Mother Jai’s provides fitness classes for people who are less capable. Jennifer created these unique classes for people who want exercise but cannot stand or maintain their balance while moving. They are various full body warm-up and exercise routines that can be done from any chair, wheelchair, or even the couch. Anyone of any ability can participate and enjoy these exercises.
Jennifer has been instructing Senior Fitness classes in Adult Day Programs, Nursing Home, Independent and Assisted Living Communities since 2013. She is an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor, Silver Sneakers Approved and Certified Instructor and RenewActive endorsed instructor. She also holds a Integrative Aromatherapy Certification and a Bachelor’s of Science in Integrative Therapies.
Join Jennifer, Mother Jai, Lawson on YouTube for recorded videos of all of her routines.
These are the dried flowers you can purchase in bulk or
in tea bags in the store. Also known as Matricaria
chamomilla or German Chamomile. The names seem to be used interchangeably.
Commonly known as chamomile (also spelled camomile), Italian camomilla, German
chamomile, Hungarian chamomile (kamilla), wild chamomile, Manzanilla,
Matricaris, Sweet False Chamomile, Ground apple, Blue Chamomile,
or scented mayweed, is an annual plant of the composite family Asteraceae. M.
chamomilla is the most popular source of the herbal product chamomile, although
other species are also used as chamomile.
German chamomile is used in herbal medicine for a sore
stomach, irritable bowel syndrome, and as a gentle sleep aid. It is also used
as a mild laxative and is anti-inflammatory and bactericidal. It can be taken
as an herbal tea, two teaspoons of dried flower per cup of tea, which should be
steeped for 10 to 15 minutes while covered to avoid evaporation of the volatile
oils.
One of the active ingredients of its essential oil is the
terpene bisabolol. Other active ingredients include farnesene, chamazulene,
flavonoids (including apigenin, quercetin, patuletin and luteolin) and
coumarin.
Chamomile, a relative of ragweed, can cause allergy symptoms and can cross-react with ragweed pollen in individuals with ragweed allergies. It also contains coumarin, so care should be taken to avoid potential drug interactions, e.g. with blood thinners. While extremely rare, very large doses of chamomile may cause nausea and vomiting. Even more rarely, rashes may occur. Type-IV allergic reactions (i.e. contact dermatitis) are common and one case of severe Type-I reaction (i.e. anaphylaxis) has been reported in a 38-year-old man who drank chamomile tea.
Drug-Herb Interactions
Non-heme Iron – Reduced absorption (human
study)
Warfarin – Potentiated (speculative)
Benzodiazepines and Opiate Withdrawal –
Adjuvant to (empirical)
Formulation
& Preparation
Infusion – 2 tsp/cup three to four times daily
Tincture – 1-4mL (1:5, 40%) three times daily or 7-14mL (1:5, 50%) three times daily
Oil – 2-3 drops of essential oil in hot water basin for steam inhalation
Eyewash – 1 cup warm infusion, strained, wash eyes gently
To encourage a baby to sleep – 1-2 cups strained infusion (tea) in bath water
Healing
with Chamomile
as a tea, be used for lumbago, rheumatic
problems and rashes.
as a salve, be used for hemorrhoids and
wounds.
as a vapor, be used to alleviate cold
symptoms or asthma.
relieve restlessness, teething problems, and
colic in children.
relieve allergies, much as an antihistamine
would.
aid in digestion when taken as a tea after
meals.
relieve morning sickness during pregnancy.
speed healing of skin ulcers, wounds, or
burns.
treat gastritis and ulcerative colitis.
reduce inflammation and facilitate bowel
movement without acting directly as a purgative.
be used as a wash or compress for skin
problems and inflammations, including inflammations of mucous tissue.
promote general relaxation and relieve
stress. Animal studies show that chamomile contains substances that act on the
same parts of the brain and nervous system as anti-anxiety drugs. Never stop
taking prescription medications, however, without consulting your doctor.
