Are you having trouble deciding whether to take a bath in hot or cold water? For a very long time, people have been debating whether to take a hot or cold bath. While each has advantages, the choice that must be made depends on a number of factors, including age, the time of year, habits, medical history, etc. (Wellhealthorganic.com:Which is better hot water or cold water bath?) To learn more about the advantages that both hot and cold water baths can provide, keep reading.
Cold vs. hot shower
Here, let’s examine the advantages of both cold water and hot water showers:(Wellhealthorganic.com:Which is better hot water or cold water bath?)
A Cold Water Bath Has These Benefits Cold water bath
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A cold water bath usually wakes you up in the morning by stimulating the nerve endings (1). It also aids in eliminating laziness.
By increasing the production of mood-enhancing substances like beta-endorphins, cold water baths may help you conquer depression (2).
According to studies, taking a cold water bath helps men’s reproductive health by encouraging the release of testosterone.
Additionally, it could aid in enhancing lung function.
The lymphatic and immunological systems of the body are stimulated by taking cold water baths, which increases the body’s generation of cells that fight illnesses (3).
Related: Benefits Of A Hot Water Bath 23 Homemade Skin Infection Treatments
a warm water bath
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Warmer temperatures, as we all know, tend to destroy more bacteria.
According to studies, taking a hot bath enhances muscular flexibility and soothes tight muscles (4).
A hot water bath lowers blood sugar levels, which lessens your risk of hyperglycemia.
As the steam helps to open up your airways and relieve congestion from your throat and nose, it is also helpful for treating a cough and cold (5).(Wellhealthorganic.com:Which is better hot water or cold water bath?)
Benefits of taking a hot bath
Warmer temperatures have the tendency to kill all the germs you are exposed to throughout the day, making hot water baths an excellent way to cleanse your body. Additionally, it aids in keeping better hygiene.
As the hot water and steam tend to clear your airways and aid in decongesting your nose and throats, they are incredibly helpful for treating colds and coughs.
They are also well renowned for curing insomnia and other sleeping problems and for being good sleep inducers.
Hot baths are also thought to help soothe sore muscles and relieve stress and fatigue. Additionally, it has been shown to increase muscular flexibility, giving you a fluid physique. [2]
Hot water showers are ideal for diabetics because research has shown that they lower blood sugar levels. [3] According to this study, diabetics’ blood sugar levels decreased by 13% after three weeks of spending 20–30 minutes in hot tubs.
Advantages of taking a cold water bath:(Wellhealthorganic.com:Which is better hot water or cold water bath?)
Showers with cold water help you get going in the morning. They frequently stimulate your nerve endings and aid in dispelling drowsiness and lethargy.
They aid in the treatment of depression. [4] Studies have shown that taking a cold water bath increases the release of mood-lifting chemicals like beta-endorphins and nor-adrenaline, which makes you feel energized.
helps men’s reproductive health to get better. [5] Research has demonstrated that taking cold showers increases testosterone production, which boosts libido.
Cold water baths have been shown to stimulate the immune system and lymphatic system, which helps to increase the production of cells that fight infections and boosts your immunity.
[6]
Showering in cold water helps your lungs function much better. This characteristic of cold water is what causes the feeling of being out of breath when you pour it over your head. Each mug of water causes you to hold your breath and let it out gradually, which enhances lung function.
Ayurveda’s Advice on How to Choose Between Cold and Hot Water Baths
Which is preferable, cold or hot water for showering? You may find a solution in Ayurveda. Since bathing your eyes and hair with hot water is bad for your health, Ayurveda advises using hot water for the body and cold water for the head. According to Ayurveda, the water’s temperature should depend on the following things:
- Age-Related
Older and younger individuals may converse about hot water showers.
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It is advised to bathe children with cold water. It is advised that elderly folks take hot showers. But taking a cold shower can help you if you’re a student who is committed to devoting more time to your studies.
- Considering Body Type
When taking a bath, it is preferable to use cold water if your body type is Pitta and hot water if your body type is Kapha or Vata. - Considering Illnesses
A cold water bath will be quite useful for your health if you have any Pitta-related conditions, such as indigestion or liver issues. And a hot water bath is recommended if you have problems connected to Kapha or Vata.
Both a hot water bath and a cold water bath are not advised for epilepsy patients. Take a warm bath as an alternative.
Related: Weight Loss With Epsom Salt Bath 4. Depending On Your Habits
A hot water bath is advised if you exercise often.
- Depending On When You Bathe
A cold shower can be the greatest option for you if you take your shower in the morning.
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It is advised to take a morning shower with cold water. However, having a hot water bath at night will make you feel calm. Bathing in hot water will be useful since Vata rules the evening.
Ayurvedic Bathing Procedures
Woman enjoying a tranquil bath
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The Ayurvedic philosophy holds that “a hasty bath is analogous to a hurried meal, and if you hurry bathing, your body does not enjoy the advantages and be cleansed correctly.” A satisfying bathing experience is necessary for gaining freshness.
To ensure that every portion of your body receives the right amount of water exposure, go carefully. How to properly bathe is as follows:
Before anything else, wash your hands and feet.
When taking a cold shower, you should start at the top and work your way down.
And if you’re taking a hot bath, begin by washing your toes before moving up to your head.
Avoid using commercially available, chemical-loaded soaps since the skin absorbs all of the chemicals in them.
Before taking a bath, giving your body a nice oil massage with sesame or mustard oil is claimed to be healthy for you. It enhances skin texture and revitalises the muscles.
When it’s important to take your time while showering, going too long is also not advised. Additionally, taking a bath twice day is sufficient for improved cleanliness.
Neem leaves may be added to the water and left for a while. Then soak in this water for a bath. It will make your skin healthier.
Although you may have a preference for either hot water baths or cold water baths, the information above should help you make an educated decision based on your needs and skin type. Warm water baths help you relax and relieve tired muscles, whilst cold water helps activate your nerve endings and gets you ready for a refreshing start to the day. Age, the time of year, habits, and the typical bathing time are all important factors in what you decide to follow.
You typically change the shower dial to the cold water setting as the days become warmer, and vice versa when the days get colder. In the summer, a cold shower may be quite reviving. In the winter, a warm shower can be very soothing. But have you ever considered what is genuinely healthy for you? Well, there isn’t a definite answer as to which is superior. As a general rule, hot water should be used for body bathing and cold water for head bathing, according to Ayurveda. However, there are a lot of elements to take into account when you must clearly pick between hot and cold water, including the individual’s age, constitution, habits, ailments, if any, season, etc.
Let’s look more closely.
Age: Young children and the elderly will benefit more from a warm to hot bath. Young adults and those up to roughly 45 to 50 years of age may take a cold water bath. A cold water bath is perfect for students who need to be attentive and able to concentrate on their academics.
Ayurveda classifies everyone into one of three dosha types: Vata, Pitta, or Kapha. Take a cold shower or bathe if you have a pitta body type. On the other side, a hot water shower is significantly beneficial for you if you have a Vata or Kapha body type.
Behaviors: Your habits may also affect how hot the water is. A cold water bath is suggested if you like taking a bath in the morning. Try taking a hot water shower instead if you want to take a bath in the evening. The Vata dosha, which rules the evening, makes it excellent. Similar to this, you must take a hot bath if you want to exercise before taking a bath.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cold showers burn fat?
Cold water may increase metabolic rate and aid in burning calories which may result in weight loss (6).
Does hot water damage skin?
Yes, hot water may damage skin barrier function and cause skin dryness (7).
How long should you take a hot bath for?
You should ideally take a hot bath for 15 to 30 minutes.