Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr... its cold out there! So why are we naturopath's asking you to add to your burden and take COLD SHOWERS?! An article I found last week in the China Post says it all:

Health experts recommend strengthening the body with cold - The China Post

Now I'll admit I am probably one of the biggest frigophobics (cold-fearers) out there.. its taken me ages to get to the place where I can do contrast showers ( well... contrast saunas..lol)... but I knew it was worth it when I started, and I don't regret it one bit. Just being outside in this cold weather and not feeling the cut-to-the-bone chill everyone around me is feeling makes the effort worth it! Not to mention the added benefits of glowing skin, boosted immune system and increased energy among others.


HYDROTHERAPY (the application of hot and cold water to the body for therapeutic benefit), also known as 'nature cure' is one of Naturopathic Medicine's most ancient modalities. It was started by our forefathers in the 1700's but has sadly fallen to the sidelines and is being used less and less today.

Why should you do it? Because its EASY, has NO SIDE EFFECTS, its 100% NATURAL, IMPROVES SKIN, BOOST IMMUNE SYSTEM, LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE, INCREASES VITALITY, THERMOREGULATES and DETOXES the body, among other benefits!


Contrast Showers
The contrast between hot and cold water increases microcirculation through body tissues, promotes detoxification, and strengthens the immune system. This helps bring nutrients, oxygen and immune cells to damaged and stressed tissues and carries away metabolic waste, inflammatory by-products and other toxic substances. Contrast showers also strengthen the immune system by increasing the number of white blood cells.

Instructions:

• Start with 3 minutes of hot water followed by less than one minute of cold water.
• Repeat this pattern 3 times during every shower, always finishing with cold. 
• For example, 3 min. hot – 1 min. cold – 3 min. hot – 1 min. cold- 3 min. hot – 1 min.cold

For more information, see the Resources section of our website.

Posted by: Alexandra Hurtado, ND