| BENEFITS OF BATHS |
Bathing not only implies a cleaning of the body but also the application of water in such a manner as to
influence the nervous system and regulate the functions of the secretary organs. The remedial effects of bathing
are generally underrated. It is generally due to the improper manner in which it is performed than to the
insufficiency of curative virtues.
The cold bath is used at temperatures from 40 to 60 degrees Fahr. It is powerfully sedative and is employed for
its tonic effects. However, one should only stay 2 to 3 minutes and never during digestion.
The temperate bath is at temperatures from 75 to 80 degrees Fahr. It should not exceed
3 minutes. Immediately after emerging from any bath, the body should be thoroughly dried with
a moderate, coarse towel.
The tepid bath is given at temperatures from 85 - 92 degrees Fahr. and is generally used for cleansing the
body. It is prescribed in fevers and inflammatory affections for its cooling effects. The temperature should be
regulated according to the vitality of the person and the bath repeated 2 or 3 times a day. Epsom salt makes a
fine addition to the water. It removes superfluous heat and keeps the skin in a condition favorable for excretion.
The warm bath is at a temperature of 89 - 98 degrees Fahr. and is always agreeable and refreshing. It
equalizes the circulation and softens the whole system. It does not weaken the person but is an efficient agent in
many chronic diseases, bowel problems rheumatism and urino-genital organ conditions. It should be given before
going to bed unless symptoms demand it at other times.
The hot bath is taken at temperatures from 98 -110 degrees Fahr. It is a powerful stimulant which excites the
nerves and through them the entire system. It causes a sense of heat and perspiration will soon follow. It can
bring cutaneous problems to the surface and give speedy relief.
The Russian Bath consists in the application of hot vapors, at a temperature varying from 112 - 200 degrees
Fahr. The person is first subjected to a moderately warm temperature which is gradually increased as one
becomes used to it. The head being surrounded with cloths wet in cold water. Upon emerging from it, the bather
is plunged into cold water or receives a cold, shower bath. In rheumatic and cutaneous diseased, chronic
inflammation and nervous problems, this is an effective remedy.
The Turkish Bath is a dry, hot-air bath in a room from 180 - 220 degrees Fahr. The bather
passes from one compartment to another, each one being of a higher temperature than the
preceding. One undergoes a thorough shampooing and although may be clean, one will be amazed
at the effete matter removed by this process. The bather then returns to through various compartments and upon
emerging from that of the lowest temperature, one experiences a delightful sensation of vigor.
The judicious use of the Turkish Bath serves to secure perfect equalization of the circulation. Glandular activity
is increased, elasticity and power given to the muscles and a stimulating tonic affect is imparted to the system.
The hot, dry atmosphere of the Turkish Bath promotes rapid evaporation from the surface of the body and this
rapid evaporation from the surface is a cooling process. The value of this bath is that it improves the general
health, insures immunity from coughs, colds and other diseases and at the same time produces a healthy
cleanness and purity of appearance.
Sea bathing is an excellent remedial agent in chronic disorders. Much of the benefit attributed to the mode of
bathing is due to other influences such as pure air, negative ions, exercise and a change of scenery. These
baths should be taken in the early part of the day, before breakfast and never during digestion. Sea baths cause
the blood to become richer while the whole system is strengthened.
The Foot Bath is frequently employed as a means of causing diaphoresis (artificial perspiration) in colds,
attacks of acute disease and to draw blood from the head or some internal organ. It is a powerful auxiliary in the
treatment of chronic diseases in which inflammation, congestion and a feeble circulation are prominent symptoms.
The water should be as hot as it can be stood and the temperature kept up by additions of hot water. It may be
made stimulating by the addition of salt, mustard, ginger or cayenne pepper.
The Alkaline Bath is prepared by dissolving baking soda in the water. It is useful in those diseases in which the
fluids of the body are acid.
