An amazing recent discovery has led me to be a believer in the ancient art of Ishnaan hydrotherapy. Or simply, cold showers. We would never think in this modern age of doing this, right? I even had a boyfriend tell me one time about how he would make the shower absolutely as hot as possible, and stand under it for as long as possible, because when he was growing up he never had hot water. Well I used to wonder what the hell he was doing in there, that’s how I found out the story. 

The ancient practice of Hydrotherapy--known in India as Ishnaan Therapy-- is one of the best things you can do for yourself upon awakening.  Skip the latte! Cold water is a true jump start--building strength and stamina in the body and mind. Hydrotherapy alleviates anxiety, depression, fatigue, and chronic pain--not to mention detoxifying the body, enhancing immunity, and improving circulation and metabolism. Your hair will stay healthy, and your skin will be toned and rejuvenated.

How it's done:

Before you get in the shower, massage the body all over with a bit of oil. Almond oil works best—it's rich with minerals and nourishes the body through the pores.

The colder the water, the better.  Stay in the shower for awhile, massaging your body until you no longer feel cold. The ears and underarms are especially beneficial.

Call out “Wahe Guru!!” while showering and massaging.  "Wahe" is similar to "WOW!!!"  an ecstatic exclamation of wonder. "Guru" means teacher or divine bringer of light.  Exclaiming "Wahe Guru" in the cold shower will burn away fear and negative reactions to the cold.  It works!

Afterwards, wrap yourself in a warm blanket or towel until your body heats up. Now is the perfect time to do your morning yoga and meditation.

“If I with my body can conquer the chilliness of the water, I can take away the chilliness of my life.”--Yogi Bhajan