Born in January, I'm a true Winter baby and my favourite season is....Winter! However, being cold is my least favourite thing about the Winter months. A typical routine, before I begin a Winter day, is bundling myself in a robe and putting on some comfy slippers. The fireplace is turned on and warm mug in tow. Now the day can begin! :) There's a constant debate in my home about the temperature of the thermostat, throughout the year. Too hot for some, too cold for others. For all the "too cold folks", did you know we can benefit from adapting to these drastically cold temperatures?! In doing so there are more rewards then winning or losing the dial on the thermostat.
Cold Thermogenesis simply means exposing our body to cold so the body must heal itself. The ancient Holistic practice of Contrast Hydrotherapy Spas initiated this concept centuries ago. Immersing the body completely in a hot bath only to immediately immerse then in a cold bath. The idea when immersed in the hot, is to stimulate blood flow and circulation to the surface as the body tries to cool itself. When the body is shocked by the cold bath we create an internal heating system and send blood to the organs. Alternating hot to cold makes the circulation move outward to inward in a rhythm. In turn, we are unblocking stuck chi or flow; increasing the bodies detoxification and moving nutrients more readily throughout the body.
We do not need to spend a big fancy day and pay cheque at a lovely outdoor Hydrotherapy Spa to create this environment. Although I have done so and highly recommend saving this experience for a special occasion!! Hot/Cold Showers can give us the same results. Practicing 3-4 times a week would be most beneficial to adapt the internal thermostat and begin the detoxification process.
Process 1. Set your shower at a comfortable temperature for 1 minute
2. Now turn the temperature to a point that feels like a hot tub; just tolerable for 1 minute
3. Next turn the temperature to the coolest point and withstand elements for 1 minute
Alternate this process 7 times hot and 7 times cold, immersing the entire body head to toe.
*The water should be free of chlorine, fluoride and other highly toxic chemicals.
Hot Bath/Shower Benefits
Stimulates Detoxification
Relaxes Muscles
Lowers Body Tension
Reduces Swelling
Reduces Anxiety
Nasal Decongestant
Opens and Cleans Pores
Cold Bath/Shower Benefits
Stimulates Detoxification through Skin and Lymph
Stimulates Immune System
Increases Alertness
Regulates Uric Acid Levels in the Body
Prevents Colds
Stimulates Antidepression Hormones
Accelerates Metabolism and Fat Burning
Clarity to the Brain
Tightens Skin
Reduces Hair Loss
Decreases Inflammation
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