Benefits of Showering for Mind, Body & Soul

Benefits of Showering for Mind, Body & Soul
by Anna Wagner (Guest Author - FIT Major in Fragrance and Cosmetics) & Dr. Shamil 

Taking a shower does more than to just help you wake up in the morning; showering has some amazing physical and mental health benefits. Showers wash away dirt and grime, along with all the stresses of your day. And it's not just a hot shower, cold showers have their own set of benefits too.

Hygiene has always been a staple to humans, dating back to prehistory. And while these bathing practices may not have been as diligent as our cleaning routines today, early societies understood the importance of hygiene. Showering for them was religious, therapeutic, and for purposes both in entertainment and social engagement. Bathing started in oceans, streams, and waterfalls. The earliest known public bath was found in Pakistan, but the Greek and Romans mastered the art and architecture of the public bath. With sophisticated water systems they focused their baths at the center of their towns.

For most of history bathing for most cultures was a way of removing both body and spiritual impurities. But it wasn’t until the 18th century that there started to be an understanding of how bathing could benefit you medically and health wise. At this time the first modern mechanical shower was invented and studies on hydrotherapy became popular. By the 1800s, Americans were beginning to take showers daily, even if it was an arduous task of hauling in buckets of hot water. But in today’s America, the average person showers daily and some up to two or three times a day, and with much more ease.

This is the earliest known public bath in Mohenjo-daro, modern day Pakistan.

Modern science has given us insight into why these daily showers can benefit our health. Throughout the day we expose our bodies to pollution, dirt, and toxins. And while you won’t see it physically, these things will accumulate on your skin and in your pores. A hot shower removes this layer of impurities and opens the pores to clean them out effectively. This helps in preventing skin issues such as acne or blackheads.

Hot showers also relax the body and reduce muscle tension. They help to heal sore muscles and increase muscle elasticity, which can be especially beneficial after exercise. Your lungs will open and you’ll breath deeper allowing for higher uptake of oxygen. The hot water will also help to stimulate blood flow which gives a healthy color to the skin, improve brain function, and ease migraine pain. Studies have even shown that being immersed in hot water helped lower the blood pressure of those with diabetes.

It might take some time getting used to, but a cold shower presents many physical benefits. Cold water is better for your hair and skin; water that is too hot can dry out and irritate the skin. Try lowering the temperature after you cleanse to close pores and keep dirt & toxins from entering. Studies have shown that daily cold showers activate the immune system and increase the number of white blood cells that fight viruses. One of the most surprising benefits that comes with a cold shower is an increase of testosterone levels in men. They have even been shown to help with fertility too!

Along with its benefits to the body, showering boasts some serious mental benefits too. A recent study has shown that taking cold showers in the morning has reduced stress and induces relaxation. This study also found that these showers boosted the participants perception of their attractiveness. Another study found that a cold shower altered chemical levels in the brain. This resulted in an increase of noradrenaline, a chemical that gives a feeling of energy and alertness. The feeling of the cold water itself acts a stimulant that wakes you up and gives a feeling like drinking coffee.

From hygiene to boosting wellness, hot or cold, showers play a key role in our everyday lives. So, don't be shy or scared of showering. Shower away as much as you like.  It is good for you.


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