When the body is tired, people soak themselves in warm water. Conversely, some enter cool water to feel refreshed when they are exhausted. What health benefits does immersing the body in water like this bring?

◇ Cold baths first Cold baths have a positive effect on improving depression.

Dr. Heather Marsh at the University of Portsmouth in the UK said, "Cold water immersion stimulates the vagus nerve and reduces inflammation in the body, calming the heartbeat and the body." In particular, immersing the face in cold water helps alleviate anxiety. Judy Ho, a clinical neuropsychologist at Pepperdine University in the United States, said, "The face has multiple nerves, and when it comes into contact with cold water, the parasympathetic nervous system responsible for relaxation and calmness is activated."

It is advisable to immerse the body in cold water between 10°C and 15°C for about 5 minutes. However, the cold sensation experienced at the start of cold bathing can trigger a shock response, causing a rapid increase in blood pressure, respiratory rate, and heart rate during the first 30 seconds. Therefore, individuals with arrhythmia or other cardiovascular conditions should consult with medical professionals beforehand.

Warm baths help improve blood circulation and strengthen the cardiovascular system in a manner similar to exercise. Dr. Tom Cullen from Coventry University in the UK, who studied heat therapy, said, "Warm baths increase blood flow, sending a large amount of blood to the arms and legs, which benefits cardiovascular health." When taking a warm bath, it is recommended to soak your body in water at 39°C (102.2°F) for about 30 minutes.

Soaking only your feet in warm water during foot baths can improve mood, aid sleep, and help manage pain.

Because the temperature of the foot affects the body's temperature regulation system. According to a study from Trakia University in Turkey, warm foot baths improved the sleep quality of patients who had recently undergone back surgery.

A study at Tabriz Medical College in Iran found that elderly men who took a 20-minute foot bath every night experienced improved sleep quality. A study in Taiwan showed that foot baths had a relieving effect on menstrual pain in menopausal women.

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Cold bath, hot bath, and foot bath

They're all good.

Depression and blood circulation

Foot baths are the easiest, but...

Sleep improvement and pain relief are pretty good.