Hot in the Cold: Water Therapies, Bikram , and Such...

I am one of those folks that loves winter gear but, doesn't enjoy being cold. I know that I am supposed to live somewhere, where it doesn't go below 60 degrees, I can't wait for that. Anyway, during the winter months its important to seek out other ways to assist our bodies in releasing unwanted toxins, considering that we don't sweat as much. The body has many means of elimination but, the skin is a major gateway for all things unwanted, to get out. A friend and I were watching MTV Cribs yesterday, I know, I know. (LOL) I just like to see how much bad taste money can buy, its truly a phenomenon. One of the folks on there had a sauna in their home, which I think is dope, I am always down to invest in my healing but, my friend didn't get why a sauna would be necessary. Think about when you have a cold or the flu and it was traditionally suggested that you eat soup and take a hot bath. Both are very relaxing but, more importantly, they heat up the system to move the cold or flu out. Saunas are a part of water therapy which is crucial in achieving optimal health. Check "Back to Eden" by Jethro Kloss, its an oldie but, goodie, the "Water" chapter in particular. Over the years I have experimented w/ different ways of utilizing water, for all its worth. I try to go to a Russian Bath House at least twice a month during the winter months, its like a water mecca of hot and cold therapy. Usually you won't pay more than $40 for the day and they have a jacuzzi, cold lap pool, ice bath, dry sauna, wet steam room, and the russian steam room, which gets to about 180-190 degrees. I know it all sounds a bit extreme but, when you do a series of hot and cold one after the other for a couple of hours, its like pressing a reset button in your body. If you don't have access to a bathhouse or any of the like, you can give your body the same treatment during your shower. Take a shower as hot as you can take it, and follow that with a cold 2-5 minute rinse off. The hot water opens your pores to release and the cold water is the closure and refreshment that will wake everything up. The cold water is definitely a shock to the ego but, I think that's very necessary sometimes. A couple of years back my sister and I began taking Bikram Yoga which gives you an opportunity to sweat profusely and release toxins as well. This practice usually takes place in a heated room, about 100 degrees or more. It focuses on 26 asanas (postures) that promote cleansing throughout the whole body. We decided to be adventurous and take the 30 day challenge which, was Bikram everyday for 30 days and you get the next 30 free. I got to day 29 but, missed out because the class was full. It did however, provide a new sense of renewal and focus for me. You have to clean house in order to make space for all the new. Whatever method of healing you choose, we always encourage folks to try and be something they've never been everyday. So drop into a Bikram class or take a cold shower or just go to Brazil for the winter. LOL... Maintain and stay charged...Bless...