[hnick]

A physiotherapist suggested it to me and did it himself, and I think the claimed benefit was our modern demon "inflammation". I'm not qualified to judge but it would probably help for people with some kinds of joint/back pain.

Edit: Forgot I also heard about it promoting an energetic response in the body (starting your engine for heat) to wake up for the day ahead and start burning fat before your first meal. I heard Tony Robbins talk about an ice room or something similar in his house that he uses for that. Probably not ideal for night time showers.