control insomnia. Chamomile’s mildly
sedating, and muscle-relaxing effects may help those who suffer from insomnia
to fall asleep more easily.
treat diverticular disease, irritable bowel problems and various gastrointestinal complaints. Chamomile’s reported anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic actions relax the smooth muscles lining the stomach and intestine. The herb may therefore help to relieve nausea, heartburn, and stress-related flatulence. It may also be useful in the treatment of diverticular disorders and inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn’s disease.
soothe skin rashes (including eczema), minor
burns and sunburn. Used as a lotion or added in oil form to a cool bath,
chamomile may ease the itching of eczema and other rashes and reduces skin
inflammation. It may also speed healing and prevent bacterial infection.
treat eye inflammation and infection. Cooled
chamomile tea can be used in a compress to help soothe tired, irritated eyes
and it may even help treat conjunctivitis.
heal mouth sores and prevent gum disease. A
chamomile mouthwash may help soothe mouth inflammations and keep gums healthy.
reduce menstrual cramps. Chamomile’s believed
ability to relax the smooth muscles of the uterus helps ease the discomfort of
menstrual cramping.
calms muscle spasms – one study from England found that drinking chamomile tea raised urine levels of glycine, a compound that calms muscle spasms. Researchers believe this is why chamomile tea could prove to be an effective home remedy for menstrual cramps as well.
natural hemorrhoid treatment – Chamomile ointment can help to relieve hemorrhoids.
fights cancer – It’s very likely that chamomile tea can help reduce cancerous cells, although research is still ongoing to see exactly how chamomile reverses abnormal cellular growth.
The flowering perennial known commonly as catnip,
catmint, or catswort actually has the scientific name of Nepeta cataria, and
although most people don’t realize, this treat so commonly reserved for its
sedative, calming effects on cats, also has extensive benefits for human
beings. It’s native range is quite extensive, stretching across much of Europe
and parts of Asia, including China, but it has since become a global export and
can be found throughout the world. It is primarily potent due to a certain
terpenoid, called nepetelactone, but various other chemical constituents and
nutrients also affect various aspects of human health.
Nepeta cataria is a short-lived perennial, herbaceous
plant that grows to be 50–100 cm (20–39 in) tall and wide, which blooms from
late-spring to the autumn. In appearance, N. cataria resembles a typical member
of the mint family of plants, featuring brown-green foliage with the
characteristic square stem of the Lamiaceae family of plants. The
coarse-toothed leaves are triangular to elliptical in shape. The small,
bilabiate flowers of N. cataria are showy and fragrant, and are either pink in
colour or white with fine spots of pale purple.
Catnip can be applied topically via the leaves or the essential oil, while catnip tea brewed from the leaves is also popular. The extracts and essential oils are also quite popular. The historical range of catnip uses include teas, juices, tinctures, extracts, salves, and even as an herb to be smoked, in addition to its culinary applications. The various forms of catnip have been used for generations in alternative medicine, and modern research has also shown it to be a reliable treatment for some common maladies.
Health
benefits of catnip for humans include:
Stress Relief: The same quality that makes catnip so attractive to cats, namely because it makes them slightly “high” and sedates them, can also apply to humans in a more controlled way. Catnip can provide stress relief and reduce chronic anxiety as an herbal remedy when eaten, consumed in the form of a juice or tea, or when smoked as an herb. This can also help to reduce the secondary symptoms of chronic stress and strengthen your immune system.
Swallowed Emotions: A favorite use for this plant is to address the specific kind of stress and anxiety created in the body when people can’t express their emotions. This is perfect for someone who isn’t able to tell the boss or the in-law just what they’d like to say because it wouldn’t be polite, or good for the family budget.
Sleep Aid: Catnip has been used by people with insomnia or sleep restlessness for hundreds, if not thousands of years. The sedative nature helps to slow down the body’s natural cycles and induce a calm, relaxed state. People are better able to sleep through the night for undisturbed, restful sleep. Many people choose to drink a cup of catnip tea before bed to ensure a refreshing sleep.
