Why is a cool shower so relaxing?

[gusl]

Why is a little coldness relaxing? Why is that cool, fresh feeling so good? I think it has something to do with stimulating the nervous receptors in the skin. Could it be the same reason why caressing feels good (minus the emotional content)?

Comments

[malinkaya.livejournal.com]

I might be wrong, but I think that the reason why a cold shower is so relaxing is because of what happens afterwards, when the cold stimulus is gone. The cold stimulus triggers vasoconstriction and causes your muscles to contract. When your body starts getting used to "ambient" temperature, it simulates a feeling of relaxation because the vasoconstriction and muscle contraction are no longer going on...