Published by Konstantin Koss on 05 Jun 2008
Contrast Showers As A Sauna Alternative
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So I recently made this post about going to the sauna in summer and it really has got some very attractive benefits to it.
But if you don’t want to pay for a sauna membership, or you haven’t got any sauna around where you live, or you simply have got no time because of your work … there is an alternative that you surely can make use of.
That alternative is contrast showering and all you need is a shower 
Due to the rapid changes of cold and warm that are similar to having a sauna, a contrast shower has got much similar benefits to it.
For example, a contrast shower is proven to release stress and to strengthen the body’s immune system. The blood vessels get trained and therefore the blood flow gets promoted.
Also with contrast showers provoking the skin, specific immune cells that are centered under the skin get activated. (thanks to immunologist Dr. Beyersdorf for this information)
Similarly to the sauna contrast showers teach the body to resist temperature changes as well.
To many people the idea of a contrast shower is downright scary and you might have to overcome your inhibitions at first, but from my own experience … you’ll get used to it!
With time it even gets refreshing to turn the shower cold after some time under the hot water. And turning the heat back up then feels like a relief when you are getting cold again.
(Photo by jurvetson)
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Tags: Contrast Shower, Sauna in Summer, Stress Relief, Summer
Dartz on 10 Jun 2008 at 4:08 pm #
Just for references sake, I get a lot of tension headaches, think this would help them? I get really cranky when I get them, to the point where I develop a “@#$@ YOU!!” personality.
Assuming that heavy levels of blood to the head cause them, think that improved bloodflow will help reduce them?
Konstantin Koss on 11 Jun 2008 at 2:13 am #
Well, I’m no medical doctor so please consult with your doctor concerning this problem. Now that we’ve got that out of the way …
If the cause of your headaches really is an increased level of blood in your head, contrast showers might be able to help.
Generally the contrast shower’s strength is mostly in training your immune and temperature regulation system, as well as in providing general relaxation. Removal of physical symptoms can happen as a byproduct.
Expecially for headaches, they tend to have so many different causes that remote diagnosing is pretty much impossible.
Since you mentioned “tension headaches”: often people have many tense spots in the back of their necks that can lead to bad headaches pretty fast. Having those massaged out might also help. (That was the massage therapist in me speaking)
Anyway, good luck with your problem
attagirl on 12 Jun 2008 at 12:42 pm #
Very interesting article and replies on this one. I have heard for years the benefits of warm or hot water then changing it to cold water. There are far more benefits then mentioned in the article. As far as the comments on tension headaches, you need to find what is causing those and release that from you daily routine. If you are getting them often then consult a doctor on this one.