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Updated Monday, February 7, 2011 7:45 pm TWN, By Bettina Levecke, dpa

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Health experts recommend strengthening the body with cold

How this strengthens the immune system remains unclear. “Preliminary scientific findings indicate, however, that regular cold-water applications increase the number of white corpuscles,” Betz remarked.

The cardinal principle of successful physical toughening is regularity. “The body only becomes acclimated through repeated, long-term measures,” said Wolfgang May, a physical medicine specialist in the German town of Schwangau. A second principle is: Toughen yourself up only when you are healthy. Brenke mentioned a third principle: “Don't overdo it. Start slowly and increase slowly, too.”

There are many ways to fortify your body's defenses. One simple and effective method is to take a cold shower in the morning. First you douse your legs and arms, and finally your torso.

It is time to stop when the cold starts to sting. For frigophobics, Betz outlined encouraging prospects. “The sensitivity decreases day by day,” he said. Afterward the body is pleasantly flushed and you feel alert and fresh.

As an alternative, the whole family can take a barefoot walk in the garden in the morning. “But if you're going to walk on dew or snow, you've got to make sure that your feet are warm before you start, and that you warm them up again immediately afterward,” May said. Warmth can be provided by thick socks or a warm, ankle-deep foot bath. Small children can take part as well, added May.

In addition to reducing susceptibility to colds and flu, stimulation therapy helps to lower high blood pressure and alleviate nervous disorders. It also strengthens blood vessels and the cardiovascular system. “Treading water as advocated by Kneipp strengthens the veins and helps in cases of varicose veins,” May said.

A weekly visit to the sauna improves lung and skin function. The general rule applies here, too, Brenke noted, namely: “Cold must follow heat, otherwise the contrast stimulation won't occur.”

You can start toughening up your body anytime. “The possible health benefits are as varied as the possible methods,” Brenke said, and added from personal experience: “You feel better in your own skin.”

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