Reduces Digestive Issues: Catnip is particularly effective in clearing up digestive issues, especially constipation, excess flatulence, cramping, and bloating. The relaxing, anti-inflammatory effects of catnip’s organic compounds can ease the knots and inflammation in your gastrointestinal system and relieve tightness and discomfort.
Colic: Catnip is a digestive herb. The scent that we get when we rub its leaves between our fingers is evidence of a high amount of volatile oils. This plant chemical is responsible for its ability to calm the stomach of an adult or a nursing child with colic.
Menstrual Cramps: For women suffering from particularly painful menstrual cramps, catnip tea is often recommended as an alternative treatment, because it can quickly relieve those cramps and stresses on the body. Furthermore, the sedative, calming effects of catnip can also soothe other symptoms of menstruation, such as mood swings and depression.
Headache Reliever: Although the exact mechanism isn’t completely understood, catnip has proven to be very effective in the treatment of headaches, even chronic migraines. Rubbing the essential oil on the affected area can work, but drinking catnip tea or rubbing a catnip leaf salve on the temples can also offer quick relief.
Fever: This is one of the most popular herbs for reducing a fever. It is part of a class of herbs called febrifuges. These herbs have the ability to cool the body by inducing a sweat. It is almost never a good idea to interrupt a fever. For the rare times that a fever has been particularly prolonged (your patient is becoming dehydrated and listless) or too high (over 102° for a typically healthy adult, around 104° for a typically healthy child) it can be helpful to have a fever tincture around.
Speeds-up Healing: In terms of colds and flus, one of the fastest ways to clean out the body is to induce sweating and get the toxins flushed from the system. This is particularly true in the case of fevers, when the lack of sweating before the fever breaks is only keeping those toxins and pathogens in the body. Catnip induces sweating, so is often recommended by alternative practitioners for treating the common cold.
Anti-inflammatory Activity: As mentioned above, the chemical constituents of catnip are particularly effective as anti-inflammatory agents. This means that catnip can be effective in the treatment of arthritis, gout, sprained muscles, aching joints, and even hemorrhoids. Topical application or normal consumption of leaves, juice, or tea can be effective for all of these situations.
Treats Skin Conditions: The natural repellent quality of catnip makes it ideal for keeping bugs away from gardens when kept as an ornamental plant, but the organic compounds in the plant make it ideal for soothing bug bites and relieving irritation on the skin. Applying salves or extracts to irritated or broken skin can speed the healing process and reduce inflammation quickly.
Complete Nutrient: Although eating catnip leaves is the least common form of consumption for human beings, catnip actually has a rather impressive collection of nutrients, from beneficial chemicals and unique organic compounds to essential acids, minerals, and vitamins that our bodies need. In other words, the plant can do a lot more than knock out a cat!
Cautions: For people suffering from liver or kidney disorders, the use of catnip may be risky, particularly if you are regularly consuming the tea. Furthermore, pregnant women should avoid catnip, as it can prematurely induce labor. Other than those specific concerns, catnip is generally considered non-allergenic and harmless to users. The high potency of the essential oil should be considered, however, and extracts should always be mixed with carrier oils.
Catnip for Cats
Catnip contains the feline attractant nepetalactone. Nepeta cataria (and some other species within the genus Nepeta) are known for their behavioral effects on the cat family, not only on domestic cats but also other species of cats. Several tests showed that leopards, cougars, servals, and lynxes often reacted strongly to catnip in a manner similar to domestic cats and while lions and tigers can react strongly as well, they do not react as consistently.
With domestic cats, N. cataria is used as a recreational
substance for pet cats’ enjoyment, and catnip and catnip-laced products
designed for use with domesticated cats are available to consumers. Common
behaviors cats display when they sense the bruised leaves or stems of catnip
are rubbing on the plant, rolling on the ground, pawing at it, licking it, and
chewing it. Consuming much of the plant is followed by drooling, sleepiness,
anxiety, leaping about and purring. Some growl, meow, scratch or bite at the
hand holding it. The main response period after exposure is generally between
five and fifteen minutes, after which olfactory fatigue usually sets in.
