Why We Lose Our Breath In Cold Water

I recently started hydrotherapy for my skin. This is an old French method, where you alternate between warm water and very cold water in a shower, ending on cold. It's supposed to tighten the skin.

That being said, I notice whenever I switch to cold, I almost completely lose my breath.

After a little research, I discovered this is a survival reflex . Our body prevents us from gasping, which, if submerged, would instantly suffocate us.
So your brain is basically babysitting your lungs until if sees fit to inhale again. How amazing!

I was going to say it sounds dangerous actually. I remember my Grandmother talking a lot about cold showering being dangerous for those with heart conditions (the shock value, or something)

Yes, Hue Jackson's doctor said he should wait until summer to jump in Lake Erie after the Browns went 0-16. (After a 1-15 season, the Browns former coach said he'd jump in the lake if they were that bad again)

I'm surprised the Clowns are even a franchise anymore. I call them "The NFL's retirement home".
There's plenty of cities waiting for an NFL team, that would probably appreciate it much more :p