In recent years, the popularity of cold water therapy has certainly seen a rise, due to folks like the ever-charismatic Wim Hoff, and neuroscientist Andrew Huberman. However, did you know that the cold shower is also an integral teaching in the lineage of Kundalini Yoga? We call it Ishnaan, the science of Hydrotherapy.
The warmer, summer months are a great time to start your cold shower experiment. The water is warmer, and therefore less shocking to the system, and you can build your tolerance as the weather gets cooler - although anytime is a great time to start! If you decide to start taking cold showers, or if you are a cold shower veteran, we'd love to hear about your cold shower journey in the comments below.
What are the benefits of a cold shower?
There are many benefits to cold water therapy. Here's a list of our favorites:
Keeps the skin radiant
Opens the capillaries
Flushes the organs with fresh blood
Keeps the blood chemistry healthy
Encourages healthy aging
Enhances circulation
Stimulates healthy secretion of the glandular system
Improves metabolism
Regulates moods
Bolsters immunity
Reduces inflammation
How to do it:
Wear loose fitting shorts or boxers to cover your thighs. This helps to protect the sex nerve and the femur from sudden changes in temperature. The femur controls the calcium-magnesium balance in the body, and is very sensitive to temperature.
Optional: Dry brush your skin. Dry brushing is an Ayurvedic practice aimed to increase circulation and stimulate the lymphatic system. When dry brushing, brush lightly towards the heart. A natural bristle brush is recommended.
Massage your body with oil. The oil makes the skin soft and creates a natural glow. The oil nourishes the skin and creates a barrier to help make the temperature of the cold water less shocking. We recommend almond oil, which contains healthy minerals. It is also said that the oil helps to draw toxins from the body.
Run the cold water. Step into the shower. Massage the water into the skin. Allow the cold water to fall on your spine and begin to massage the body vigorously! Move! Start by slapping the tops of your hands, then slap the wrists, followed by massaging the length of the arms. Simultaneously, rub the top of one foot with the opposite foot. Then make fists of the hands and proceed to pound the tops of the thighs, moving up to the ovaries (if you have them), then up to the navel, heart center, throat, cheeks, and third eye. Lastly, pound the area in and around the armpits, and finally, for women, massage the breasts in an outward, circular motion. Try to stay in for at least 2-3 minutes, repeating this massage process 3-4 times, or until you stop feeling cold.
Dry off. Vigorously dry off with a rough towel. This will bring the blood to the surface of the skin, and will also help to remove excess oil from the skin. We recommend a separate towel used only for this process, as the towel will get oily and require more frequent washing.
Contraindications
Women should not take cold showers during menstruation, or after the seventh month of pregnancy. Cold showers are not recommended for anyone with a fever, rheumatism, or heart disease.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does it count if I take a hot shower first?
Unfortunately, taking a hot shower and finishing with cold water does not stimulate the same benefits.
Do I have to do the whole massage process?
Short answer- No! You can do whatever you want. What we've shared is the Yogic tried and true protocol that will deliver maximum benefits.
*For more info on the science of cold showers see UCLA Health / Huberman Lab
Work Cited:
Mooventhan, A., & Nivethitha, L. (2014). “Scientific evidence-based effects of hydrotherapy on various systems of the body”. North American Journal of medical sciences, 6(5), 199–209.
“Scientific evidence-based effects of hydrotherapy on various systems of the body”. North American Journal of medical sciences, 6(5), 199–209.
The Aquarian Teacher: Level One Instructor Textbook: KRI International Teacher Training in Kundalini Yoga (6th ed.). Santa Cruz: Kundalini Research Institute, 2020.
Schrader, Jessica (July 6, 2014). “A Cold Splash–Hydrotherapy for Depression and Anxiety”. Psychology Today.
Shevchuk N. A. (2008). “Adapted cold shower as a potential treatment for depression”. Medical hypotheses, 70(5), 995–1001.
Shevchuk N. A. (2008). “Adapted cold shower as a potential treatment for depression”. Medical hypotheses, 70(5), 995–1001.
Lumpkin, Nirmal, LMT and Japa Kaur Khalsa, DOM. Enlightened Bodies: Exploring Physical and Subtle Human Anatomy. Santa Cruz: Kundalini Research Institute, 2015.
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