Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1859-06-28
Forsh NashvIlls Pa.rio..
Iealth without Ala of medicine.

MADISON county Ala, june "a 1859.
MEssRs. EDrroRs:-By way of "once get
ting myself into print" and for the benefit
of your numerous patrons, Should you see
fit to publish,l / propose to give them coa-
pie of simple rules that, in part constitute
the first great principles of the Laws of
Health. These rules, though generally
known, yet not generally put into effect,
consist in simply Wishing and Ruling The body
thoroughly. And, if made use of according
to these directions would.I have no doubt, in
great many instances, save long doctors
bills and be the means of building up many
a constitution that would otherwise be sub
ject to or already racked with disease
lst 1t is through the skin that we perspire
continually throwing off dead matter
through the pores of which is passed of as
much waste substance as by the bowels
how important is it then that we should keep
these functions always open and in an active
state of health? would Recommend 10 those
persons, whose constitution will admit of it,
(and most constitutions WILLY to use the cold
bath twice or three times per week, or oftener:
washing the body thoroughly from head TO
feet In order 10 do this more effectually,
make use of soft linen towel to sweep away
all intruding particles or substances that
may be lurking about the pores of the
skin. You thereby open and refresh thou
sands of minute but grateful mouths, that
would, if they could speak, thank you in the
cleverest of terms. A small quantity OF
soap, salt or vinegar added to the water will
be of benefit, as these substances have good
effect upon The skin. The cold shower bath
is Lest adapted to those of weak nerves
the shock occasions renewed action of the
nervous system. In some instances the con-
stitution is too feeble to admit of cold bath
ing at first, but this is very rare. Should the
cold bath occasion numbness, stupidity or
chilliness, after all necessary efforts have
been made to restore the circulation by rub
bling, it had better be avoided for a while, and
the tepid bath substituted; but should be
followed as soon as possible by the cold bath.
With all necessities at hand about two minutes
is the required time to bathe,-though those
persons of very warm temperament might
require longer time to sufficiently cool the
system without feeling a sense of chilliness.
Morinng is the time to bathe:-it is then that
the pulse is low and the whole system better
prepared for resclion. Bathing in cold
water has very salatary effect upon the
mental faculties as well as all other parts of
the body. The bath should not be continued
too long, as it then becomes injurious. Wipe
the body thoroughly dry, and them keep Up
brisk rubbing until the skin assumes healthy
glow. By strict observance of this
rule for washing, your subscribers
will have no occasion to "visit the
springs this summer. To those unac-
custOmed to it. it may at first seem tedi-
Gus or repulsive, but if continued in, il will
soon become to a luxury. Bathing in cold wa
ter if possible, should be INDUCED in at all
seasons; but more especially through the
summer, by all ages and sexes. The delight
full sensation felt after a good cold bath can
only be altested to by those in the habit of
bathing. The nerves are at once put into
action-the mental faculties renewed-the
muscles strengthened, and the entire system
invigorated, and, therefore, better prepare d TO
meet the wear and tear of disease. This law
of bathing holds good in skin disease of the
head. If you wish to preserve or secure a
luxuriant head of hair and be free from head
aches, battle the head well every morning in
cold water Dispense with hair-dyes and
oils-(nature supplies sufficient oil for the
hair)-cOmb twice or three times every day,
mi b.av he 1asi off
By all means battle, and battle frequently.
I'd. Persons of sedentary habits or of weak
nerves, should, if they value health, rub the
surface of theiI bodies daily. as thoroughly as
they would rub iavorite horse. We are all
aware of the benefit derived by rubbing the
horse or COW. In the horse it create. lively
appearance and renewed disposition 10 ac-
ton; and in the COW it effects the quantity
and quality Of her milk-and in like manner
it effects the human animal. The ancient
Romans knew the good effects of rubbing,
and practiccd it. They were considered
among the athletic people of their day-and
why not, in this enlightened age, follow their
example? The prize fighters of our time
know the value ofrubbing. Every physician
knows the effects ofelectricity on the nervous
system. And friction OF the skin is analogous
to electric sparks-it increases the nervous
force, and through the nerves other portions
of the body. In fact, all the advantages to
be derived from the simple act of rubbing
cannot here be expressed. The mOdus operan-
al is as follows: Get a flesh brush or coarse,
rough towel, q prefer the latter,) and, just
before retiring at night, rub the body vigor-
ousiy all over until it fairly glows or appears
all over in bright, led spots.
To the uninitiated this process may cause
considerable trouble, and. perhaps, slight
pains; but the sound, refreshing sleep enjoyed
afterwards doubly pays you for the small ex-
ertion.
This process might be continued to advan-
tage upon rising in the morning, but it should
be attended to more especially at night Per-
sons with or inclined to dyspepsia, should use
the towel with both hands; kneading the stom-
ach in the manner of kneadiug dough. 1t
regulates the bowels, causes the gastric juice
to flow more effectually, and, therefore, helps
greatly digestion, while it makes firm aud
elastic the entire muscular system. Ladies
not in the habit of taking bodily exercise,
this rubbin exercise will be found peculiarly
adapted and congenial.
Rubbing at the right time aud in the right
way is the very best mode of exetcise TO be
adopted for health. Go to the iaborer, (note
the ant,)-thou sluggard, consider his
ways and take heed-ask him wherein lies
his streng:h-his powers OF digestion, and
cause of his sweet repose-he will answer
that through preparation he rnbs away dead
and useless particles aud is constantly rub