The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 1850-1873, 1869-07-23
Rules for Bathing.

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least one hour before eating, nor with
in two hours after; and not within two
hours before, and three hours after is still
better.
The reason for this is, that in bathing
the blood is brought tothe surface in large
quantities and circulates freely in the c.
pillaries of the skin, being drawn away
from internal organs and generally diffus-
ed through the whole body, and the more
freely this external circulation and warmth
are kept up, the more refreshing and invig-
Grating the bath becomes, and the greater
the benefit derived from it; whereas, when,
the stomach has recently been supplied
with food, the blood is diverted from the ex-
ternal circulation to the digestive organs
to supply the secretions and juices neces-
sary to carry on the digestive process.
From these facts, if will be evident that
if food be taken into the stomach too soon
after q bath the blood is directed, to the
stomach before q full reaction has taken
place, thus interfering with its beneficial
effects; while on the other hand, if the
bath be taken too soon after a meal, the
blood is diverted from the digestiveAor-
gans before digestion is completed, and
thus q very important function OF the
body is interfered with.
In cases of active congestion or-infnma-
tiob, in fevers or severe pain and distress,
it may be necessary to make water appli-
cations irrespective of this rule.
2. The head and the face should be
thoroughly bsthed at the commencement
of every bath. This will prevent the
rushing of blood to the head and ward of
unpleasant sensations.
8. A bath should never be taken when the
body is exhausted, or too greatly fatigued
BY exercise, as person in such condi-
ton would not be likely to secure the pro-
per reaction and warmth. Moderate exer-
else before q bath is usually beneficial, as
it accelerates the circulation and secures
a comfortable degree of warmth, which
is always desirable before taking bath.
There Is no danger from taking q general
bath while in a perspiration, providing
no fatigue accompanies it for the sitz
and foot baths, however, it is better that
the body be warm but not perspiring.
4 Ali general baths should be taken
briskly, and the bather himself, If able,
should rub vigorously that he may quicken
his circulation and respiration, and thus
secure the warmth and glowing reaction
that is so essential after every bath thii
should be observed not only while in the
bath but in rubbing dry after it.
5. For drying the body after genera
bath, q strong linen or cotton sheet !,
much better than towels this should bt
for an adult at least two yards square
30 to envelope the whole body like 9
cloak, and with it he should be rubbed OF
rub himself till thoroughly dry-by using
the sheet for wiping, the body is protect
| ed from the air, the escape Of heat il pre-
vented, and there is much less liability Il
feel chilly sfterward-towels will suffice
however, for all local applications
6. At the completion of the bath, tn,
bather should Immediately dress, and, i
able, exercise in the open air, or engage
in some active employment. If not abl,
to exercise, it is well to cover ur.warm il
bed for An hour or so, and sleep, If pos
sible.
z. Very nervous persons, or those who's
digestion is much impaired, or circulation
is imperfect and feeble, or temperature i
below the normal standard, should b
careful not to use cold water to any grea
extent in bathing; it may have q tempo
rary beneficial effect, but in the end thei
suferings will be likely to be increased.
8. Feeble invalids, consumptives, per
SONS subject to hemorrhsge of the lung
or the stomach, those who have jus
passed the crisis in fevers or other acut
diseases, those suffering from profuse dis
charges, such as suppurations, diarrhes
cholera, etc, and also females during tn
) menstrual period, should avoid the use
cold water, as well a. the excessive use Q
it in any form.
8. Always use thermometer to detel
mine the temperature of baths for invaldi
10. An invalid should not bathe in
room with the temperature below 70t
and for most persons 60a or 65e would b
better, provided there u good ventilation
l-E r. Mllsr, n d.