THE KIND OF BATHING TO SUIT EVERYBODY.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 2575, 12 January 1889, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE KIND OF BATHING TO SUIT EVERYBODY.

The simplest application of cold water is what hydropathists call the wash-down. It is suitable alike for young or old, strong or delicate persons. It can be taken anywhere in a few minutes, and it costs nothing. No ' fitted bath-room ' is necessary, not even a sponging-tray. All that is required is a washing-basin, with cold water and two towels ; for

choice, one should be thin and the other thick and coarse, but not too rough. If on awakening in the morning, you do not feel quite warm, wait for a few minutes till you do. Then step quickly out of bed, and stand on a carpet or rug with washing basin close by. Dip the thinner towel in the water, wring it partly out, hold it by the ends, and pass it rapidly over the whole of the body, first wetting the face, and then rubbing the chest, back, and limbs briskly with the wet towel, dipping it again in the basin two or three times, and partly wringing it out, so that the whole of the surface may be cleansed. Then rub down vigorously with the coarse towel until thoroughly dry, and dress as quickly as possible. The time occupied should not exceed five minutes. This mode of ablution, simple as it is, will be found as effectual for all purposes as any other, if not more so. It is much superior to the sponge bath, because the feet are not chilled by standing in cold water ; and when a wet towel is used in some degree friction is applied to the skin with the water, so that the sensation of cold is very slight—Echo.