The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Cold Shower Tips
Posted by Ryan (Lansing, MI) on 01/11/2007
★★★★★
I am LOVING the cold showers (in addition to the baking soda/molasses/acv cocktail, which is amazing as well).
I just wanted to share an insight: I'm still acclimating to taking cold showers, although I'm really starting to enjoy them. Something I HAVE noticed that may help others who can't imagine a cold shower is to slowly reduce the temperature of the water and, when it feels uncomfortable cold, to spray it on your underarms. Just put them right up by the shower head so they are taking the brunt of the spray. I don't know if it's the nature of the skin there, it's proximity to your vitals or what, but it takes the body "sting" out of the cold temperatures. Just a few seconds of armpit cold and you can start to enjoy the energy of it all.
Hope this helps others:)
Invigorates Mind and Body
Posted by Nev (Yorkshire, UK) on 01/11/2007
★★★★★
I tried the cold shower therapy first thing this morning. God it was great, once the initial shock was over, i got out of the shower and was tingling all over. I feel great today, i had little sleep last night and was groggy and felt horrible. thank you, i'm going to be trying this again tomorrow. The worst thing about it was different parts get hit by the water, so just as you thing your getting used to it, BAM an un showered bit gets hit by freezing water. At least the bathroom felt really warm when i got out
Acne
Posted by Karthik (Hyderabad, India) on 02/01/2007
★★★★★
Cold Water -- It's really amazing how it feels to take a cold water bath in the mornings. I have had this acne problem for a long time and taking cold water bath has helped me a lot.
Migraines
Posted by Araeshkigal (Hurst, TX) on 02/16/2007
★★★★★
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?)
Invigorates Mind and Body
Posted by Bob (Brooklyn, NY) on 02/23/2007
★★★★★
I am excited and shocked to see that other people are having the same experiences as me in taking cold showers. I feel completely awake, but calm after a nice fresh dip. I have even had experiences of mild euphoria. My method mirrors many others. Start with cool water rand increase to cold. I've experimented with different temperatures and found, however, that if the water isn't cold enough I just shiver. When the water is colder the blood starts moving and I internally heat up. This is where the good stuff is. Has anyone else had that experience? Not cold enough water making you shiver? Anyway.... Cold showers are no joke. They take time to get used to, but after a while of taking cold showers a morning hot shower starts to seem slightly decadent.
Depression
Posted by Cory ( Tacoma, WA) on 02/26/2007
★★★★★
I am 52 and have been swimming in cold water all my life, and always enjoyed how the cold water made me feel afterwards. I only recently started taking cold showers, and I wish I had started years ago. I had been taking Prozac and other anti-depressant medications for eleven years and desperately wanted to get off them, but the withdrawal symptoms would hit like a nightmare. The cold showers have enabled me to get off these drugs cold turkey. I keep the water ice cold for at least five minutes, then switch to warm and finally hot. I aso discovered that targeting the armpits is absolutely essential.
Anxiety
Posted by Marc (Toronto, Canada) on 02/28/2007
★★★★★
I've been suffering from anxiety and depression for years, and recently I've started to get panic attacks. I finally got motivated to start researching my problem on my own because I've discovered that doctors (at least the ones I've been too) are useless.
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!
Improves Circulation
Posted by Kristina (Waukesha, Wisconsin) on 03/10/2007
★★★★★
I heard about cold showers jumpstarting circulation and I have gradually been working up to a cold shower by ending a warm one with cold water. It seemed a strange and painful punishment but it was free, and who doesn't love free? I haven't stayed in it long enough to feel lasting benefits, but I have noticed I have no need to go back to warm water and it's much better coming out of a shower when the room feels warm instead of cold. It almost starts feeling good. I will definitely continue.
Fountain of Youth
Posted by Andrew (London, UK) on 03/22/2007
★★★★★
Cold showers have had a very positive effect on my health. Can't do without them now and hot showers almost seem repellent to me. The following has occurred since i started taking them 3 months ago: better circulation, less sweating, no colds/flu/infections,clearer mind, cleaner skin (blackheads have cleared up), no body odour...miraculous. I can vouch for cold showers and best of all it's totally free! I am definitely an addict.
Lowered Blood Sugar and High Cholesterol
Posted by Cory (Tacoma, Washington) on 03/26/2007
★★★★★
I have been taking cold showers every day now for almost three months, and I recently got the results of my latest blood and urine lab tests from my doctor. Blood sugar and cholesterol were markedly lower than the tests showed just prior to starting the cold shower regimen, with no appreciable changes in diet or physical exercise. My blood pressure was lower, and my pulse rate at rest has decreased from 72 to 54, which I find amazing. I am not in "great" shape physically, and I can only attribute these changes to the cold showers. This might actually be the 'fountain of youth'.
Fountain of Youth
Posted by Brandon (San Angelo, Texas) on 03/27/2007
★★★★★
We haven't had hot water at our house for almost a year now because the gas bill was too high. So we decided to go without. I was forced into taking cold showers. In the summer, the water was cold, but not freezing, so when I got out, I was very cold. Winter is just ending and the water has never been colder. It's so cold I almost can't breathe out when I'm under it. Still, as soon as the water turns off, I'm instantly warm and inexplicably comfortable. I've never felt better.
The shower itself is torturous for the first few minutes, but when it's over I feel amazing. I can't explain why I feel so warm immediately after the shower. I don't even shiver, I feel perfect. It's two things in one. It's a thrill/challenge, and it's therapy. I'm addicted to both the rush and the incredible comfort that immediately follows.
Fountain of Youth
Posted by Matt (Derby, UK) on 03/28/2007
★★★★★
Been taking cold showers for a few about two weeks, I'm finding i'm warm all day, when my friends say "ohh there's a bit of a chill in the air" Is there!!! , feeling good my muscles and skin feel toned like I've been to the gym, i sleep like a baby when i get in the bed after a cold shower, i get that massive shock n rush when i have one in the morning. i also feel more alert and am getting more sex drive and stronger erections.. ok, take cold showers, they are great fun....
Depression
Posted by Blanco (San Diego, CA) on 03/28/2007
★★★★★
I have recently started taking cold showers. On 03-16-07, I was feeling very depressed because I lost my job (nothing I did), isolated from previous co-workers (I really miss them), concern about finances (having lost a few weeks of pay and dealing with unemployment), and other issues related to stress that can trigger my health; which leads to a cold or fever. While I was at the gym on 03-16-07, something told me to go home and take a COLD SHOWER. Maybe because I believe in a higher power and was talking to my higher power about my concerns, worries and depressed moment. I got home and debated for about 30minutes to take a COLD SHOWER or not. At first, I felt my hands moving towards hot, but something told me not to and to challenge myself with a cold shower. I shivered. I stayed frozen. I couldn't move. I felt I was in Alaska dipping into a frozen lake. I took a deep breath and after doing that I felt sooooo good and wow did I feel so good and actually I stayed in the shower for like 20minutes feeling the cold water hit all over my body. I am feel like I am getting a cold, but I only hope is the changes in body temparature and that it is for the best for me. My skin feels so soft and I see a change in my face. COLD SHOWERS are WORTH a TRY....
Strengthens Immune System
Posted by Hi (Indianapolis, IN) on 04/06/2007
★★★★★
I have taking cold show for 9 years. I think this is the most powerful natureal therapy. My immune system is so strong that I seldom get sick. I suggested my coworkers to try, they said i am crazy.
Beautiful Skin
Posted by Suzan (Costa Mesa, CALIFORNIA) on 04/14/2007
★★★★★
taking a cold shower give you so much energy and especially in the morning it saves money and gives you healthy skin i love it im hooked!
