Ayurveda: Koud douche voor de Dosha's

According to Ayurvedic philosophy, it’s essential to shower every morning to start the day fresh and clean.

Hot water is not ideal for your skin and hair, so it's generally advised against. But is cold showering really beneficial?

According to Gulamnabi and Gulamnabi (2023), cold showers are only recommended for dominant Pitta types. Vata and Kapha types benefit more from a warm shower to keep their bodies warm. Especially when Vata is out of balance, it’s very important to shower warm, as Vata is already cool and dry. In the evening, it's usually better to shower warm, as Vata is higher during this time, and warmth promotes calmness for a good night’s sleep.

The research team at ASHAexperience states that cold showers help with:

• Blood circulation

• Mental clarity

• Stronger hair & skin

• Anti-inflammatory benefits

• Muscle recovery

Cold Showers for Vata?

Cold showers are not optimal for Vata – Vata is naturally cool and dry, and cold showers can enhance these qualities, leading to imbalance. Better alternative for Vata: Opt for a warm shower, especially in the evening, to calm your body and relax your nervous system. This helps improve sleep quality and prevents skin dryness. In the morning, you could take a lukewarm shower to feel refreshed without overcooling yourself.

Cold Showers for Pitta?

Yes! – Pitta has a fiery, warm nature and can greatly benefit from cold showers. It immediately cools and focuses you. For Pitta, it helps balance temperament and fiery energy throughout the day, providing extra mental clarity and calm.

Cold Showers for Kapha?

Can be beneficial – Kapha has a heavy, slow, and moist nature. A brief cold shower can help stimulate energy and alertness. Best approach: Start with a warm shower and end with cold water for a refreshing boost. This helps activate the metabolism and reduce sluggishness. Jumping straight into cold water may be too shocking for Kapha and overly cooling.

Listen to Your Body

Cold showers aren’t ideal for everyone. Pitta types benefit the most, while Vata and Kapha may be more sensitive. That said, mindset plays a significant role. With perseverance, you can train your body to handle the cold – but always listen to what works best for you.

Personally, I am a Pitta-dominant type and definitely feel the benefits of cold showers. I can handle ice baths well and love swimming in cold lakes. (I’m the one in the photo – the water was about 5°.) It's important to listen to your body, and if you find cold showers beneficial even as Vata or Kapha, it could be because your body has adjusted to the practice over time. In Ayurveda, this is called Satmya.

Luisa and I (Vata & Pitta) notice a significant difference when it comes to the cold. I feel much fitter after a cold shower or even just washing my face with cold water. Luisa, on the other hand, prefers a warm shower and tries to avoid the cold in the morning.

In the end, it’s all about mindset. Luisa, as a Vata, with her strong mindset, can also jump into an ice-cold plunge after the sauna, but in daily life, a warm shower works better for her, while cold showers work better for me!

Xjes Aimée

Gulamnabi, & Gulamnabi. (2023, 10 januari). Hot or cold water bath in winter - Which is better? - by Dr. Gulamnabi | Lybrate. Lybrate. https://www.lybrate.com/topic/hot-or-cold-water-bath-in-winter-which-is-better/2d134592a977ae5bfff4c7a75e392789

ASHAexperience, R. T. |. (2024, 10 december). Embrace the Power of Cold Showers: An Ayurvedic Approach to Health and Vitality. Ayurveda Science, Holistic Health, Yoga, Meditation - ASHAexperience. https://www.ashaexperience.com/embrace-the-power-of-cold-showers-an-ayurvedic-approach-to-health-and-vitality/