Comparative study How healthy is cold showering

Study: Cold showers - that's healthy?
An ancient wisdom says "cold water should harden". Researchers have taken this tradition as an opportunity to confirm or reject the thesis. Over the course of a study, they found that sick leave was reduced by 29 percent through cold showering. It did not matter how long the subjects stood under the cold water jet. In naturopathy, water therapies have long been considered soothing and healing.

The 3018 participants in the study, ages 18-65, had to shower daily for a month at any time of the day, warm or hot at will, then as cold as it came from the drain. The subjects were then divided into four groups. One group had to shower for 30 seconds at 10-12 ° C cold water, a second 60 and the third group 90 seconds. The control group showered at will.

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At Studienede, participants had to fill out a questionnaire to indicate and rate sick leave, absence days from work, quality of life and productivity in the workplace.

The number of sick leave was reduced by almost 30% compared to the control group as a result of the intervention. The differences between the intervention groups in terms of sick leave were not significant. The quality of life was only minimally increased in the cold shower. 21% of the study participants had prematurely stopped the experiment due to discomfort. However, 64% of the permanent residents retained the cold show after the end of the study.

Water - an element in natural medicine
In natural medicine, ablutions have always been a healing element. Hot water directly warms skin, body and organs. It is therefore ideal for all ailments that have to do with hypothermia. Warm water relaxes and soothes, so it is suitable for all complaints that express themselves in convulsions. Chronic inflammation can be treated with warm water. It relieves the pain and creates a comfortable feeling.

The situation is different with acute inflammations that raise the temperature. Here, warm water is inappropriate. People who shiver and very thin people should prefer warm water when more robust natures use cold ablutions.

Firstly, cold water dissipates excess heat, but at the same time warms it up in the second step. It increases the blood circulation, and the body warms itself up. They have an invigorating effect, but very nervous people find this disturbing.

Cold healing water is ideal for all problems that are associated with excessive temperature: acute inflammation as well as burns and scalds. They harden the body and strengthen it. They activate the self-healing powers.

The study can be found here.