Benefits of Contrast Hydrotherapy
Contrast Showers Increase Circulation
Contrasting temperatures increase circulation by causing your heart to send blood rushing to your vital organs. Over time, this forces your circulatory system to become more efficient and adaptable.
This effect is due to your body’s instant response to protect your vital organs. When it senses an abrupt change to cold temperatures, your blood has to circulate faster to protect your organs.
Essentially, your body is trying to conserve its natural core temperature. Eventually, it allows you to adapt to the new environment, – i.e., one that involves regular ‘shocks’ of cold water. This means that contrast showers may make your circulatory system act more quickly and effectively.
A better circulation means you’re able to heal faster because nutrients are being constantly transported around the body. Your peripheral tissues will be nourished and maintained properly, which has enormous benefits for longevity. Those with poor circulation, high blood pressure, and diabetes are ideal candidates for more efficient circulation.
If your circulation is slow and sluggish, these toxins can linger for longer periods of time in your body, and may even be reabsorbed into your tissues. That’s why healthy circulation is so important!
Contrast Showers May Help with Weight Loss
Although there’s a lack of scientific evidence, some reports claim that regular contrast showers may support or stimulate weight loss.
This is all to do with the different types of fat: brown fat and white fat. White fat refers to adipose fat, which is generally formed due to consuming excess calories. Brown fat, on the other hand, is the type located around the collar bones, neck, sternum and upper back. Brown fat is important because it generates fuel (heat) by burning white fat. Brown fat also helps to keep your body warm.
It’s been theorized that by suddenly exposing your body to cold water, your brown fat will start to burn your white fat – that is, burning fat with fat.
Contrast Showers May Help with Depression
It’s been suggested that contrast showers help reduce depression or low mood by boosting the flow of blood to the brain.
Cold exposure increases your blood levels of endorphins and noradrenaline, which then increase the synaptic release of noradrenaline (also known as norepinephrine), to the brain. Endorphins have a pain-relieving effect, lowering your perception of discomfort. The stimulating effect of endorphins also boosts feelings of well-being.
At the same time, the fresh flow of blood bringing oxygen and nutrients to your brain and other organs. Detoxification of harmful toxins and other metabolites are also cleared out more efficiently.
Another theory is that the fresh blast of cold water sends a number of electrical impulses to your brain. This provides a burst of energy, increases alertness, thus reducing depressed feelings.