Cats detect nepetalactone through their olfactory
epithelium, not through their vomeronasal organ. At the olfactory epithelium,
the nepetalactone binds to one or more olfactory receptors.
Not all cats are affected by catnip; roughly 33% are not
affected by the plant. The behavior is hereditary. An early 1962 pedigree
analysis of 26 cats in a Siamese breeding colony suggested that the catnip
response was caused by a Mendelian dominant gene; however, a 2011 pedigree
analysis of 210 cats in 2 breeding colonies (taking into account measurement
error by repeated testing) showed no evidence for Mendelian patterns of
inheritance, and instead demonstrated heritabilities of h2=0.51–0.89 for catnip
response behavior, indicating a polygenic liability threshold model.
Other plants that also have this effect on cats include
valerian (Valeriana officinalis) root, silver vine (Actinidia polygama) and
Tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica) wood. It has been shown that many cats
who do not respond to catnip do respond to one or more of these three
alternatives.
Health
benefits of catnip for cats include:
The chemical compound in the plant that
attracts and affects cats is called nepetalactone. It is found in the leaves
and stems.
Nepetalactone is a stimulant when sniffed by
a cat, producing a “high” that is described as being similar to
either marijuana or LSD. (How this was determined, I do not know.) And the
effects last for about 10 minutes before wearing off and the cat going back to
normal.
When a cat eats catnip, it acts as a
sedative, but when smelled, it causes the cat to go crazy. It is thought to
mimic feline pheremones and trigger those receptors.
Cats may react to the plant by rolling
around, flipping over, and generally being hyperactive.
About 50 percent of cats seem to be affected
by catnip, and the behavior that results varies widely between individuals, and
it is believed to be an inherited sensitivity.
And if your cat does have the sensitivity, it
will not emerge until your cat is several months old, young kittens are not
affected by the chemicals in the plant.
Cats may rub against and chew on catnip to
bruise the leaves and stems, which then release more nepetalactone.
Catnip is safe for cats. If they eat a lot,
they may vomit and have diarrhea, but will return to normal given time (and no
more catnip).
It is also known to help humans, it has been
used for its sedative properties in humans for centuries, having similar
properties to chamomile and is a very potent mosquito repellent
If cats are exposed to catnip frequently,
they may no longer respond to it. Some people recommend that it shouldn’t be
given more than once every two or three weeks to prevent habituation.
Many of us are always on the look out for new and better ways to be healthy and happy. What we don’t realize is, there isn’t a new and better way. Health and wellness are so individualized that the process of obtaining it must be personalized. We all know there are common elements that create health and wellness. These elements are essential components of health and include diet, exercise and mental simulation. Each of those elements vary greatly by individual.
Our health and wellness as we age depend greatly on the choices we make when we are younger. Everything we do to our bodies as we grow up catches up with us as we grow old. Yet there are choices we can make that can reduce the damage we have done. There are many examples of people healing themselves through drastic lifestyle changes.
Personal health and wellness depends completely on three basic factors. What we put into our mind and body controls what we get out of them. Finding balance between the ‘good’ and the ‘bad’ intake helps the body to maintain balance or homeostasis. Using our body and mind every day ensures both will continue to work for us far into the future.
We Get Out of Our Body What We Put Into It
At the base of everything, our physical and mental function depend totally on how we nourish the body. If we are filling out gut with hydrogenated oils (trans fats) and highly processed grains and sugars (simple carbohydrates) we are missing out on essential nutrients. Essential nutrients are those necessary for healthy and balanced mental and physical function.
We see them listed all of the time on our multivitamins. What we don’t realize is that we only absorb about 10-20% of the nutrients in a multivitamin, even with food. We must get a natural combination of nutrients that are already optimized for complete absorption. These natural combinations of nutrients come from WHOLE and FRESH foods, NOT fortified and reconstituted foods.
