VALUE OF COLD WATER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20668, 13 September 1930, Page 7 (Supplement)

VALUE OF COLD WATER.

BY A DOCTOR.

The skin is an organ of tho body, and 7; has its' pectfliaV functions. The glands in it ajfr always at work.

The perspiratory glands aro one of the >« chief means of removing waste from the —' system, and. are numerous. Placed end z to end they would cover a distanco of

twenty-eight miles. The sebaceous glands secret an oily iratetance, which lubricates tho skin and keeps it soft and pliable. It also protects tho body from moisture. It is necessary to take baths to keep the skin in proper condition, but food and exercise are also to be considered in connection with' skin health. The effect's of cold and warm baths aro directly opposite: tho first is stimulating, tho second sedative.

When the bather enters the cold water

the vessels of the skin are instantly con~"iraeted, and the blood is driven away from the surface. The person breathes ' quickly, almost in gasps, and tho pulse is "slowed. Soon a reaction takes places, the body glows all over, and a brisk rub down with a rough towel completes tho sense of radiant woll-being that permeates the body. If, on the other hand, there is no reaction, and tho body remains cold, cold baths aro injurious, and the person concerned should take warm baths only.