I believe contrast showers help elevate mood.  One study suggests that cold showers may lift depression by activating the sympathetic nervous system, increasing blood levels of beta-endorphin and noradrenaline while flooding the brain with enough electrical impulses from peripheral nerve endings for an antidepressant effect. I always feel fantastic after I step out of a contrast shower.

In general, the basic contrast shower is... the hot-cold cycle is repeated at least once. For example, three minutes hot, one minute cold, three minutes hot, one minute cold, three minutes hot, one minute cold. It's recommended that people always finish with cold water.

During the contrast shower, the hot water brings blood flow to the skin’s surface, aiding in muscle relaxation and blood vessel expansion.  The cold water, pushes the blood flow inward towards the vital organs.  This act of shunting the blood back and forth, has a variety of beneficial effects including:

1.       Detoxification
   

2.       Enhances the elimination of wastes and toxic material
   

3.       Enhances blood and lymphatic circulation
   

4.       Increases the bodies production of digestive enzymes
   

5.       Enhances digestion and nutrient assimilation
   

6.       Increases oxygenation of the internal organs
   

7.       Increased cellular metabolism
   

8.       Increased tissue oxygenation and health
   

9.       Improves blood flow through the spleen   
   

Do not take a contrast shower if you  have any of the following

1.   are asthmatic
   

2.   active autoimmune disease,
   

3.   inflammation
   

4.   cardiovascular issues,
   

5.   pregnant, temperature insensitive
   

Consult your physician if you have any questions about the safety or side effects of this procedure