Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1877-09-19
Bathing As n Hygienic Measure.
When we consider that the whole ex-
.rnal skin Is In some measure a breath

When we consider that the whole ex-
ternal skin is in some measure a breath
ing organ; that il is continually dis
charging Impurities from the body /;
that it Is the medium through which a
portion of the effete or worn-out mat
ter of the system passes off; that in its
anatomical structure and functional
character it holds very near and pow
erful relations to the lungs, stomach,
and other internal organs, we must feel
convinced of the great Importance Of
preserving its healthy condition. and of
securing the vigorous performance of
its functions. In order to do this, few
things are more indispensable than
cleanliness; and hence bathing should
never be neglected.
A portable bath may be placed in
every sleeping room, and if this cannot
be afforded, an ordinary washstand and
bowl, or even pail of water, with a
good sponge or coarse towel, will an
swer the purpose. IL to these can be
added a tub to stand in, surrounded by
screen made of cheap cotton cloth,
nailed upon frame like clothes horse,
everything necessary is supplied. Pure
soft water, if it can be had, should al
ways be used for bathing and cleansing
the skin.
On rising in the morning the bed
garment should be laid off, and water
applied very freely to the face and
neck; and if the hair is short, the whole
head may be plunged into the water.
A little mild soap may be used to adj
vantage about the face, ears and neck,
to make every particle perfectly clean.
When thoroughly washed, these parts
should be wiped dry, with a towel
which is sufficiently coarse to give ac-
ton to the skin. This done, if the in
dividual has a tub or something else to
stand in which will hold water, let him
take tumbler or some other vessel, and
pour water freely upon his shoulders
with one hand, and with the other
wash himself briskly in every part.
This is an exceedingly great luxury
where it can be enjoyed, in every season
of the year. Ifhowever, the individual
has nothing TO stand in which will keep
the water from the floor or carpet, then
let him take a good sponge or coarse
towel, and make il as wet as il can bs
without dripping, and beginning at the
back of the neck pass briskly over the
whole surface of the body and limbs;
and then dip 1t again into the water,
and wiring as dry as possible, and rub
the whole surface more freely and Wig
orously, andthen Immediately take
coarse dry towel, and in Il brisk manner
whire every part perfectly dry. This
operation should be followed in the same
manner with a flesh-brush, as stiff as
the skin can comfortably bear, apply
ing it freely to the spine and limbs,
and, indeed, every part. Where the
brush cannot be had, use the coarse
towel or the hand alone.
By such operations as these, the skin
is cleansed and invigorated, and the
whole system healthfully exercised.
Those who are dyspeptic and inclined
to sluggishness and constipation of the
bowels, should take this opportunity to
exercise the abdomen with the hands or
handle of the flesh brush, placing it
against the lower part Of the abdomen,
and passing it quickly up to the stomach,
and repeating the motion many times in
rapid succession. Where circumstances
admit, this is also an excellent oppor-
tunity for free exercise OF all the
limbs anb muscles, by leaping swing
ing the arms and throwing the body
into various attitudes.
They who have never practiced this
mode of bathing can have no just no
ton of the comfort which it affords. |
When, from almost any cause, one !
rises from his bed in the morning, |
languid and dull, and perhaps with
heavy feeling of the head and foul taste /
of the mouth, such bath, followed by |
the exercise | have named, refreshes
him astonishingly, and makes him feel
iAc a hc" man. AhuOCu, any oHc VIM
has been long accustomed TO this kind /
OF bathing, would hardly be willing TO
dispense with it for single morning,
even to save his breakfast. Ii may with |
perfect comfort and safety be continued |
through the whole year. Even on the
coolest morning of winter it is exceed
ingly refreshing and grateful.-Scisnce |
Of Human Life.