January 19 Orthodox people celebrate Epiphany, or Epiphany, a day before the 18th, celebrate Epiphany Eve.Among the believers there is a popular tradition - bathing in the day.As a dip in the ice-hole on Epiphany, not to harm your health?With this question we will try to understand.
Baptism - an important event in the Orthodox religion
this day believers celebrate just two events in the history of religion - God's Son baptized by John the Baptist in the waters of the river, which is called the Jordan, and the phenomenon of the Trinity of God, that is the Epiphany.They say that since the Baptism of Jesus Christ began to come out to the people.
Epiphany completes the cycle of Christmas and requires special preparation.As before Christmas is observed a strict fast, and on the eve of the Epiphany must adhere to the same strict Epiphany Eve.
Bathing in Jordan - the healing of soul and body
Occasion make the hole in the shape of a cross, and referred to as "Jordan", was the name of the river where Jesus was baptized.On the night of January 19, all the water will melt completely holy, even from the tap.But on this day the faithful still go to church to sanctify it, and light a candle.Epiphany water is used to cure diseases, strengthen the morale and physical strength, removing the evil eye and spoilage.Holy liquid can wash and drink small sips.She consecrate properties with all their belongings, as well as a shed, which contains livestock.But dipping into the hole on Epiphany - the procedure is optional, especially if the person is not ready either morally or physically.This step should be approached deliberately and with faith in the heart.
Diving in an ice-hole on Epiphany - an act that not everyone can make.Firstly, frost and ice water to withstand very difficult, even from a psychological point of view, and secondly, some believers allowed to do it for health reasons.
As a dip in the ice-hole on Epiphany?Under this procedure meant a threefold ablution, not necessarily with his head.Prior to this, be sure to cross your fingers and say a prayer traditionally is the "Our Father."
What happens to the human body during a dip in the icy water
Swimming in the ice-hole on Epiphany is possible even without a special hardening procedure.The human body is accustomed to periodic cold weather that allows you to transfer low temperature.It is important to prepare mentally before you swim at the Baptism in the hole, as well as comply with all safety regulations.Next, consider what the basic processes occurring in the human body during a dive in cold water.
- As soon as the human body comes into contact with ice water, instantly awakens the central part of the brain, his work is enhanced.
- ultralow temperature perceived by the body as a lot of stress.In general, this situation is positive acts - there is anesthesia, takes spasms, reduces inflammation and reduces swelling.
- When immersed in the water body temperature reaches forty degrees.At first glance, this is very bad, but in fact no harm from it is not.This keeps the temperature just a few seconds, and in this short time in the body time to die a variety of germs, harmful bacteria and viruses.
For someone like a sacrament - a taboo?
plunge into the hole on the Epiphany, so as not to bring harm to themselves?Before you go swimming, you need to consult a doctor.After all, there are many people for whom such activities - a taboo.There are various diseases in which bathing in an ice-hole on Epiphany is strictly forbidden, as it may lead to death.
These include such pathology:
- hypertension, angina pectoris - high blood pressure is fraught with sudden sharp narrowing of blood vessels, which can lead to serious consequences such as heart attack or stroke;
- hypotension (low blood pressure) - a sharp change in temperature is fraught with syncope, after which human life is completely dependent on the rescue and treatment;
- inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract (nose, throat, ears);
- problems of the cardiovascular system;
- seizures, head injuries, atherosclerosis;
- neuritis, polyneuritis;
- a high level of blood sugar, hyperthyroidism;
- eye diseases;
- diseases of the respiratory system (tuberculosis, pneumonia, bronchial asthma);
- inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system;
- digestive disorders (ulcers, enterocolitis, hepatitis);
- venereal diseases;
- allergic reaction to cold.
plus winter swimming
After hardening of the body cold should note such positive moments:
- burst of energy, strength;
- increase in disability;
- the disappearance of various types of allergic reactions;
- improvement of blood circulation;
- elimination of back pain and joint pain;
- disappearance of depression;
- normalization of sleep;
- reducing the symptoms of asthma.
