ANXIETY

I've discovered a lot of useful information on this website, but what really caught my eye is the cold shower therapy. I've never taken a cold shower in my life so I tried it today. Honestly, I've never felt so great. I don't know what it did to me, but I got a terrible fit of the giggles that lasted half an hour. I feel a lot better, and motivated, which is rare for me especially in the morning. I'll keep it up and see what else happens, but I definitely recommend trying it, for whatever reason. And Thank You for this great website!"

[YEA]  03/30/2006: Chris from Kennewick, WA writes: "Hey! John from Arlington, TX, howdy. I thought "I" invented this cure for panic attacks. ;)"

[YEA]  John from Arlington, TX writes: "I started taking cold showers after I developed panic disorder, general anxiety disorder, and moderate depression. Cold showers have been the best distraction out of any other distraction to get a panic attack to go away. It feels so good when I take a cold shower that it is like an addiction to me. I feel instant gratification both physically and mentally when I take cold showers. They our the best to get rid of negative thoughts, minor physical pains from within the body, fear from a panic attack, and anger. At first I tense my muscles together so I can get use to it and then I let them un tense and let the water flow and it feels so great. Also I feel that my body is working better and I am a lot more alert and awake. I always feel like I am regenerated afterwards no matter how much I am going through. It is an intense body high. I would recommend this to anyone who suffers from anxiety, depression, or addiction problems. Remember when you take any of these three away you need to replace them with something else and cold showers is a great safe alternative that works wonders!"

CHINESE MEDICINE

COLD BATHS VS COLD SHOWERS

[NAY]  09/01/2007: Doris from Murfreesboro, Tennessee writes: "To answer Araeshkigal from Hurst, TX regarding cold baths. I took one several years ago because I heard it would help the immune system. Well, I got the flu and missed work for a week. I haven't tried the cold showers yet. I'm afraid I'll get sick again."

[YEA]  02/16/2007: Araeshkigal from Hurst, TX writes: "I first started taking cold showers as a suggested remedy for migraines. It more than worked. It also helped alleviate skin breakouts, regular muscle cramping, and some blood pressure issues (I changed nothing else in diet or exercise to be sure this was what was having the effects) I find it's best to start barely warm and slowly get to cold. If you can't stand ice cold at first just go "on the cool side" till you get a tolerance. You don't have to *freeze* to get the benefits. Also I find cold baths do *not* have the same therapeutic effect as cold showers (anyone else?) "

COLD SHOWER FEEDBACK

09/18/2008: Ashley from Toronto, Canada writes: "Could someone provide guidelines for taking a cold shower? How long would you spend taking a cold shower? How cold does the water need to be? I've read the posts and think that this is the right remedy for my 'fuzzy' head in the mornings. I wake up feeling (but not looking) heavy and puffy, cannot get a clear mind till 11am or so. Thanks!!!"

[YEA]  08/04/2008: Coldwater from West Park, Fl writes: "Cold showers are extremely good for the body. They help to drive a fresh supply of oxygenated blood to the site of infection or blockage. Every single person should finish off a shower or bath with cold water. It is highly beneficial."

[YEA]  08/01/2008: Kathy from Woodbridge, VA writes: "WOW..I hadn't been able to afford fuel to run the furnace that heats my water for a week..hence I have been taking cold showers. I have felt rejuvinated and awake...and that feeling has lasted all day. GOOGLED "cold shower remedy" found this site and Wasn't amazed to find out that it wasn't in my head, my better mood and all around helth is atributed to my cold showers...YAY ME...so now when I get the fuel for the furnace I will continue to take them!"

