Cold Shower Vs Hot Shower
There is a huge impact of water temperature on skin health. There is a link between your shower water temperature and blood circulation along with other body functions. Let us have a look at the benefits of hot and cold water showers here:
Benefits Of A Cold Water Bath
Siri Schubert, a blogger, started swimming in ice-cold lake water during the pandemic and shared her experience on her blog: “First, upon entering [the lake water], the burning sensation on my skin, then the rush that takes my breath away and then: the calm. A feeling so profound that it erases all stresses and makes me feel like I am floating in space (i).” A study was conducted on 3018 healthy participants without any prior cold bathing experience were subjected to hot to cold water showers for 30, 60, and 90 for 30 days followed by cold showers for 60 days. The study showed that 79% of the participants reduced their lack of sickness by 29% compared to those taking normal hot showers.
Benefits Of A Hot Water Bath
How To Choose Between Cold And Hot Water Baths – As Per Ayurveda
Is it better to shower with cold or hot water? Ayurveda has got an answer for you. Ayurveda suggests that you must use hot water for the body and cold water for the head since washing your eyes and hair with hot water is not good for your health. There can be severe negative effects of hot water on hair and health. Ayurveda suggests that the temperature of the water must be based on the following factors:
1. Based On Age
Youngsters should opt for cold water showers for skin health improvement. For old people, it is suggested to bathe with hot water. But if you’re a student and dedicated to spending more time on studies, bathing with cold water will be beneficial for you.
2. Based On The Body Type
If your body type is Pitta, it is better that you use cold water to take a bath, and if your body type is Kapha or Vata, use hot water.
3. Based On Diseases
If you’re suffering from any Pitta-related disease, such as indigestion or liver disorders, a cold water bath for rejuvenation will be very beneficial for your health. And if you’re suffering from Kapha or Vata-related disorders, then a hot water bath is preferred. If you’re an epilepsyi A central nervous system disorder caused by variations in brain activity that cause convulsions, unconsciousness, or strange behavior. patient, both hot water and cold water bath are not recommended. Instead, take a bath with lukewarm water.
4. Based On Your Habits
If you work out regularly, a hot water bath is suggested.
5. Based On What Time You Bathe
If you bathe in the morning, it is good to bathe with cold water. But if you’re bathing at night, take a hot water bath for relaxation. Since evening time is dominated by Vata, bathing with hot water will be beneficial. It is recommended that you opt for a hot water bath for better sleep.
How To Bathe According To Ayurveda
You should follow the process slowly so that every part of your body is exposed properly to water. Here’s how you should bathe: A shower after an intense workout session is essential. But should you go for a hot shower or a cold one? Find out in the next section.
Should You Take A Hot Or Cold Shower After A Workout?
Taking a hot water shower after a workout may be more beneficial as it does not affect your training gains and may even boost your strength and performance. This is particularly helpful for sports such as climbing, wrestling, or karate (6). A cold shower, on the other hand, may not aid in post-exercise recovery, but there are other cold shower benefits, which also include improving heart health by reducing cardiac stress (7). It is important to note that research is limited in this regard. Hence, you can choose a hot or a cold shower based on your preference. Do cold showers burn fat? Cold water may increase metabolic rate and aid in burning calories which may result in weight loss (8). Does hot water damage skin? Yes, hot water may damage skin barrier function and cause skin dryness so it’s best to avoid hot water shower for skin’s natural glow retention (9). How long should you take a hot bath for? You should ideally take a hot bath for 15 to 30 minutes.
Illustration: Hot Water Bath Vs Cold Water Bath – Which One Is Better According To Ayurveda?
Uncover the unexpected side effects of bathing in hot water in this eye-opening video. Explore valuable health tips and gain a deeper understanding of how you can prevent these harmful effects and protect your health.
