What effect should a cold bath have?
The cold bath works primarily through its warmth. On the one hand, it can achieve an “artificial” fever, i.e. the body temperature is increased. This helps the immune system to defend itself against pathogens.
In addition, the heat promotes the blood circulation of the skin and muscles. In this way, aching limbs can be prevented, since not so many degradation products of the pathogens being fought can be deposited there. As long as the cold is in its early stages, a cold bath also has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, so that affected persons feel fitter afterwards.
In addition, the warmth of a cold bath has a relaxing and stress-relieving effect. This also strengthens the body’s immune defenses. Bath additives such as essential oils additionally promote this relaxing effect.
In addition, they usually contain antibacterially effective substances that can reduce the attack power of the pathogens. By breathing in the warm vapors, the mucous membranes are moistened, which strengthens their resistance. The essential oils can also have an expectorant effect.
Thus, the bronchial tubes can be freed from mucus again, the paranasal sinuses open again and the nose does not run as much. Bath salts can also be added to the cold bath. They also have a mucolytic and anti-inflammatory effect in the respiratory tract.
How do I make a cold bath myself?
Making a cold bath yourself is not difficult. A bath thermometer is best suited as an aid. One lets water into the bathtub, optionally for partial baths also only into the wash basin or a bowl.
Afterwards the water temperature should be checked with the bath thermometer. The temperature should be between 32 and 38°C, as it feels best. If you don’t have a thermometer at hand, you can also set the temperature by feeling alone.
If in doubt, you can start with a little cooler water and slowly increase the water temperature until it is comfortable. Then bath additives such as essential oils and bath salts can be added. Alternatively, a cold tea can be poured into the bath water or a cup of cold tea can be drunk with the bath.
A cold bath usually lasts between ten and twenty minutes. However, the bath should be discontinued if indisposition and circulation problems arise. After the bath, it is important to slowly stand up and carefully get out of the tub.
Afterwards you should dry yourself thoroughly. Due to the warmth of the cold bath, the skin is particularly well supplied with blood, which can lead to a rapid loss of heat afterwards. Therefore you should dress warmly after the bath and relax for some time. Since the warm water can dry out the skin a little, additional moisturizing lotions can be applied.
