Contrast shower: what are the benefits for the body

A contrast shower is an alternation of exposure to cold and hot water. Many people find it difficult to decide on it because of the unpleasant sensations associated with the unusual temperature. This is especially true for women, because their skin is thinner and more sensitive. But experts say that the discomfort will soon stop. After the fifth procedure, addiction occurs, and subsequently a daily shower becomes a habit, like washing your face or brushing your teeth.

The beneficial properties of a contrast shower are difficult to overestimate. Under the influence of hot water, pores open up, and the body is freed from toxins. A sharp transition to cold dousing narrows all the smallest openings. Thanks to the contrast, the skin tightens, becomes more youthful and elastic. In addition, the health effects include:

• improvement of the body's thermoregulation, that is, rapid adaptation to frost, heat and other temperature conditions;
• strengthening the vascular system, which is especially important for people suffering from sudden changes in blood pressure;
• a positive effect on the nervous system, manifested by improved sleep quality, uplifted mood and a surge of energy;
• acceleration of metabolism, due to which a state of vigor, activity and cheerfulness comes.

There are mandatory rules for taking a contrast shower.

This procedure is not recommended to be performed immediately before going to bed, going outside in the cold season and after waking up. The best option is considered to be the time after morning exercises or upon returning from work.

A contrast shower always starts with hot water and ends with cold. To perform it, turn on comfortable warm water and stay under it for a few minutes until the body is relaxed. Then carefully increase the temperature so that it is a little hot, but without a scalding feeling.

Next, switch the tap to the cold mode. Monitor your sensations: you should not feel cold or shivery. Adjust the water temperature so that the nervous system gets a sharp jolt and starts thermoregulatory and immune processes. In this case, a kind of dousing effect occurs, only in more comfortable and safe conditions.

Repeat these steps several times, be sure to finish the procedure with cold water. Then take a terry, fairly hard towel and wipe your entire body until you feel a pleasant warmth.

The temperature and duration of each stage are selected individually, based on the person's sensations. But ideally, you should gradually increase the number of seconds spent under cold water and lower the degrees of the invigorating part of the procedure.

The head should not be exposed to temperature changes, as this increases the likelihood of catching a cold or experiencing blood pressure surges.

Any health procedure has contraindications. A contrast shower should only be taken if the person feels well. Stop this procedure during respiratory diseases, headaches, critical days.

If you suffer from a chronic disease of any system, consult a doctor about the safety of this type of hardening. It should be noted that it is absolutely contraindicated in the following ailments:

• thrombophlebitis;
• malignant tumors;
• heart disease.

A contrast shower is an excellent type of hardening for a child's body. You need to start by wiping with a cool sponge or towel. After a few days, you can begin water procedures. For children, it is better to use dousing rather than a shower. This will help control the temperature and avoid water getting on your head. Usually, kids like such actions, but if the child is scared or uncomfortable, do not force him and try again after a while.

In addition to general hardening of the body, a contrast shower is recommended for combating cellulite, excess weight, and varicose veins. In this case, you should pay special attention to problem areas, directing a stream of water at them and using special creams and wraps after rubbing with a towel.