Cons winter swimming
should be remembered that at the same time often have advantages and disadvantages:
- breathing becomes frequent and deeper;
- there is a very fast heartbeat, there is greater likelihood of developing arrhythmias, hypertension;
- significantly improved blood sugar levels, which can trigger the development of diabetes mellitus;
- increases blood cholesterol, which is fraught with the appearance of atherosclerosis;
- suppressed immunity against cancer;
- violated the protective functions of the body, to combat seasonal influenza virus and SARS.
General principles of hardening
If you decide to temper his body, it must be remembered that in this case a huge role played by three factors: air, water and sunlight.
There are several common simple rules:
- tempering procedures should be carried out on a daily basis, about twice a day;
- reduce the temperature of the air and water should be gradual, can not make sudden transitions;
- each time it is recommended to increase the duration of the procedures;
- in the case of mild illness do not need to stop the procedure, simply increase the temperature of the water and reduce the duration of the event;
- if you get sick seriously, it is necessary to temporarily suspend the procedure, but not more than a week.If the break was over, then you need to start all over again.
main recommendations
As a dip in the ice-hole on Epiphany?Now we try to deal with this issue.If you decide to plunge for the first time, determine why you.Well, if it is real faith, but many make the sacrament for the company with friends or because they have lost the argument.Go into the hole should be solely for the true faith, and a brief but sincere prayer.The words that are addressed to God, must come from the heart, and charge enormous power, water (at least, it is believed by Orthodox Christians).
- ideal for swimming will be the hole, the depth of which no more than 1.8 meters.Place for Epiphany ordinances must meet all safety standards, because it affects people's lives.You can swim only in the presence of lifeguards.Hole must be shielded to avoid an accidental fall into the water.
- forbidden to plunge not warmed.Before you step into the water, be sure to warm up properly.Undressed, waving his arms, doing squats, bending and other simple exercises.The body should be warm but not sweaty.
- to the hole should be approached in a comfortable shoe that is easily removed.Ideally, this can be warm fur boots or wool socks.It is important that the sole is non-slip.
- Before starting immersion in water, check the ladder on the strength and stability.
- for reinsurance in the hole should be omitted durable thick rope, one end of which is fixed on the shore.If a person is difficult to get on the ladder, the rope will serve as a safety net.
- It is best not to dive headlong to avoid reflex constriction of vessels in the brain.
- can not jump into the hole headfirst.Dive to start with the feet.
- swim in the hole is not recommended.Going into the water, you need to plunge to his neck three times, and immediately quit.
- not recommended to be in the water for longer than one minute.It is fraught with general hypothermia.
- After bathing immediately to wipe yourself dry with a towel and put on warm clothes.It should be a minimum number of rivets, buttons, hooks, laces, buckles variety - need to get dressed quickly while the body is not supercooled.
- recommended to drink a cup of hot tea or coffee.But alcohol is strictly forbidden in the cold, and both before and after immersion in water.Alcohol tends to expand the blood vessels, but it increases the flow of heat.If in a simple way, it means that the first half hour after consuming intoxicating beverages can really become warmer, but then comes the opposite effect, and the person has a lot of chances severely cold.And still it is not recommended to smoke.Nicotine blood circulation than increases heat consumption.
What to bring?
- towel and a warm bathrobe.
- Comfortable slip shoes.
- dry warm clothes.
- swimsuit or swimming trunks.
- Thermos of tea.
- will power and desire.
Ten rules that can not be neglected
Based on the above information, you can select the rules of bathing in an ice-hole on Epiphany, which in any case can not be ignored:
- consultation with the doctor;
- right choice of the hole;
- all necessary things;
- warm-up before dipping;
- refusal to plunge headlong;
- compliance with the residence time in the water;
- use warms beverages;
- abstinence from alcohol.
If the thought of bathing causes terror - then it should not do.Do not forget to pray.Let it bring you swim only the desired cleansing and benefit.
