Contrast shower: Cardiologist tells whether it's really good for health
Is contrast shower really good for health (photo: Freepik)
A contrast shower involves alternating hot and cold water. As a result of this procedure, you can increase your energy level, relieve stress, and get many benefits for your heart, states cardiologist Oleh Myroniuk.
What is known about the procedure
Sometimes people use a contrast shower to cope with a bad mood. This procedure involves alternating warm and cold water and can be not only pleasant but also beneficial for health, especially for the heart.
In particular, when you change the temperature of the water, it causes the vessels to constrict and dilate.
This “training” of the vessels stimulates blood circulation, improves vascular tone, and activates the lymphatic system. In addition, this process helps to activate metabolic processes in the body.
How to take a contrast shower correctly
A contrast shower should start with hot water and end with cold water. At first, douse only your feet. Alternate hot and cold water. Hot water dilates blood vessels, and cold water constricts them. Stand under hot water for 1.5 minutes, under cold water for 40 seconds.
Alternately, put your arms, abdomen, back, and shoulders under the stream. Do not wash your hair with cold water. This can increase blood pressure.
Take a contrast shower for 5-7 minutes. After the shower, rub your body well with a terry towel.
Benefits for the heart and blood vessels
According to a cardiologist, alternating temperatures train blood vessels and help reduce the risk of congestion in the circulatory system.
Also, the body's gradual adaptation to sudden temperature changes can help strengthen the heart muscle.
A contrast shower stimulates the release of endorphins, the hormones of happiness, which help reduce stress, and stress, in turn, is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Regular contrast procedures can help to normalize blood pressure, especially if you are prone to hypertension.
It is important that if you have chronic heart disease, consult your doctor before starting the practice. Contrast showers can be beneficial, but should not be performed by people with certain cardiovascular conditions.
Additionally, contrast showers help strengthen the immune system, improve skin condition, and give you a boost of energy for the whole day.
Contrast washings are recommended for people who find it difficult to wake up in the morning, as this procedure is a great invigorator. You can take a shower in the evening if you need to postpone sleep a bit. For the health benefits to be permanent, it is recommended to take a contrast shower regularly. Start with short, five-minute rinses a couple of times a week and gradually increase the frequency.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