Fresh Whole Foods
We all should know what fresh foods are. These are foods that are raw when you consume them or prepare them for cooking. They include, of course, raw meat and produce, but can also include raw oils, honey, grains, nuts and seeds. These foods have not been processed in any way so they contain a wide variety of nutrients that are easily absorbed and utilized by the body.
We are not considering where these foods were grown or how they were fertilized or nourished. We are only comparing fresh and raw foods to processed and packaged convenience foods. There is considerable difference in the nutrient density of organic foods as compared to commercially grown or GMO crops. The difference is not always cost effective for the average family.
Raw foods are the more nutrient dense than processed foods, plain and simple. Nutrient density is determined by the amount of nutrients by weight that you obtain from the food when consuming it. Some nutrients are always lost in the cooking or packaging process. Go raw first. Then if you don’t like the taste, try it cooked. Home cooked foods are still more nutrient dense than processed and packaged convenience foods. Even home made chocolate chip cookies.
Taking the time to prepare and cook raw foods at home not only helps you to use your mind to think and do but also helps you to control your weight. This is because you know exactly what is going into your body and you are burning calories while preparing it. Learning new recipes and techniques can help stimulate your mind while nourishing your body.
Maintaining Our Mental Health
Our mental health does rely on our nutrient consumption, especially as we age. The more nutrients we consume and utilize at a younger age the healthier our brain cells will be for longer. In other words, nutrition is one large part of the fountain of mental youth.
Beyond nutrition our mental health also depends on how we use our brain throughout life. If we use our brain for more than television and social media we find it lasts longer and functions better overall. This can be anything from painting to reading, playing music to sculpting, or dancing to day dreaming. Anything you put your mind to. To invent, create and inspire is to develop new pathways and strengthen connections in the brain.
Devoting yourself to learning something new every day will ensure your brain continues to do everything you and your body need it to do.
Finding Balance
Sometimes finding balance is hard. We struggle to be ‘good’ about our choices in lifestyle and diet. ‘Good’ is a broad word and it can mean very different things for different people. To help us determine better ways to be healthy we will leave out the terms good and bad and maybe consider them as more and less. We can have more fresh, raw and unprocessed foods and less fast and convenient foods. We can drink more water and less coffee or soda. We can read more books and watch TV less. We can exercise more and sit less.
Choosing the more side, you really do get more; more food, more water, more activity, more learning, more experiences. Making these choices are all individualized and yet they follow all of the same basic rules. Feed your body and mind more. Yes more!
Aroma Spray – 8oz Spray
Water based sprays with 5% essential oils for personal Aromatherapy.
With Mother Jai’s Natural Products and your healthy lifestyle choices you can get a lot more out of your health and wellness. Aromatherapy is a great natural way to boost immune function, soothe mental stress, and heal bodily injury. Without chemical preservatives or stabilizers. Without interfering with treatments that are already working for you.
The plant contains several oleanolic acid glycosides. Flavonol
and triterpene glycosides have been isolated from C. officinalis via high
pressure chromatography. Calendulin (also known as bassorin) has been
identified in the plant as have sterols and fatty acids such as calendic acid.
Additionally, the plant contains triterpenoid in free and ester forms,
tocopherols, mucilage, and a volatile oil. Enzymatic activity of calendula extracts
has been described. The carotenoid pigments have been used as coloring agents
in cosmetics and the volatile oil has been used in perfumes.
The major chemical constituents of Calendula oil are a-cadinol, limonene, a-cadinene, p-cymene, 1, 8-cineol along with other flavonoids, terpenoids, coumarins, flavonol glycosides, carotenoids, sesquiterpene glucoside, amino acids, triterpene oligoglycosides, saponins, and oleanane-type triterpene glycosides.
Calendula has been used medicinally for centuries.
Traditionally, it has been used to treat conjunctivitis, blepharitis, eczema,
gastritis, minor burns including sunburns, warts, and minor injuries such as
sprains and wounds. It has also been used to treat cramps, coughs, and snake
bites. Calendula has a high content of flavonoids, chemicals that act as
anti-oxidants in the body. Anti-oxidants are thought to protect body cells from
damage caused by a chemical process called oxidation. Oxidation produces oxygen
free radicals, natural chemicals that may suppress immune function.
