Cold Bathing.

Otago Witness, Issue 2660, 8 March 1905, Page 76

Cold Bathing.

The application of cold to the surface of the body by means of the bath is a powerful agent, the value of which in the treatment of disease as well as in the preservation of health is being increasignly realised.

The. action of a cold bath (from 50deg to 60deg) is- stimulating and tonic. It acts powerfully upon the nervous system, makes the nerves more prompt in their response to the needs of the organism, and freshens the mental faculties to a wonderful degree. It banishes the dull and listless feeling which one who is not in the robust health of youth is so apt to experience on first getting out of bed. It exercises and strengthens, also, the muscular walls of the arteries, upon the normal action of which the proper'distribution of the blood throughout the body in great measure depends. The first contact of the cold water with, the body oauses a sharp contraction of the blood-vessels of the skin, as shown by the pallor of the surface ; but as soon as one leaves the bath the arteries dilate, the skin becomes pink, and a warm glow is feifc that amply compensates one for the disagreeable shock of the first plunge.

This flushing of the surface, which brings with it warmth and a sensation of vigour and well-being, is the test which shows that the bath is doing good. If this reaction does not occur, and one feels cold and depressed, and the skin remains of a bluish hue, -it :s a sign that the bath is harmful, and then one must be content with a cool sponging, followed by a brisk rub with a coarse towel. After starting in this way, and after consultation with a physician, it will generally be possible to proceed cautiously to the shower or tub bath. Elderly people and those who react badly can often take a cool sponge bath while standingin warm water half way to the knees.

The rle\ote<» of cold bathing seldom suffers from cold in the head, provided, of course, ha does not violate the ordinary laws o£ hygiene as regards eating, sleeping, and ventilation ; and if he does take cold, he is in condition to throw it off before it invades the bronchial tubes or lungs. Sufferers from poor circulation, which shows itself by cold feefc and icy fingers, are benefited by the morning cold bath, and this, in the case of one who habitually has cold feet, may be - profitably supplemented by a cold foot-bath at bedtime, followed then, as always, by th-e brisk rub.bing with a coarse towel. v