What are Contrast Showers?
A contrast shower is when we alternate from hot to cold water, finishing with cold.
The hot water dilates the blood vessels and increases blood circulation, pushing it to the skin surface. The cold water tightens the blood vessels and pulls the blood flow back towards the vital organs (heart, lungs, others).
The contrast creates a pumping effect that has many health benefits.
Benefits of Contrast Showers
- Improves blood circulation
- Helps to recover sore muscles
- Helps to remove toxins
- Boosts the immune system
- Stimulates hormones production
- Increases energy
- Reduces cellulite
- Improves hair and skin health
How to make it?
- Take your normal shower
- Start the contrast shower with warm to hot water (for your tolerance) for 3 minutes or 1 minute for beginners
- Slowly, reduce the temperature to cold
- Begin with the feet moving towards the heart, for 1 minute or 30 seconds for beginners
- Repeat the cycle 3-5 times
- End the shower in cold
As the body gets used to it, we can increase the hot and decrease the cold. The higher the contrast, the greater the benefits. But, make sure to listen to your body.
The contrast showers should be included in our shower routine, for optimal results.
Sauna or steam bath followed by a cold shower is also effective.
