H20 Contrast Hot & Cold Hydrotherapy
As a kid, my parents would take us to Mexico to Vacation in the Summers. Back in the 80s the houses had rationed water tanks and the gas tanks to heat them had to be turned on every time anyone wanted to shower or bathe.
Sometimes the Gas tank guys never came around to drop off the tanks and we were either left to boil our own water or take cold showers.
This was an experience. These cold showers always made us feel invigorating.
This week, my family and I visited Glen Ivy Hot Springs. Since I was a kid, this place has always been our relax haven for us. It is a Wellness Resort with a handful of Therapeutic Pools and a California Red Clay Mud Club, to name a few of its highlights.
The Cold and Hot, Hydrotherapy pools are what I have been wanting to personally challenge this time. The idea is to take a plunge in both water pools. First allow your Blood vessels to open up in the hot water (101.5F – 102.5 degrees) for about 3-5 minutes then plunge into the cold water pool (55F – 65 degrees) for about 30-60 seconds.
Dry brushing first will add benefits to this practice. You can buy our Organic Birdie Agave Brushes Here.
Many people just can’t take it, and to be honest I could not just jump right in the cold shower with ought screaming.
So why do it? What are the Benefits?
Turns out, there are plenty of benefits (you may also do it in your shower or your own bath tubs):
- Improved circulation– Hot water increases blood flow to the surface of the body and cold water drives blood to the core of the body. This “accordion-like” effect increases blood flow and speeds up circulation, and brings fresh oxygenated blood and nutrients to organs and glands and takes away toxins and pathogens.
- Reduces muscle pain– Hot and cold cause your muscles to expand and contact, which can create a gentle detoxification as toxins are squeezed from your muscles.
- Improves lymphatic flow and reduces lymph nodes– Hot and cold water stimulates the lymphatic system by causing it to relax and contract in response to hot and cold water, respectively. This creates a “pump” action which helps move lymphatic fluid which may have become stagnant in the system. This can reduce build up of fluids and ease inflammation, as well as allowing the immune system to attack any foreign pathogens in the fluid. Make sure your bathroom is not too cluttered as this also clutters your mind, making you feel less calm. Consider buying shower glass panels so that you don’t feel confined in your shower, this will again make you feel calmer.
- Improves lymphatic flow and reduces lymph nodes– Hot and cold water stimulates the lymphatic system by causing it to relax and contract in response to hot and cold water, respectively. This creates a “pump” action which helps move lymphatic fluid which may have become stagnant in the system. This can reduce build up of fluids and ease inflammation, as well as allowing the immune system to attack any foreign pathogens in the fluid. Make sure your bathroom is not too cluttered as this also clutters your mind, making you feel less calm. Consider buying shower glass panels so that you don’t feel confined in your shower, this will again make you feel calmer.
- Improves mood and focus– When you’re exposed to cold, your body increases production of norepinephrine in the brain, which is involved in focus and attention. It also improves mood and alleviates pain, partly because it lowers inflammation.
- Reduction of tumors– Cancerous growths can develop when proper circulation and detoxification can’t be completed by the body. When circulation and detoxification are improved, these growths can be broken down and be removed from the body.
As a result of these health promoting benefits, one may also experience a boost of energy due to the removal of toxins, increased circulation, and improved mood and cognitive function. That makes hot and cold showers a great way to start the day.
The Psychological Challenge
The challenge for me was to focus on training my brain to maintain balance while my body receives a physical shock. It goes beyond physical merits for me, I want to start building resilience and develop mental strength. Something I have been wanting to Improve.
As Former Navy SEAL and ultimate bad ass David Goggins often speaks about the need to “callous the mind,” so we can deal more resolutely with the hardships we create for ourselves in training and the unavoidable problems that crop up in everyday life.
One way to achieve this is to expose ourselves to extreme conditions that force us a way outside our comfort zone.
Traveling and living in Mexico forced me to experience temperature as mother nature intended. Sometimes we would stay in Beach Houses with absolutely no air-conditioning (in 80-90 degree weather and high humidity) , or sleep close quarters with other family members in basically a cave of fleas, or sleep in Cabins with no heater.
Those sometimes-harsh conditions trained my body to modulate and brain to contrive in composure.
In a world of climate controlled environments, I invite you to challenge your being and help improve your feel-good Hormone Dopamine to increase by up to 250 percent by taking the plunge and try Contrast Hydrotherapy.
***THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR REGULATED BY THE FDA. WE ARE NOT DOCTORS, THEREFORE ALWAYS CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR FIRST.