Do you Ishnan? ... It's the second act of courage in your day!!

The well-known Guru Mustuk declares Ishnan "the second act of courage in your day." What's the first? "Getting out of bed is the first!!" Simply put, Ishnan is cold-water massage therapy. A bracing blast of icy water that is so therapeutic you won't believe it unless – I mean until -- you do it!! And do it we must because the future is all about being pro-active with our health. And just wait until you get a load of all that Ishnan does for you. Yes, really!! All this FREE with just cold water!!

* Brings blood to the capillaries, therefore increasing circulation throughout the body.
* Cleans the circulatory system.
* Reduces blood pressure on internal organs.
* Provides flushing for the organs and provides a new supply of blood.
* Strengthens the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems. This helps with mood swings, depression and panic attacks.
* Contracts the muscles to eliminate toxins and wastes.
* Strengthens the mucous membranes, which help resist hay fever, allergies, colds, and coughs.
* Great mood lifter. Interrupts anxiety.
* Eliminates flakiness and restores skin tone.
* And brings a beautiful, baby pink glow to your moist, taut skin!!~

Worth a shot? I'd say so. "Ishnan" is an Indian/Sikh term for the point at which the body temperature feels warmer than the coldness of the water. It is not in fact warmer but it feels so.

The mechanism is fascinating. With the first blast of cold water, the autonomic nervous system goes into high gear. The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary functions, such as heartbeat and breathing -- to raise blood pressure, increase heart rate and constrict blood vessels. The autonomic responses strengthen with each Ishnan treatment. This stabilizes blood pressure, improves circulation and balances other bodily functions, such as the sleep/wake cycle. Cold water also stimulates blood flow to the core of the body, thus bringing fresh blood to the organs and glands and all parts of the body! In other words, oxygen & nutrients in. Toxins & pathogens out!

Cold-water therapy came to Germany and was popularized by the German priest Sebastian Kneipp (1821-1897). In the winter of 1849, Kneipp successfully battled then-incurable tuberculosis by plunging several times weekly into the frigid Danube River. His 1886 book, My Water Cure, became an international best-seller.

But we digress, back to your shower ... in phase two of your Ishnan treatment, as the cold persists, Ishnan sets off the release of cytokines and similar substances. Cytokines are hormone-ish substances that are thought to improve the body's immune system. Several studies have found that patients who underwent cold water therapy actually experienced an increase in levels of white blood cells, which are used to stem off disease.

And then there's the payoff ... endorphins! Ishnan triggers an avalanche of endorphins. They are, as you well know, the happy hormones. We love endorphins for giving not only that "runner's high" after any kind of intense workout (including sex), but also are key in fighting off pain and depression. In essence, endorphins are the body's own natural pain relievers and, unlike certain pharmaceutical companies, the body doesn't charge you an arm and a leg to use them.

And just to seal the deal ... Chinese medicine also recognizes cold shower power!! In Chinese medicine, the "channel" that contains the lungs also contains the skin and hair. The Lung Channel is the first line of defense against illness. Cold shower power pulls in good Chi by strengthening the Lung Channel which tones all the immune systems. This total body rejuvenation is reflected in your energy and the condition of your skin and hair. Chinese Medicine practitioners prescribe cold showers as a tonic for the entire body."

So, in a month or so, if I were to ask you: "Do you Ishnan?" I hope I'd get a resounding YES!! Because, let's don't forget ... at fancy spas folks are paying huge sums of money for "Hydrothermal therapy" when in reality we know all we need is about 90 seconds in the shower and the courage to Ishnan!!

Caution: Cold-water therapy is not for those with severe back pain, atherosclerosis, Raynaud's disease, and high blood pressure not controlled by medication or unmanaged hypertension. If you have any question if this is for you, check with your physician by all means!

HOW TO ISHNAN
Easy peasy!! Pick your favorite DayBreak soap or bath and body wash. Then, simply massage the body with oil before taking a shower. We have just the perfect oil.

The skin easily absorbs oil when it is mixed with water–you won’t be greasy afterwards and it nourishes the body through the pores of the skin. Wet face, hands and feet first. Go in and out of the water four times, constantly massaging your body until the water no longer feels cold. Be sure not to miss the area under your arms, which is where the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems meet. You can even stand on one foot and massage the top of it with the other foot. Women, be sure to massage your breasts.

Shower in cold water until your body temperature rises and no longer feels cold, but toasty and warm. Make sure the bathroom is heated. Never get out of a cold shower into a cold room.