[YEA]  05/14/2008: Zvonko Spasic (w ww.zvonko.spasic /@/yahoo. com) from Belgrade, Serbia writes: "Cold showers helped me to become stronger. When I was little, stomack problems often troubled me. Diarea, for example. Whenewer it was cold you could se me running home or to the nearest bathroom. Sometimes I would not eat anything for houres, so I would not have the need to go. Also, I had a few embarassing moments because of my problem, but nothing to seiouse. Then, one day I came across the idea of a cold shower, because I saw the Russians runing in to the frozen lake after being in a sauna for 15 minutes, as a tradition. There were children, little boys and girls among them. I remember thinking:"Those must be some strong people.". Then it also came to me that we, in Serbia, have a simillar tradition, but without the sauna and as a part of oure religiouse heredity. Those are definitly strong people, because most of them are members of serbians ellite police force. That made me step up. I wanted to become stronger... And i did. I have been taking relatively cold showers for a year and a half now. I have stomack problems very rarrely now and they are more under my controle. I rarely get a cold now, although i hade a few ones only because I took a cold shower and went in to a, not so warm, room. So be carefull. Don't make the same mistake. That would be stupid,as was I. Also, my whole body functions much smoother... I can't explane it, but it feels good. Then I made another step. I joined the Serbian tradition and jumped in to the lake in the middle of winter, alongside the members of the police force and some more people like me. It was freezing. Despite the air themperature, wich was 12 degreas (Celsius), the water was 3-4 degreas (Celsius, don't know how much is that in Farenheits). It felt like my mind separated it self from my body and alowed it to run on authomatic for a few seconds. When I came out off the wather I expected to get a flew or something, but I was just fine, and had a simbolic lunch with the other guys who jumped. Anyway, cold showers helped me plenty. With my body and mentally. The coldnes takes youre thoughts from the things that are on youre mind and leave you in a peacefull state. Try it... If you like it, continue, and begin with babysteps. Sorry for the gramar mistakes and for writing this much. Greatings..."

[YEA]  05/06/2008: Nadia from Chicago, Illinois writes: "I read on the youtube comment http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYxHagZ4W5E that almond oil mixed with water will be absorbed to the skin and not leave you oily afterwards. It says almond oil has good minerals."

I'll write back again to report my progress. Happy scrubbing!"

[YEA]  04/08/2008: Nate from Los Angeles, CA writes: "Cold showers are great for waking up in the morning and actually lifting one's mood. Takes a bit to get used to (heavy breath intakes and shivering) but after you step out you feel alive and then, as you warm up ... awesome! I have been doing them for 4 days now - do it slightly "cool", to get used to it, then cool it down even more. I make it about a 3-4 minute affair. Seems to have cured morning "head fog". If you're new to it - get ready for a rush."

[YEA]  02/19/2008: Kenny from Strathclyde, Scotland writes: "I have been trying ACV for a while now and agree that it's great for improving metabolism and curbing apetite. I use supermarket bought organic ACV. However, for some time now (since before I started ACV), I've suffered red SPOTS/PIMPLES on the face/cheeks and on my head, and since I have little hair, it's particularly unsightly, I also had kind of FLAKEY SKIN on these areas, both would normally be quite itchy. I have recently taken to the topical application of ACV on these areas, speculatively. I have to say, in just a couple of days, the results are dramatic... I tilt the bottle onto a cotton pad a couple of times to saturate it, about the same size as a cosmetic make-up remover and wipe all over my face and head liberally, avoiding the eyes (cos it stings). I leave it on and repeat several times a day (just remember to wash the face with clean lukewarm water before you go out and pat it dry). The resulting effect is no redness, no flakey skin, just a taught, fresh-faced complexion. To compliment that, I have been taking daily sauna and steam bath treatments, interspersed with cold showers,excellent for a variety of conditions I'm sure, marvellous for the circulation, very invigorating and great for the skin, which I read here somewhere - is like the body's third kidney, and when in tip-top working condition, serves the body well to flush-out and detox the system. Try it!"

[NAY]  01/30/2008: Scott from New York, NY writes: "Cold Showers: I've tried them a number of times the last few weeks and I keep getting headaches, stomach aches and back aches. It doesn't look like it works for me."

[YEA]  01/30/2008: Sandy from San Rafael, CA writes: "About two months ago I was having yet another anxiety attack in the middle of the night. I got up and Googled and wound up at your site. Thank goodness ! I read all the testamonials for Cold Shower Therapy. I tried it and much to my amazement I have felt so much better! I am grounded,emotionally stable and strong. My skin feels fabulous, my hair is soft and shiny, I am energized and also relaxed. I have tried so many treatments for severe depression,anxiety and pacic attacks. CST has helped me beyond my wildest dreams. Yes, I now sleep so well that I am having amazing dreams as well. Thank you for this great resource and community !!!!!"

[YEA]  01/28/2008: Kayla from San Jose, California writes: "I tried the cold shower therapy and it was great! at first it was really hard to get started the first 3 times then it was easy. i feel really energized after and positive! It's great even in the winter. But dont go out into the cold after taking one.at first i used frezing water and that was horrible!Take cold showers not freezing. afrezing shower make my head hurt really bad and i started to hyperventalate. so yeah im 15 and cold showers were awsome for me:) i say tough it out and just do it!"