Calendula flower is used to prevent muscle spasms, start
menstrual periods, and reduce fever. It is also used for treating sore throat
and mouth, menstrual cramps, cancer, and stomach and duodenal ulcers.
Calendula is applied to the skin to reduce pain and
swelling (inflammation) and to treat poorly healing wounds and leg ulcers. It
is also applied to the skin (used topically) for nosebleeds, varicose veins,
hemorrhoids, inflammation of the rectum (proctitis), and inflammation of the
lining of the eyelid (conjunctivitis).
Don’t confuse calendula with ornamental marigolds of the
Tagets genus, which are commonly grown in vegetable gardens.
The plant has been grown in European gardens since the
12th century, and its folkloric uses are almost as old. Tinctures and extracts
of the florets were used topically to promote wound healing and to reduce
inflammation; systemically, they have been used to reduce fever, control
dysmenorrhea, and treat cancer. The plant is listed in the German Commission E
Monographs for wound healing and anti-inflammatory actions.
The dried petals have been used like saffron as a
seasoning and have been used to adulterate saffron. The pungent odor of the Calendula
has been used as an effective pesticide. Calendula flowers are often
interspersed among vegetable plants to repel insects.
Calendula infusion
Medicinal
Uses and Indications
Today, calendula is not usually taken by mouth. The
exception is when it is used in extremely small amounts in homeopathic
preparations. Calendula is usually applied topically, to the skin.
Burns,
cuts, and bruises: Calendula tinctures, ointments, and washes
are often applied to the skin to help burns, bruises, and cuts heal faster, and
to fight the minor infections they cause. Calendula cream is also used to treat
hemorrhoids. Animal studies show that calendula helps wounds heal faster, maybe
by increasing blood flow to the wounded area and by helping the body make new
tissue. There are no scientific studies looking at whether calendula works in
humans, but using it on your skin is considered safe. Professional homeopaths
often recommend using ointments with calendula to heal first-degree burns and
sunburns.
Dermatitis:
Early
evidence suggests that calendula may help prevent dermatitis, skin
inflammation, in people with breast cancer who are undergoing radiation
therapy, however, other studies show no effect. Calendula is also a safe and
effective remedy for diaper rash.
Ear
infection (otitis media): Ear drops containing calendula are
sometimes used to treat ear infections in children. A few scientific studies
have found no side effects. More research is needed to determine whether
calendula helps treat ear infections.
Oral
Health: There are also certain antibacterial properties of
calendula that have made it very popular in recent years. You will often find
it on the ingredients list of various herbal health and hygiene products,
including toothpastes, mouthwashes, soaps, and shampoos. In terms of oral
health, toothpastes and mouthwashes that contain calendula are very effective
in killing bacteria that cause everything from gingivitis to cavities.
Skin
Care: Aside from stimulating healing, calendula oil can
significantly boost the appearance of your skin. It can affect blood flow to
the skin cells, provide antioxidant protection that reduces the appearance of
wrinkles and ages spots, and even the visibility of scars. If you want smooth,
even-toned skin that glows with youthful vitality, consider adding some organic
products that contain calendula or consume calendula in another form, such as
tea.
Vision
Health: Research has shown that calendula contains certain
antioxidant compounds that directly impact your vision. Beta-carotene is
essential for the health and functioning of your eyes, and it is a wonderful
source of this compound. You can prevent macular degeneration and the development
of cataracts in this way.
Reduced
Inflammation: Regardless of where you inflammation is
occurring, calendula can significantly reduce the discomfort. If you are
suffering from a cough or congestion, calendula tea can be a wonderful remedy.
If your joints are hurting from arthritis or gout, add some calendula oil to a
skin balm and enjoy a rapid reduction in pain. Finally, if your stomach is
upset, calendula can help normalize your gastrointestinal system and eliminate
any inflammation that may be causing discomfort.
