Popular opinion about hardening
We are accustomed to believing that hardening the body is useful. Targeted exposure to cold helps to get used to temperature changes. And many believe that the lower the exposure temperature , the better. For example , Dr. Bubnovsky , which I have talked about more than once on my channel. And also everyone who practices winter swimming.
am sincerely glad if hardening brings tangible benefits to someone But there is such a radically opposite opinion that any sane person will begin to weigh everything and approach the method of hardening, taking into account all their characteristics.
What is hard to disagree with:
- If you are constantly in greenhouse conditions , then the slightest breath of breeze can provoke a cough.
- Yes , if you always wrap yourself up , be afraid to go outside in frosty or windy weather , avoid swimming even in the warm season , then your immunity will begin to weaken.
- But is it really useful to douse yourself with cold water regularly? What about walking in the snow?
I'll start with a proven argument from personal experience:
The only moment against hardening , which I was already familiar with, is the dependence of a person’s weight on the ability to withstand cold. The thinner the subcutaneous fat , the faster you freeze. I know this well for myself , because no even the most interesting fitness classes in the pool could help me stop shaking in the water: after 20 minutes I had to get out and run to the sauna to warm up.
From the point of view of Tibetan medicine, it is still deeper.
Tibetan medicine and hardening
Oriental health practitioners are well aware of:
- Cold has the ability to accumulate in the body.
This does not mean that immediately after the classic Western hardening procedure, a person will get sick. But excessive passion for exposure to cold from youth can lead to the fact that in old age it comes back to haunt. 
And even earlier.
How cold affects our body. The opinion of specialists in Tibetan medicine
Regular exposure to cold is contraindicated for people with a constitution of Wind ( thin , gusty , with dry skin) and Mucus ( prone to fullness , a little lethargic , with oily skin). But for the constitution of Fire ( normal physique , excitable , somewhat bilious , with hot skin), hardening can be useful , but also only in moderation.
The cold has a detrimental effect on the kidneys and the genitourinary system. Why , for example , is there a saying "Keep your feet warm"? Because with hypothermia of the legs, the kidneys are affected: they accumulate cold in themselves. As a result, congestion in the pelvic area is observed. And , as a result , problems in gynecology , cystitis ( in women).
and depend on the condition of the kidneys . Therefore, with a decrease in kidney function, arthrosis can begin.
Insufficiently good work of the kidneys provokes arterial hypertension "according to the scenario of cold", can cause urolithiasis ( due to poor blood purification), gout.
The cold has a bad effect on the spine , which loves thermal procedures.
And most importantly: according to Tibetan medicine, the accumulation of cold in the body usually leads to an imbalance of Bad-kan . This is a regulatory system that is responsible for physical development and immunity. 
An alternative to hardening. Tibetan
We are used to thinking that hardening is only exposure to cold. However, does it bother anyone that hardened metal is a material that has improved its quality due to exposure to heat?
It is the same with a person: the hardening program should be selected individually, taking into account the characteristics of the organism. You can harden:
- air;
- the sun ( but this is not a tan!);
- water ( not winter swimming);
- hot sand;
- hot stones ( stone therapy);
- massage;
- food;
- herbs.
Hardening in a general sense is the effect on the body of various factors that increase functional reserves.
I will write about those 2 options that I liked the most. And which everyone can do at home.
Ear massage
About how effective reflexology is , I know very well on the example of our family. But we use the services of Oriental medicine specialists when it comes to disorders in the musculoskeletal system. But for colds have not yet tried.
In medicine ( even in classical medicine), it is confirmed that the ears are a reflexogenic territory: exposure to certain points helps to influence the functioning of internal organs and entire body systems.
Tibetan medicine experts recommend doing acupressure of the ears several times a day , if there is already someone with a cold. This way you can protect yourself from the possibility of infection.
If you do just a hardening massage , then 1-2 times a day is enough. 
Stroke and lightly knead the auricles over their entire area. There should be a pleasant feeling of warmth.
Try to bend your ears forward and press them to your head. 
Carefully! For me , for example , such a focus does not work. Increase ear flexibility gradually! There should be no pain and discomfort at this stage of the massage!
I , for example , only slightly bend forward.
It is believed that flexible auricles improve health.
Pull your earlobes down hard and release immediately. 5-6 times. The movement is performed with two fingers: thumb and forefinger.
Prevention of diseases of the oral cavity , throat. Helps improve vision.
Place your thumb in the external auditory opening ( of course , you don’t need to enter it in depth , just place it), and press the tragus ( protrusion of the auricle) with your index finger. Gently squeeze and move it in different directions. Do this technique for 20-30 seconds. Just make sure there is NO pain. Do not overdo it!
This technique helps strengthen the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx , and also stimulates the adrenal glands.
Prevention of colds and allergic reactions. 108 steps along the stream
There is one famous legend about Tibetan monks. At dawn they went to fill their jugs with fresh water. And at the same time walking barefoot along the stream. At the same time, they did exactly 108 steps.
This technique helps not only to influence the biologically active points of the feet , but also gives the effect of hardening without shock to the body. 
An important nuance: 108 steps in running , not in still water.
But how many of us have the opportunity all year round to walk in the morning to the stream? And what about those who live in an apartment in a cold climate?
There is a solution!
Lay a shower hose on the bottom of the tub and run water at room temperature first. Get up barefoot and paddle down the stream. You can put a relief rug on the bottom: this will prevent it from falling and give an additional massage.
It is believed that such 108 steps along the stream not only harden , but also remove static electricity , invigorate , give a feeling of joy.
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