely shinier. Thank goodness I'm not a speck, or a shower of any temperature would just wash me right down that big ole drain. Cold showers, after a warm one, are highly recommended for more energy, and whatever it does inside my complex, wonderfully, fearfully made body that I can't see!"
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[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."
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[YEA] 11/07/2007: Alexa Fleckenstein M.D. 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."
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[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."
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[YEA] 10/15/2007: Putranto Sangkoyo from Jakarta, Indonesia writes: "I am very delighted to read all the good positive stories about cold water shower healing. Allow me to share my story.
I am a Moslem (from Indonesia), and the month of Ramadhan (fasting) was just over. For those not familiar with this, Moslems fast for 30 days during the Ramadhan month, every day, wake up at dawn (around 3 AM), have meal, fast during the day (no drinking no eating no sex), and break the fast at around 6 PM.
I have this problem with my right leg knee, it gives me pain when I bend during a prayer. For one month of Ramadhan, I "practiced" the cold water shower each time I wake up, at around 2:30 AM. After that, I pray (the so called "night prayer"), and have meal. To the best of my knowledge there is no reference in Al Quran about taking shower at "night", although there is the so called "night prayer" which is not obligatory, but very strongly advised for Moslems, and it takes time somewhere between 2:30 and 3:30 AM. We call it the "last one-third of the night".
I just felt I had to heal myself this way, because I heard many times especially from elders and those "natives" coming from rural villages, of cold water shower "healing", which normaly takes time between 2 and 4 AM. Many people here say, it's not healthy to take shower at night, before 12 AM, but it's healthy if taken after say, 1 AM. Some martial arts practitioners here do take shower after evening/night training, at around 1-2 AM or later. I had a friend who literally couldn't walk, not paralyzed but pain in both his legs (thigh), was eventually healed, Praise Allah, could walk (and run) normally again after spending about a month or so taking cold water shower from a well (using bucket / dousing) every night (at around 3 AM).
Back to myself, Praise Allah, after 30 days of night cold water shower, I do feel better now. I can bend my knee again, with less pain.
Perhaps someone have an explanation about the "state" of water during the night, especially between 2 and 4 AM ?"
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[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.."
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[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 losing 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!"
Replies06/22/2009: Leon from Wichita, Ks replies: "I weigh 162 lbs., medium build, and have never had hyperthermia from a cold shower. Maybe it's because when I shower I wet my head and i feel this warmth when i get out. You should try that. It makes take a cold shower easier."
06/20/2010: Henry from Texas, Tx replies: "162 lbs with a medium build is far from being underweight with an eating disorder. People that are underweight with eating disorders would have a frail build and closer to 70-100 lbs."
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[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."
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[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."
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[YEA] 09/03/2007: Brian from Irvine, California writes: "re: Cold Showers -- I just took 2 of them yesterday and they felt pretty good. The water probably isn't that cold since its summer and I'm in Southern California though.
I remember taking a cold shower one time right after a brisk run and that one felt amazing. Actually, I ran intensely for about 15 minutes, then quickly smoked a cigarette right after, and immediately ran in the house and took a cold shower. At first, I was just enjoying the cold water as a much as I could. I had severe palpitations but it felt wonderful. I wouldn't recommend this to anybody though since I'm guessing there is a risk of heart damage or failure. I haven't tried again since then either.
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."
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[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."
Replies10/21/2007: Aron from Cluj-Napoca, Romania replies: "This is my second post regarding cold showers therapy. It is basically an update. It has passed almost three months since I started cold showers. Now I take 2 showers, one in the morning and one in the evening, before going to bed. I use lukewarm water only when washing, because the soap washes off easier. Since my last post, for a couple of weeks I became more sensitive to air changes, like sneezing a lot when leaving the house. However this situation lasted only while I was on holiday. The change of environment may be the cause, but I have no way to prove it. After that, I found out that one of my relative also showers with cold water for the last 15 years, and since then she didn't catch cold. She told me 3 advices to have in mind:1. When showering it is important to start with the feet first, then arms, and last the chest. This is to force the blood to go the chest to protect the heart.
2. Always use the most cold water that you can get.
3. Cold showers are not marathons. The duration shouldn't be very long.
I didn't use any stimulants,like coffee or energy drinks, before starting this therapy but I always was sleepy during the day. Now, after the cold shower in the morning I feel refreshed and full of energy, and this state lasts throughout the day . I also had very few bad mood days and none depressions. Someone here mentioned that he wears only a shirt under the jacket in the winter and didn't catch a cold. I also tried this, but when the weather is very cold (near 0 degrees C) I shiver a lot, although I didn't catch cold. However, I don't suggest doing this."
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[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."
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[YEA] 07/28/2007: Keith 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."