[YEA]  01/24/2008: Jacob Witherson from Raleigh, North Carolina writes: "I began taking cold showers 2 weeks ago. Needless to say, they make me feel incredible, like I can touch the sky. No joke. I usually take them at night but I had a state test today so I decided to take it since I've read on here it boots energy and concentration (I get distracted and tired really easy) and it turned out to be true. They also make me sleep like a baby, where before I had insomnia. As 2 others mentioned, it makes you hair really curly (I have extremely curly hair, even with warm water) but they get less frizzy than they usually do. I would reccommend these to anyone as they do help. Word of advice, I purchased one of those shower heads that have the metal cord thing so you can hand hold it to spray parts of your body. This helps a lot as you have more self control over doing it and dont instinctively move out of the water, you are forcing yourself to do it. Awesome remedy, thanks much!!"

[YEA]  01/17/2008: Lisa from Victoria, Texas writes: "I woke up early this morning and went right into one of the worst panic attacks of my life. Nausea, dizziness, heart rate going at about twice what it normally does... I found this site after looking for quick ways to lower my hart rate because I was having trouble breathing. I decided to give the cold shower treatment a try and, while I regretted it for the first five minutes or so, I am now feeling totally back to normal. I'll be sure to use this method in the future as it works so much faster than any medication I have tried."

[YEA]  01/16/2008: Susan from Portland, OR writes: "I have been sold on this cold water business for a couple of years now..and am convinced that it has surpressed my usual severe chronic pain to a manageable level. I don't have a shower and have some heart failure so I am generally freezing 99% of the time. But I do have a large claw foot tub. So each day I start with a warm/hot bath..and then towel off and hang out while the tub refilled with all cold. Then I get in...up to my waist and lay in the cold water for at least 5 minutes. Recently, after a car accident I started to lay down up to my neck (though I never immerse my chest..cause that would just be insane :) I lay there long enough for the "heat" to be pulled away..then get out. In summer..the water isn't quite cold enough..but I go swimming in cold lakes and rivers...in winter..the water gets so cold..I cheat a bit and add some hot to the mix so it is not 39 degrees. I swear by this and now do it everyday. If I am at a public pool, I use the cold shower method after swimming...but the cold bath is really good and I always soak my feet in it. I used to have chronic nerve pain the feet..but no more. I read that Thomas Jefferson (or was it Washington....?) soaked his feet in a cold water bucket every day too. It is also really good for the wrist pain you get with typing and mousing. I do not use ice...but have added ice to the tub when soaking at motels in the summer on vacation if the tap water is too warm. It is hard to lay in the tub...but I'm hooked and do it daily."

[YEA]  01/08/2008: Mike from Toronto, Canada writes: "I use the cold shower therapy everyday now, I try to do it at least twice a day. I also practice falun dafa which results me in good health also. Two power combination. I have more energy, more alert, less anxiety and less depression. It is uncomfortable at the beginning but well worth it."

[YEA]  01/01/2008: Jackie from Toronto, Canada writes: "I must admit, I was very apprehensive as I am not a fan of cold water but all the posts here worked me up. I started with my feet and legs, then arms as I was afraid the shock directly on the heart would send me into cardiac arrest. (I always was a bit of a pain wuss) The horror! It was like being attacked by an army of evil, miniature trolls wielding tiny frozen ice piks. It was especially amplified in the head area. The HORROR but I refused to give up, reminding myself that the body will adjust its temperature, effectively turning my tortured skin into a barrier between me and the evil trolls. I couldn't take it, and opened my mouth to scream in surrender when amazingly, a loud horribly off key opera roared forth. T'was just the ticket. I sang like never before, turning round and round reaching a singing ferver when something strange began happening. The water didn't hurt anymore and in fact, began to feel wonderfully refreshing. The singing continued and I actually began enjoying the whole experience! I washed and sang feeling energized as I pictured the evil trolls swooshing away down the drain. After jumping out of the shower, I vigorously dried myself off delighting in the wakeful feeling of aliveness that soared my spirits. I shall see how long this lasts and seriously consider attempting another one before bed tonight. Thanks all for this wonderful site! Oh and a question...is there a time limit for the cold shower before it starts to adversly affect one?"