Russian scientists assure that cold water baths in winter are the solution to strengthen defenses and prevent the incidence of diseases during winter in children from 4 years of age.
Baths with cold water in children
Children begin to undergo this cold resistance process at the age of 4 years. During the summer and fall they shower outdoors, first with lukewarm water and then with colder water each time. The water temperature drops a couple of degrees at a time.
In winter, the minors begin their ” snow baths “: they all go together to a sauna and then go for a run in bathing suits and barefoot on the snow, and dance to happy music. At the end of this peculiar mini-ritual, they return to the sauna, where they are served herbal and berry tea.
“Currently, the main problem is colds. Our method is to prevent them. Our children get sick less and their parents are satisfied with it, ”says pediatrician Ludmila Ílkina.
The system of adaptation and resistance to cold has existed since the nineties. Parents do not hesitate to stand in long lines to enroll their children in it.
The advantages of becoming resistant to cold have been proven by all those who have enjoyed this method of strengthening their defenses. However, like any alternative option, it sometimes causes suspicions in adults, to the point of leading them to refuse to try it.
None of the little ones are afraid of going out naked in the cold in winter. This ritual is part of the now traditional winter diversions, such as skating or skiing. The therapy not only brings great joy to the little ones, but also notable benefits for their health.
Related religious holiday
On January 19, the Theophany (Богоявлеине) is celebrated in Russia , that is, the spiritual perception of the Holy Trinity (God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit). It is one of the twelfth (двунадесятые праздники: ‘twelve major holidays’) of the Russian Orthodox Church . This day it is customary, from children to adults, to bathe in the icy waters of lakes and rivers, making a hole in the ice cap, with the belief that the soul is purified by doing so.
Currently, winters are less cold. Russians miss the usual traditional cold. The ice and snow have melted, leaving the Russian believers without their traditional winter bath, that is, cutting a hole in the ice and then diving into it.