Cold Water Dousing

[Cilian McHugh]

Hi all,

Has anyone come across the practice of pouring buckets of cold water over oneself as a health method? It sounds bizarre, I know.

It's advocated by the practitioners of Russian Martial Art / Systema on the principle that the sudden jolt of cold water forces body temperature way up which kills bacteria.

However, I asked a couple of other people about it and they discouraged it for almost exactly the same reason; the sudden jolt has adverse effects on one's pulse.

Here's a couple of links in favour of it, I couldn't find any against though;

http://www.stockwell.net/water.htm

http://www.alliancemartialarts.com/cold.html

Anybody have any opinions one way or the other?

all the best
-Cilian

[Budo00]

no, I have not heard of this but have used it in my teens after going on a date.

I believe Japanese sword makers bathe in cold water before begining to make a sword.

[Joseph Svinth]

"The nineteenth century saw the appearance of Vincent Priessnitz's 'cold water cure,' or hydrotherapy, which revolutionized bathing practices. This treatment, consisting of a variety of baths, wet compresses, steam, water massage, and copious drinking of cold water, became extremely popular with the Victorians, both in Europe and America. Richard Beamish's The Cold Water Cure... (London, 1843), presents case studies that proved the validity of this therapy. Simon Baruch's The Principles and Practices of Hydrotherapy, (New York, 1899), became the classic in its field. Baruch strongly endorsed the establishment of public baths in the city, and devoted his life to urban reform. Fowler and Wells' Water Cure Library, (New York, 1855), is a comprehensive seven-volume work that describes in great detail the use of hydrotherapy to treat a variety of illnesses."

http://www.nyam.org/publications/online/malloch/malloch1.shtml

"When seventeen years of age, Priessnitz met with an accident whereby he received numerous bruises and other injuries, including the fracture of two of his ribs. Local physicians gave him no hope of recovery; but having been accustomed to use water in the treatment of the domestic animals for which he cared, it occurred to him to try the same remedy for himself. He covered the affected parts with cloths kept wet with cold water, and was in a short time completely cured. Hearing of this remarkable cure without the use of drugs or the application of any of the ordinary salves or lotions, many wounded persons, and later people suffering from chronic diseases, came to Priessnitz for relief, and soon his whole time was occupied with their care. Priessnitz was not a quack, for he made no great pretensions. He did not claim special knowledge or skill. He made no pretensions to the possession of any secret method or process. His work was done frankly, honestly, and openly. He was a man of few words, of serious, dignified character, an enthusiastic student of nature. He labored patiently and earnestly for the development of the great principles which he recognized. He commanded the respect of his countrymen, even of members of the profession. He was granted a diploma by the Austrian government after an official investigation of his work and methods. The French government sent the head of the medical department of the army to study his methods, and by this means hydrotherapy was introduced into the military service of France nearly a century ago. The government of other countries did likewise. Thus the principles and methods developed by this nature-taught physician were rapidly diffused."

http://www.logonet.com.pl/~balneo/hydro1.htm

I'd guess that potential risks include hypothermia and people slipping on wet floors.