Winter is here, it's well established! Temperatures are hovering around 0°C and even dropping below that on some mornings. While you're shivering, surely you're miles away from thinking that the cold might have some health benefits. It's hard to admit it when your hands are numb and your face is seized by the cold? Find out how and why the cold can become an ally of your body and mind.
Unless we do as migratory birds do as soon as the north wind starts blowing, we're better off taking advantage of what nature quite generously offers us. In winter, it's cold. That's just the way it is. Some parts of the world reach -47°C on average, with the record being -98°C in the middle of Antarctica.
Happily and unsurprisingly, our bodies are designed to withstand temperature variations. Our metabolism adapts to maintain a constant internal temperature of 37°C. Having good health can be exemplified by this ability to maintain this subtle balance.
Cold to test vitality in naturopathy
The amount of time it takes for the body to warm up when it is cold (or to cool down when it is hot) is a sign of vitality. The more reactive it is, the greater the vitality. This means that the body is able to restore its internal balance on its own, that its self-healing abilities are optimal.
There is a simple test you can do at home to check your vitality level. Simply end your shower with a stream of cold water over your entire body for the brave ones (legs and forearms for the more chilly ones) and observe the feeling of warmth that emerges right afterwards. If it appears quickly, you have excellent vitality. If it takes a while, perhaps you are under-vitalized... In this case and depending on your temperament, practical advice in vital hygiene will solve this situation (diet, physical exercise, plants, spices, emotional management etc...).
Cold to warm...
The cold shower test perfectly illustrates the principle of cold that warm... Just as desert nomads relish hot tea to cool themselves, the cold baths of the Scandinavians stimulate the heat production by the body.
The spray of cold water or a dip in a frozen pool activates blood flow. The cold is startling. It retracts the blood vessels all at once bringing blood back to the noble organs (brain, heart, liver...). By reactionary effect, the peripheral blood vessels dilate, the blood returns to irrigate the area which brings this sensation of heat. Not only does the cold prevents circulatory problems (varicose veins, heavy legs...) but it warms up thanks to this famous reactionary effect.
Cold to reduce pain
An Australian study shows thatcold can decrease some symptoms of inflammation such as edema without reducing the inflammation itself. Thus, many athletes practice ice baths or stay for 3 minutes in refrigerated chambers at -110°C to calm muscle and osteoarticular pain, improve recovery after exercise, and sleep better. The cold stimulates the development of mitochondria, which are like power plants in the cell.
If you are athletic, suffer from rheumatism, chronic osteoarticular pain, then cold can provide relief.
Cold to find sleep and improve concentration
It is well known that an overheated room does not promote sleep. It is always advisable to lower the temperature to 19,18 or even 17°C for a quality sleep.
The cold also improves concentration, attention and alertness. Avoid overheating your desk or workspace!
Of course, this is adjustable according to individual taste and comfort.
Cold is good for morale
And yes! Despite what we might think, the winter period is conducive to the cocooning moment during which you take care of yourself, take stock, consider new projects... It is also when it is cold that you stay at home in the company of your loved ones to share good warm and comforting meals. From the decreased light, bad weather and striking temperatures, winter calls for rest and inner listening.