This post title sounds rather unpleasant. And I am more of a grumpy type in the morning. It usually takes me ages just to move my weary bones out of the bed since I literally feel like overrun by a big monster truck. Therefore, I started to find ways to get my metabolism moving in the morning. A cold shower can do some real magic!
The health-promoting potential of cold water has been known for over 3500 years, and recent research confirms that cold water applications have positive effects on your metabolism, your immune system, your mental and physical well-being, as well on your skin and hair (according to a Dutch study published in 2016, https://journals.plos.org).
How does it work? You can start with the pleasant warm to hot shower. Then comes the part where we must overcome our inner enemy. Now set the water to cool and start with the feet. Begin on the outside of the right foot (this is the furthest point from the heart) and then shower on the outside of the right to the hip. Then switch from there to the inside of the thigh and go back to the foot. After this, perform the same procedure on the left leg.
Then it's the turn of the arms. Start at the back of the right hand and radiate to the shoulders and then along the armpit on the inner arm to the palm of the hand. And now comes the worst part. Kneipp.com suggests that you do this whole procedure twice and end it with cold water! This causes the blood vessels to constrict again. Important: Ensure rapid rewarming afterwards (https://www.kneipp.com).
If you have a cold, fever, an immune deficiency, or other illness (especially a heart disease), you should refrain from taking a cold shower.
To all the others: Give it a shot and become a cold showerer!
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