Hot Water Or Cold Water Bath: Which Is Better As Per Ayurveda?

 Hot water bath vs cold water bath

A hot water bath cleanses the body and removes germs, which tend to get killed in warmer temperatures. It improves muscle flexibility and aids in the relaxation of sore muscles. Taking a hot water bath regularly lowers the sugar level, helping to prevent diabetes. It’s an effective treatment for cold and cough, keeping airways clear and decongesting nose and throat.

A cold water bath helps to kick start the day by stimulating the nerve endings. Having a cold-water bath increases the release of beta-endorphins, an anti-depression chemical that helps in treating depression. It boosts the reproductive health of men by stimulating testosterone hormones. People having cold water baths regularly have better lung function, as per studies. Besides cold water baths improve overall health by stimulating the lymphatic system and the immune system.

Which is better as per Ayurveda

Ayurveda generally suggests hot water bath for the entire body and a cold water bath for the neck above. Washing the hair or eyes with hot water is not healthy anyway. According to Ayurveda, the temperature of water for bathing should be based on the following factors:

Age – Youngsters should prefer cold water bath, especially if they are students and spend a lot of time studying. Old people and young children benefit more from hot water bath.

Body type – People with Pitta constituency should bathe in cold water, while those with Kapha or Vata constituency must use hot water for bathing.

Diseases – Cold water bath is beneficial for people suffering from Pitta related diseases like liver conditions or digestive issues. And hot water bath should be preferred by people with Kapha or Vata related disorders. Epileptic patients should use lukewarm water for bathing, and strictly avoid hot water or cold water.

Habits – People who workout regularly must take hot water bath.

Time of Bath – Cold water is ideal for bathing in the morning, while hot water is appropriate for people who prefer bathing at night as it relaxes the body.

Process of bathing as per Ayurveda

Ayurveda suggests that bathing should be done as a leisurely activity to clean the body properly and experience freshness every time. Start with the hands and feet – wash them slowly. Cold water bathing must begin from head and end with the toes. Hot water bathing works in reverse, start from the toes and move towards the head. Prefer natural soaps as the chemically-loaded soaps tend to harm the skin more than the benefits they claim. Massaging the body with mustard oil or sesame oil before bathing relaxes muscles and improves skin health. Bathing too long is not advisable as per Ayurveda. For hygiene reasons it’s recommended to bath at least once daily and not more than twice a day. Add few neem leaves to the bathing water and let it soak for some time. Taking bath in neem water improves skin health.

Everyone benefits from bathing, irrespective of whether it’s hot water or cold water. But if we follow the ayurvedic suggestions and opt for hot water bath or cold water bath based on age, body constituency, time of bath, etc. the benefits accrued will be more for overall health and wellness.

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