Cold and hot shower
This aqueous procedure stimulates blood circulation, activates the work of the immune and nervous systems, invigorates and gives energy. The action of the contrasting shower is based on the fact that an unexpected short-term cooling of the body increases the body's defenses. Contrast shower, like other contrasting water procedures, is used for severe fatigue, for treating colds, neuralgia, rheumatism, migraines, diabetes, heart disease, kidneys, circulatory system, Addison's disease, anemia, malaria. People suffering from thrombophlebitis, hypertension, vasospasm, blood supply to the brain, this procedure should be started WITH CAUTION and ONLY after consultation with a doctor.
The procedure should be carried out as follows. Rise into the tub and pour water on a comfortable temperature, then make it hot enough for the body to endure, but there was no danger of scalding. After 30( 60 or 90) seconds, close the hot tap and let one cold water out. After pouring it on the body for 20-30 seconds, turn on the hot one again. After blowing her body, again let the cold water. This time, under a cold shower, you can stand longer, up to 1-2 minutes. At the final stage, turn on the hot water for a short time, and then replace it with cold water.
All parts of the body should be poured with water, without delaying long periods in separate areas. Contrasts, or transitions from hot water to cold, should be three. The final one is always cold water. In no case can the body be brought to a fever. Before cooling the whole body, do not forget to moisten the face.
You can use the following scheme of a contrast shower:
1. Warm water( so that the body gets used to it).
2. Hot( as long as it's nice).
3. Cold( 20-30 seconds).
4. Hot( 20-40 seconds).
5. Cold( 1-2 minutes).
6. Hot( 20-60 seconds).
7. Cold( as long as it's nice).Another version of the contrast shower is also suitable.
Stand under the shower and immediately let out hot water. After 10-15 seconds turn on the cold water. Stand under the cold shower 10-15 seconds. Do three such cycles. It is also necessary to finish with cold water.
Get used to the contrast of the soul should be gradual. At first it is recommended to take a shower of pleasant room temperature within 2-4 weeks and only after that it is possible to switch to a contrasting shower with one transition from hot water to cold. Stand under the cold water should not more than 5-10 seconds. Shower with one transition is desirable to do within 1-2 weeks. After this, you can go to the soul with two, and then with three transitions.
It is also possible at the beginning to ease the temperature drop and pour not too hot and cold water, but warm and cool. This recommendation should be adhered to sick and weak people.
When the water becomes cold enough, you must immediately go to very cold, even ice. If you do not do this and reduce the temperature too gradually, the result of hardening can not be seen. Often people reduce the temperature of water to 19-20 ° C, and then begin to ache. The fact is that water of such a temperature cools the body, but does not activate the defenses of the body, which continue to doze. When dousing with very cold water because of the short duration of the procedure, the heat does not have time to leave the body, but this method effectively affects the nervous system and as it includes the mechanism responsible for thermoregulation and immunity.
Contrast shower is recommended daily. The optimal time is in the morning after gymnastic exercises. However, it should be taken into account that such a shower is contraindicated after performing yoga complexes. Even better, if you can hold a contrast shower twice a day.
Contrast shower, as well as daily douche, is useful for the skin and sebaceous glands and therefore relieves of the need to wash often with soap. When oily skin is recommended to use soap not more than 1 time in seven days, when dry, you can apply it not 1 once a month.
Rubbing the body after a contrast shower with the use of mittens, brushes, towels enhances blood circulation, nourishing the skin. This method helps to remove dead skin cells, keep it smooth and supple.
Rubbing( or wiping) should start from the head, rubbing it from the periphery to the center. After that, you need to move to the hands and feet, starting from the fingers to the trunk. Then it is necessary to pound the breast, making circular movements from the center upwards and sideways. Further clockwise, the stomach that is expanding and then narrowing towards the navel is massaged, followed by the turn of the waist( up from the coccyx).
The last stage is rubbing the back in the longitudinal direction.