Hot & Cold Showering This technique is aimed at creating movement within the circulatory system which in turn creates a knock-on effect of movement within the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system travels around the body in very close proximity to the blood circulatory system and so anything which speeds up circulation will help create movement within the lymph.
What does it do? When the body is subjected to heat (i.e. a hot shower) the blood will move in greater volume to the surface of the body (i.e. the skin). This enables the body to lose heat more readily to ensure an even temperature is maintained within the body’s vital organs. When the body is subjected to cold (i.e. one cold shower) the blood will move in greater volume to the inner body. This enables the body to keep the inner vital organs warm and ensure that a balanced temperature is maintained at all times.
When should I apply hot and cold showers? Hot and cold showers can be taken at any time during the day but they are especially useful first thing in the morning. They can help the body to start shifting the stagnation which has been caused overnight during sleep. Hot and cold showers are also extremely beneficial after completing the skin brushing technique. The Skin brushing starts to create movement within the lymph and a hot and cold shower afterwards can capitalise on this and contribute to accelerated movement. Take care if you have a heart condition, high blood pressure or are pregnant as the shock to the system may be too much, in which case start with a cool rather than cold shower.
What do I need? To perform this technique you simply require a normal household shower. It is beneficial to have a shower with a good temperature control system so that you can set the temperature according to your body’s limits.
Instructions To perform the hot and cold showering technique: 1. Firstly, have a normal warm shower and wash 2. After completing a normal wash shower, turn the temperature gauge to cold and remain in the shower until the body feels cold. 3. When the body feels cold, turn the gauge back to hot and remain in the shower until the body feels hot. 4. Complete this process three times in total and be sure to finish on a cold or cool shower. Please note that to begin with the body may not be able to cope with vast differences in temperature as everyone’s body responds differently. Set the temperatures at levels which suit the body and then slowly increase the temperature differential over time. What are the effects? Hot and cold showers have the same effect upon lymph as skin brushing but normally to a greater degree. They can make you feel refreshed and alert, having kick-started your system into action.
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