Cancer
Prevention: Calendula oil has certain anti-tumor
properties that make it very valuable in new cancer research exploring natural
solutions to this global epidemic. Cancer remains one of the great mysteries of
our species in terms of collective health, and compounds like those found in
calendula offer an interesting new angle on this critical issue.
Reduced
Cramping: There are also some anti-spasmodic properties of
calendula that are also taken advantage of by many people. If you suffer from a
nervous system disorder, have painful cramping in relation to menstruation, or
some other type of spasmodic condition, adding calendula to your diet may be a
wise choice.
Available
Forms
Fresh or dried calendula petals are available in
tinctures, liquid extracts, infusions, ointments, and creams.
Calendula products should always be protected from light
and moisture, and should not be used after 3 years of storage.
Calendula petals
Special
Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy
and breast-feeding: Don’t take
calendula by mouth if you are pregnant. It is LIKELY UNSAFE. There is a concern
that it might cause a miscarriage. It’s best to avoid topical use as well until
more is known.
Allergy
to ragweed and related plants: Calendula
may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the
Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this family include ragweed,
chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others. If you have allergies, be
sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking calendula.
Surgery:
Calendula might cause too much drowsiness if
combined with medications used during and after surgery. Stop taking calendula
at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Taking a cold shower has many more benefits besides waking up a drunk person.
Besides saving you money on heating water, taking a cold shower also:
Increases alertness better than coffee.
The cold stimulates circulation by increasing the heart rate and relaxing blood
vessels. Your respiration rate increase to warm the body, thus increasing
oxygen intake and reducing oxidization within the cells. These two changes wake
you up and get you going.
Improves health of skin and hair. Hot
water strips away the natural, water soluble oils, excreted by the skin and
hair follicles, thus drying them out. Hot water relaxes tissues causing sagging
and eventually wrinkling. It opens pores and allows for the buildup of dirt and
bacteria. Cold water tightens cuticles, pores, and collagen in tissues. This
seals up the skin keeping dirt and bacteria out, thus preventing acne and
infection.
Improves immunity and circulation. As
in number 1 cold water stimulates circulation, this includes lymph circulation.
The better lymph and its associated immune cells can travel through the body
the better they can kill and remove invaders.
Aids in weight loss. Due
to our body’s habit of storing two kinds of fat, white (excess calories stored
around belly/thighs) and brown (surrounds and protects organs, adds insulation
from heat/cold). Our body uses or burns very little white fat, especially when
we’re hot. The more we expose our bodies to cold the more we develop brown fat
and burn white fat.
Eases pain and speeds recovery. With
increased circulation comes increased removal of exercise and injury related
acid and toxin buildup in the muscles and joints, thus reducing inflammation
and associated pain.
Eases stress and it’s effects.
Cold stimulus in the shower or outside has been proven to promote tolerance to
stress and resulting disease. Again, with increased circulation comes increased
removal of toxins. Even those toxins created by feeling stressed. The stress of
cold water assists the body in adapting to oxidative stress.
Relieves depression. The
stimulation of the nerves in cold water causes the release of an overwhelming
amount of electrical impulses from the peripheral nerve endings to the brain.
This boosts mood by releasing endorphins and causing a strong antidepressant
effect.
Builds will power. It
takes a lot of mental strength and will to purposefully take a cold shower,
especially after being so acclimated to warm and comfortable showers. The more
you do it the more you can do it.
Increase and balance hormones. Along
with increased circulation comes nerve and gland stimulation with exposure to
cold. As glands are stimulated so are their excretions, which are all hormones.
This improves the balance and function of hormones throughout the body.
Improves
sleep. By increasing and balancing hormones, it improves sleep
hormone production as well. A cold shower before bed can work like a
tranquilizer.
Improves
breathing. The shock of entering the cold water makes
you take a full, deep breath. Breathing in cold water becomes deep and erratic,
allowing for more oxygen to enter the bloodstream.
