The herald., 1893-08-20
SEA BATHING.
Information for People Now At tho
Seaside.

Information for People Now 1t tho
BeAside.
A sea bath is to most persons exceed
ingly agreeable and refreshing, and,
when judiciously employed. medicinal
agent Of great value, but like all other
medicinal agents, 1t may be productive
of good or bad results, depending upon
the condition OF the one who takes the
bath and his manner Of taking 1t. To
the ccnvaleecent, impatient for de-
layed strength, to the inland dweller,
whose devotion to business pursuits or
housewifely cares has resulted in feeble
health and nervous bankruptcy, and to
all overworked in mind and body, no
measure. when dacreetly used, so surely
brings vigor and rest as sojourn at the
eeashore and daily plunge into the salt
water. Though not every ones expert
ence in sea bathing has been agreeable
and perhaps to some it has proved posi-
lively harmful, it can be asserted that
in nearly all such cases the unsatisfac-
tory results are due to some indiscretion
of the bather or misconception Of the
the principles that should guide one In
resorting to eea baths for sanitary
purposes. Sea bathing is more
powerful tonic than the ordinary cold
bath. The stimulation of the cutaueous
surface by the dissolved salt, the
changing and cooler currents of air,
the impact OF the waves upon the body,
and the mental effect of the unusual
surroundings, combine to impress the
system very forcibly. While such
conditions may have depressing effect
upon one who is unaccustomed to them.
they are highly bracing and stimulating
to him who is strong enough TO make sea
bathing safe.
On entering the cold sea bath there is
sense OF depression OF greater or less
degree, depending upon the nervous
susceptibility OF the bather and the de-
gree OF the temperature of the water be-
very alluring as one stands on the hot
cold if one advances slowly into it; the
presently the familiar gooaeekin appear
ance, caused by contraction of the
skin and consequent protrusion of the
hair follicles, spread over the body.
There is general shivering, blueness
of the lips, nose and extremities, as the
blood recedes from the cutaneous ves-
sells and masses about the internal or
gans. An involuntary sobbing breath
ing as the water rises to the chest marks
its impression upon the nervous system.
II the advance in the water continues,
or etill quicker, if plunge into its
depths be taken, the system in q few
seconds is aroused to meet and over
come these depressing effects and
sense of exhilaration follows. The skin
now becomes ruddy, the whole body is
in glow, the pulse is stronger, the
breathing is full and easy, and body
and mind are invigorated.
This abrupt dilatation of the cutane-
GUS vessels, the stimulation of the
hearts action and restoration of the
body heat is the reaction which is
sought for in the therapeutic use OF the
sea bath. One or two more plunges can
now be taken, or two or three waves be
allowed to pass over one, and then all
the good that can be derived from the
bath has been acquired. It may be
prolonged for the sake Of the pleasure
to be derived from sporting in the cool
water or from the profit to be attained
in learning to swim, but NO furtheI con.
stituticnal benefit will be secured by an
extension of the five or eight minutes
already passed in the water. II the
bath is further prolonged the bather
must be in the best OF condition, and
should exercise in swimming or other
wise, for the more hurried circulation Of
the blood during the bath causes it to
cool rapidly as 1t comes to the surface,
the temperature of the whole body is
soon lowered, and there follows Q sec.
ond contraction of the cutaneous vessels
and chiliness more protracted than the
frst.-[Pierrs S. Starr, NJ. D., in Worth
ington'e Magazine.