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Medical questions? Commments? Let me know!

Maine, by Alexa Fleckenstein

4/15/10 This is the spot in Maine where we dip into the cold ocean after a hot sauna. Hope you noticed the snow! Yes, we go into the water summer and winter. No, you don't die of exposure (it's less than a minute). Beautiful, and it strengthens the immune system!

Persepolis, by Fabien Dany

9/17/10 Taking a regular cold shower will certainly invigorate your body! The only caution I would advise is if you have sinus problems. In that case I would not apply cold water to scalp or hair. At your age you are unlikely to suffer from high blood pressure and/or arterial diseases, which are the two other contraindications. When I was young, I was in the same situation: For nearly two years, I lived in an apartment without warm water. Did me good! Always start at your feet and slowly work your way up to shoulders and neck. If you have no sinus problems, there is no harm in washing your hair with cold water. Soon, you will feel how good this does you - and it will become a lifelong habit! All the best! Alexa Fleckenstein M.D.

Sebastian Kneipp (1821 to 1897)
Female figure (blolo bla) Unidentified artist, Baule peoples, Côte d'Ivoire, 20th century Wood, pigments Hien H. Nguyen Collection Museum of Fine Arts Boston
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), by Ben Cody