Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-09-02
Uses and Abuses of Cold Bathing.

In general way, it may be said that
cold bathing is salutary when a vigorous
habit exists; it is injurious when the gen
eral strength is too feeble to admit of
reaction under it's influence. It is also to
be employed when the system is relaxed
by INDECENT habits, sleepaessness and
mental unrest. During convalescence
from fevers and tedious illness its con-
tinual use is productive of good results.
Persons who "take cold' easily Will find
the daily bath of cold water a most
effectual means of prevention. The cor
pulent need its tonic influence; the same
may properly be said of the dyspeptic
and those of the so-called bilious temper
ament.
Many who might prudently indulge in
cold water bathing do so at first with
fear and trembling. But this reluctance
can easily be overcome. To learn to re-
gard it as luxury one should begin with
tepid water, lowering the temperature
each day. A cold bath should always be
of short duration. It's benefit is in the
first impression made on the skin and
nerves. The immersion should always be
sudden. The effect is then uniform. If
the water is entered hesitatingly, the
blood is driven from the lower extremit-
les to the upper parts. The shower bath
is especially advocated for its
sudden and general shock, and
its application to the head.
Very many lack the convcniences of
bathing, and yet none can be denied
PONCE baths. These are easily applied,
and are a general luxury. The ancient
theory that after violent exercise and
while perspiring freely, the body should
be allowed to cool before immersion is no
longer accepted. 1t would certainly be
| iudicious to exercise before bathing, the
bOdy's temperature being thus elevated
and reaction after the application of cold
insured.
Sea bathing has peculiar advantages,
chiefly the cheerful surroundings, the low
| temperature, and the gentle shock of the
waves. The vigorous can safely battle
daily; the less strong on alternate days
An hour before noon is the best time to
indulge. The water should not be en-
tered hesitatingly, but bold plunge
taken at once. The more courageous
will do we'll to dive. The average dura-
ton of the bath should be from five to
ten minutes for children, fifteen minutes
for women, and but little longer for men.
To delay much beyond these periods
it is a pernicious practice inviting dehil-
ty and injury. On leaving the water the
body should be rubbed with a coarse
towel until the skin is heated and REDEEMED
Afterward brief brisk walk should be
/ taken. Those who feel weak and depress-
ed would do we'll to take cup of tea or
coffee. More powerful stimulants
should rarely be used.
After diving, or when the head has been
submerged and the nasal passages are fiji
led with water bathe1s will frequently
make violent expulsiVe efforts to clear by
closing first one nostril and then the
other. The danger is that in so doing
they sometimes force water from the
back part of the passage up the tube to
the middle ear, causing Cracking SEN
sation," and laying the foundation for
catarrhal Inflammation. By taking a
deep inspiration, suddenly closing the
mouth, and expelling the air through the
nose, it will be equally as effectual, and
the danger referred to obviated.-New
! York Journal.