Showers are not only cleaning and cleansing, they could also help promote bodily functions, depending on the temperature of the water used.
Here are some of the therapeutic effects of both warm and cold showers on our bodies.
Warm Shower
There is nothing like a warm shower at the end of a long day to rejuvenate the soul. Here’s how your body reacts to warm showers:
» Relieves Stiffness
A warm shower can help to relieve sore muscles, muscle tension and knots. Hot showers can enhance blood flow, helping soothe stiff joints and tired muscles.
» Relieves Congestion
The steam from a warm shower can act as a natural decongestant to relieve symptoms of cold or congested chest.
» Relieves Stress
One of the biggest benefits of hot showers is that they are a great tension reliever. Taking a hot shower after a long day can help get rid of your stress.
» Relieves Insomnia
The relaxation effect that hot water has on the body is essential in helping one sleep well. Just don’t shower too close to your bed time, as hot showers raise your internal body temperature—try an hour and half before bed.
» Relieves Menstrual Cramps
Warm showers can reduce cramps, since the hot water relaxes your muscles. It’s an efficient and effective way to get some relief during that time of the month.
» Relieves Migraines
A major cause of headaches and migraines is constriction of blood vessels. Warm showers relieve this by aiding in the expansion of those vessels, ensuring proper blood flow.
» Reduces Blemishes
Warm showers can help open up the pores of the skin, which allows you to clean out the trapped dirt and oil.
Cold Shower
Cold showers could actually prepare you better for the day ahead. Many health benefits are associated with taking cold showers, some of them are:
» Improves circulation
Exposure to cold water causes the blood vessels on the surface of the skin to constrict. This diverts blood flow away from the surface of the skin. As blood travels away from the skin, blood vessels in deeper body tissues dilate. This improves circulation in the deeper tissues.
» Boosts Energy
When that cold spray hits your body, there’s a bit of shock. This shock increases: oxygen intake, heart rate and alertness, leading to improved awareness and a more energetic state.
» Rejuvenates Skin
Cold water has the opposite effect of hot water when it comes to pores, closing the pores and tightening it. This helps to lock in moisture for the skin and also prevents dirt from getting in, leaving your skin feeling fresh and moisturized.
» Relieves Depression
The cold water sends electrical impulses to the nerve endings in the brain. This produces an anti-depressive effect and makes cold showers an effective mood lifter.
» Boosts the Immune System
As you take a cold shower, your body struggles to stay warm by increasing its metabolic rate. This results in the body producing more white blood cells because it thinks it’s under attack. White blood cells are responsible for protecting your body and boosting your immune system, making you less susceptible to disease. The increased blood circulation when taking a shower also helps muscle tissues regenerate faster.
» Reduces Body Pain
Cold shower provides localized pain relief.
» Strengthens Hair
Cold water tightens the scalp, increases the capacity of the hair follicles to grip the scalp and thereby makes the hair stronger.
Both warm and cold showers have their own benefits and you can choose either of them by considering the type of effect you want to achieve.
Stay tuned to Style Tawk for tips and tricks about beauty and personal care in the coming months and don’t forget to share your suggestions and experiences in the comments below.
