Hot Baths and Boarders

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 222, 16 June 1930, Page 13

Hot Baths and Boarders

Sir,—It is pleasing to note in your issue of Monday that the harbour board bathing facilities are being well patronised, and that efforts are being made to induce the city corporation to follow the board’s good example. Not long since "Player Physician" in some notes published on physical culture stressed the fact that “The skin is the most important organ of the body and the most neglected.” The doctor went on to explain that the proper cleansing of the pores enabled the impure emanations of the body to escape, and also allowed the free access of oxygen to the system. Hot water and plenty of soap well rubbed in, followed by a cold splash (with shower or sponge over), is far more effective than a mere plunge in hot or cold water. For many years 1 had a daily cold bath, which was. invigorating, but not very cleansing. For over ten years past I have experienced greater benefit and a saving of time and cost by adopting the following simple method, viz.: Stand in the bath in an inch or so of hot or warm water and soap all over with the aid of a towel-glove about Bin. long by Sin. wide, and made to fit over the hand and wrist. Spend a minute or so'in rubbing in the soap; then rinse out tho towel-glove and again rub the body over. Afterwards apply cold water to the skin. The towel-glove again comes into use in partially drying the skiu, and thus saves the drying towel from getting too spdden. This final towel can then be used for a brisk rub-down. This method would mean a' saving of time and a reduction. of gas bills. In many boarding-houses the landlady to my certain knowledge stipulates for only one full hot bath per week for each boarder. The same quantity of hot water would easily suffice for a scientific cleansing several times per week by my method, and everyone would be happy and contented.—I am, etc-, C.W.P. Wellington, June 10.