Yes, cold shower! It may sound intimidating but it is really not that bad.

Cold Shower is an important step in preparing you for your morning sadhana (practice).

Besides getting clean there are other benefits from the cold shower that your mind and body are benefiting from.

The morning shower is for your circulation and stimulation of your nervous and glandular system.

Benefits from taking a cold shower:

Improved blood circulation – showering with cold water is in going to improve your blood circulation between organs and skin considerably. With cold temperatures, blood flows to your organs to protect and keep them warm.

As the blood moves inward, it flushes the capillary system. In this way, the capillary system of the body gets a powerful work-out.

Improved mood – The mood is altered by many things on a daily basis. Cold showers can stimulate noradrenaline secretion in the brain, which is associated with improving mood disorders like depression.

Radiant skin. Cold Shower keeps your skin radiant and stimulates healthy secretions from the glandular system. It also strengthens the nervous system.

Steps in taking your daily cold shower.

• Massage your body with a small amount of oil.Almond oil is highly recommended.
• Start with the extremities – feet and hands, arms and legs.
• Get the cold water flowing.Move in and out of the water several times, constantly massaging your body until the water no longer feels cold.
• Go slowly if you have high blood pressure or problems with the sciatic nerve.

Women should be aware of the following:

• Make sure to massage the breasts to increase circulation to that area and clean out toxins.
• Don’t take cold showers while menstruating.
• While pregnant, take a cold shower for no longer than three minutes and stop altogether after the seventh month.
• Dry off briskly with a rough towel to make the body shine.

A cold shower can also be a little intimidating. If you really can’t take a full cold shower, at least wash your hands, elbows, face, ears, and feet with cold water. Above all, be kind to yourself.

*Do not take a cold shower if you have a fever, rheumatism, or heart disease.

Someone asked Yogi Bhajan about taking a hot shower first, then ending with cold water. He replied, “That is like eating a lot of junk food and then having a healthy meal.”

“When you take a cold shower, the blood from inside hits the outside to cover the attack. In that fast moment, it opens the capillaries. When the capillaries are open, they feed your glands and when your glandular system is well-fed, it secretes. The chemistry of your blood becomes perfect. That gives you the capacity to act, think, know; and it gives you grit, stamina.” –
Yogi Bhajan, July 30, 1996

Cold Shower Benefits – important step for your morning sadhana

Yes, cold shower! It may sound intimidating but it is really not that bad. Cold Shower is an important step in preparing you for your morning sadhana (practice).