Hints on Bathing : Part 2

Vitality Supreme
by Bernarr Macfadden

(Page 18 of 23)

Many who enjoy a cold bath are inclined to stay in the water too long. In this way one may deprive himself of some of the benefits that might be derived therefrom. It is safer to limit the cold bath to a short period. The chief value lies in the reaction. If this is secured then all is well. The first effect of the cold water is to contract the tissues at the surface of the body, including the blood vessels, thus forcing the blood away from the skin. In the reaction the blood is brought back to the surface in large quantities, producing the glow that is noticed after a successful cold bath. After a short plunge or quick shower this reaction should be secured. By staying in the water too long one may overtax his vitality and become chilled. When taking a plunge simply allow the water to come in contact with all parts of the body; then immediately get out.

If the recuperative powers are defective you should not use cold water, though the hand bath as described should be satisfactory. In such cases, however, by maintaining the warmth of the feet you can recuperate quickly and easily. If you will stand with your feet in hot water while taking the hand bath, or sponge bath, or when using a hand spray in the bathtub, recuperation will be easier. When the feet are warm the circulation is more easily maintained. Following a hot bath, the hand spray can be used for the shower, applying the water quickly to all parts of the body before getting out of the tub. One should always use a cold sponge, spray, or shower, after a hot bath to close the pores. Then rub dry quickly and vigorously with a Turkish towel.

A sitz bath is recommended instead of a full tub bath, as it is a tonic of great value through its effect upon certain sympathetic nerve centers. This bath consists in immersing only the central part of the body, namely, the hips and abdomen. Special sitz tubs are manufactured, but one can use an ordinary wash tub. An ordinary bathtub will serve if filled with water about six to ten inches deep. Put the feet on the edge of the tub and lower the hips down into the water. This bath is especially valuable as a means of stimulating functional activity. The colder the water for the sitz bath the better, although if one is lacking in vitality, it should not be below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. A hot sitz bath may sometimes be suggested for inflammatory and painful conditions in the pelvic region. In inflammation of the bladder, for instance, it is valuable.

When taking hot baths for cleansing purposes the soap used is of some importance; especially so if the skin is thin or too dry. In such cases strong soaps are injurious, although their effect may be overcome to some extent by rubbing the body after the bath with a very little bit of olive oil. I would suggest, however, the use of a pure vegetable oil soap, such as castile, which is one of the best examples of a vegetable soap. This soap may be suggested in all cases, but it is particularly important when the skin is thin or dry.

Very frequently dryness of skin is noticed in those of very light complexion. In the preceding chapter on Blood Purification I referred to a hot bath for the purpose of rapidly eliminating poisons and wastes in the body. An ordinary warm bath for cleansing purposes need not be taken at such a high temperature. In other words a soap-and-water bath will be perfectly satisfactory at a temperature of 103 to 105 degrees F. and need not occupy more than a very few minutes, whereas the hot bath referred to for the special purpose of blood purification may be of longer duration and of a much higher temperature, running up to 110 or 115 degrees Fahrenheit.

There is another type of warm bath, however, which is of special value in many cases. This is what I have sometimes termed a neutral bath, inasmuch as it is neither hot nor cold. This is a bath at about the temperature of the body, that is to say, 95 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit. One should use a bath thermometer to be sure of the right temperature. This neutral bath has a sedative or quieting effect upon the nerves through its effect upon the innumerable nerve endings in the skin. It is neither hot nor cold, neither stimulating nor weakening, and one could remain in such a bath for hours without harm. It has a quieting effect upon the nerves and reference has been made to it in the chapter on Sleep as a means of overcoming excitement or nervousness.

In attacks of mania it is especially valuable, and is now extensively used in all insane asylums because of its wonderful effect in quieting the nerves. This bath at 98 degrees is also especially commended in the case of severe burns covering a large surface. It is about the only way in which a person suffering from such an extensive burn can be made comfortable. It is also one of the most perfect forms of treatment in a case of that kind. The serious character of the burn depends not so much upon the severity as upon the extent of the surface involved.

Therefore, one who has been seriously burned could remain immersed in a bath at 98 degrees F. for many days continuously, or until the skin has had a chance to heal. Immersion in water is a natural condition, for there was a time away back when all the animal life of the earth was found in the water. It was only through special variation in the character of evolution that certain forms of life finally became adapted to a life outside of the water. Therefore, immersion in water, except for the head, is not entirely an unnatural condition.

About the Author

ernarr Macfadden (16 August 1868 - 12 October 1955) was an influential exponent of physical culture, a combination of bodybuilding with nutritional and health theories. He additionally founded the long-running magazine publishing company Macfadden Publications.