Invigorating and energizing, the Scottish shower offers an easy way to take care of your health at home. As its name suggests, this form of hydrotherapy originated in the 19th century in Scotland. It consists of alternating hot and cold water in the shower. It stimulates blood circulation, strengthens blood vessels, relaxes the body, and more.
FOR A HEALTHY REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
The practice of the Scottish shower stimulates the production of the virile hormone, the testosterone. The hot water tends to put the testicles in cooling mode, which slows down the testosterone production, while the cold water allows the reproductive system to control its temperature more easily in order to function at its best. Research shows that the natural production of testosterone can increase by 17% thanks to the contact with the cold water.
TO STRENGTHEN THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
The Scottish shower strengthens the immune system thanks to the shock produced through the cold water. Studies conducted at the Thrombosis Research Institute in London show that this reaction results in the production of white blood cells, which in return strengthens the immune defenses. However, this works only if the body is subjected to cold water for short periods of time.
FOR OPTIMAL HAIR HEALTH
The hot water opens the pores of the skin and facilitates its cleaning, while the cold water closes the pores, which keeps the hair roots firmer in place. And since the cold water helps flatten the hair follicles, hair and beard also have more luster.
TO IMPROVE THE APPEARANCE OF THE SKIN
While hot water helps to clean the pores, it also dries out the skin by draining it of its natural oils. To compensate for the sudden dryness the skin tends to overproduce sebum, which in return promotes the appearance of black heads and acne. Closing the pores with cold water after cleansing is therefore very important. The skin will be smoother, and the contraction of the blood vessels caused by the cold water can reduce the appearance of dark under eye circles.
TO PROMOTE WEIGHT LOSS
Exposing the body to cold water for short periods of time promotes the production of brown fat. Brown fat is good for the body because it makes up its energy reserve. A study published in 2009 shows that a high production of brown fat reduces the production of white fat, which is the bad one that accumulates in and around the abdomen and under the chin.
FOR BETTER SLEEP
In order to fall asleep, the body must lower its temperature and slow down its vital function; it must be in cooling mode. Alternating hot and cold water while taking a Scottish shower relaxes the body and if you finish with a cycle of cold water before bedtime, you promote the lowering of the body temperature and induce sleepiness. This tried and proven recipe has been known to healthcare professionals since the 19th century!