Myth 2: “Cold is dangerous and always makes you sick.”

Now we understand the importance for our health of maintaining coherence between the immune system, the endocrine system, and the nervous system—but how do these systems communicate with one another?

Through the vascular system. This is the main connector and communication channel between them.

Its primary function is to transport blood throughout the body, ensuring the oxygenation of organs and tissues via arteries and capillaries, sustaining cellular life and enabling physiological adaptation to the environment so that we can acclimatize to changes in temperature.

However, our vascular system is currently in poor condition.

Heating in winter and air conditioning in summer disrupt the natural rhythm by which people adapt to their environment, causing constant temperature changes that lead to recurrent viral infections and even cardiovascular problems.

On the other hand, if we closely examine the origins of humanity, our ancestors did not die from the cold. Their vascular systems performed their function by opening and closing blood vessels according to emerging climatic needs. The cases of Indigenous peoples such as the Onas, Yaganes, and Alacalufes of southern Chile demonstrate how changes in habits and customs—such as the use of clothing imposed by missionaries—ultimately weakened their immune systems by breaking a delicate balance between body, climate, and tradition.

Today, the idea of being cold is uncomfortable for the vast majority of people. We prefer comfort over the discomfort of cold, without understanding how gradual exposure to it has beneficial effects by activating adaptive capacities that the body still remembers but which are undervalued in daily life. Simply ending our showers with one minute of cold water would be enough to begin training this capacity. This gradual thermal shock activates brown fat, an adipose tissue that generates heat from stored energy in the form of glucose and fatty acids, helping to balance metabolism and chronic inflammation. It is especially recommended for sedentary individuals, as cold exposure increases basal energy expenditure.

Furthermore, breathing consciously before immersing ourselves in cold water reduces hyperventilation when breathing is slow and intentional. By activating the vagus nerve, the fear response is inhibited and the sensation of pain caused by stress is reduced.

Therefore, consciously and progressively exposing ourselves to the cold, breathing, and maintaining control over our bodies appears to be a sound approach if our goal is to reconnect with forgotten biological mechanisms that support solid and sustainable health.

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