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[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."
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[YEA] 05/25/2007: Komal 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."
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[YEA] 05/17/2007: Michael from Toronto, Canada writes: "ive been taking cold showers for about 2-3 weeks now and its really good, i feel better and everything, but since ive started taking cold showers my hair has been more curly. i just wanted to know if this is because of the cold showers or maybe something else."
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[YEA] 05/08/2007: Terence from London, UK writes: "my water heater blew up during end of Jan, my landlord was away so i forced myself to take cold showers till he is back. every shower was freezingly cold at first and i shivered a lot, but once i endured pass the initial stage my body started to generate heat and i felt better, my whole body flushed after the showers and i felt warm!!
i like the challenge of it when the icy water first gush down to my skin, it is thrilling, and i found myself become healthier as i haven't catched a single cold since Jan, i have more cold tolerance i can go jogging in the cold shirtless and go to college with just one layer of shirt in the dread cold feb and march !!
when my landlord came back i didn't say a word about the spoilt heater, and continued with my cold showers, he noticed it somehow when the electricity bills dropoed, and was so surprise on how i went through the winter months, he fixed it for me but i just switched it off till now as i'm totally addicted to my cold showers !! can't wait for another winter to come !! going to challenge myself again !! something that i want to do when i'm still young and strong.."
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[NAY] 05/05/2007: Holly from Anderson, IN writes: "we lost our heat and hot water for a while (it's a long story) and the cold showers just didn't work for us at all....trust me, unless its really hot where you live, just take a warm one--unless you don't make it super-cold, a little chilly usually helps me out."
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[YEA] 03/27/2007: Brandon from San Angelo, Texas writes: "We haven't had hot water at our house for almost a year now because the gas bill was too high. So we decided to go without. I was forced into taking cold showers. In the summer, the water was cold, but not freezing, so when I got out, I was very cold. Winter is just ending and the water has never been colder. It's so cold I almost can't breathe out when I'm under it. Still, as soon as the water turns off, I'm instantly warm and inexplicably comfortable. I've never felt better. The shower itself is torturous for the first few minutes, but when it's over I feel amazing. I can't explain why I feel so warm immediately after the shower. I don't even shiver, I feel perfect. It's two things in one. It's a thrill/challenge, and it's therapy. I'm addicted to both the rush and the incredible comfort that immediately follows."
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[YEA] 03/26/2007: Cory from Tacoma, Washington writes: "I have been taking cold showers every day now for almost three months, and I recently got the results of my latest blood and urine lab tests from my doctor. Blood sugar and cholesterol were markedly lower than the tests showed just prior to starting the cold shower regimen, with no appreciable changes in diet or physical exercise. My blood pressure was lower, and my pulse rate at rest has decreased from 72 to 54, which I find amazing. I am not in "great" shape physically, and I can only attribute these changes to the cold showers. This might actually be the 'fountain of youth'."
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[YEA] 03/22/2007: Ravi from Reston, VA writes: "Hey everyone, I took my first cold (?) shower today after reading your experiences. I can feel something different today. I want to know how cold is cold? When I turned off the hot knob completely, the water was biting cold. It was too much for me so I turned the hot a little and the cool water was bearable. I want to know if you guys are talking about the ice/biting cold showers without turning the hot water at all. Your reply is appreciated!"
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[YEA] 03/20/2007: Shirlena from Oaklawn, MO writes: "I didn't understand what they are saying about putting almond oil all over before the shower. Do you put the oil on, and then wash it off with soap, in the cold shower? If you wash it off right away, what's the benefit of doing that? Also when you wash your hair in the cold shower, do you shampoo it with the cold water? Or are you washing it first with warm water? I want to do this right if I'm going to take a very cold shower. I'd like to get the great results you all got here. It all sounds so wonderful and healthy. Hope you don't mind me asking the questions. Thanks, Shirl"
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[YEA] 03/10/2007: Kristina from Waukesha, Wisconsin writes: "I heard about cold showers jumpstarting circulation and I have gradually been working up to a cold shower by ending a warm one with cold water. It seemed a strange and painful punishment but it was free, and who doesn't love free? I haven't stayed in it long enough to feel lasting benefits, but I have noticed I have no need to go back to warm water and it's much better coming out of a shower when the room feels warm instead of cold. It almost starts feeling good. I will definitely continue."
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[YEA] 03/04/2007: Cory from Tacoma, Washington writes: "For the first two months of my cold shower regimen, I would keep the water maximum cold for five minutes, and then warm back up with a hot shower. But now I'm finding it's better to just step out of the shower with the water still cold, and warm up gradually as I dry off. Also, I've increased the time to ten minutes. Perhaps eventually hot showers will not even seem necessary."
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