Vitality Supreme

A cold bath is a strong stimulant to the entire circulatory system, provided one can recuperate with a feeling of warmth immediately thereafter. If this feeling of warmth does not follow, if you feel cold, uncomfortable, nervous and trembling for some time after the bath, the shock has been too severe and is not of advantage. Under such circumstances it is better either to avoid the bath altogether or else take more exercise in order more thoroughly to warm the body before taking the bath. Usually if one is warm before bathing and if the cold bath is taken in a warm room it is easy to recuperate from it. Another good suggestion in a case of this kind is to decrease the duration of the bath. Do not stay in the water too long. In some cases what is sometimes called a hand bath may be advantageous. This bath is taken by merely wetting the hands several times in the water and applying the moist palms to all parts of the body. The familiar sponge bath, so-called, using either a sponge or a washcloth, is often advised, although the hand bath just mentioned is even easier to take. I have also frequently recommended the use of the dry friction bath, following exercise, as a means of preparing the body for a cold bath. I have already referred to these dry friction rubbings as a means of accelerating the activity of the skin. This friction bath will, in nearly all cases, warm the skin sufficiently to enable one thoroughly to enjoy the cold water. In fact, this friction is to a cold bath what appetite is to eating. You should enjoy your meals and you should enjoy your cold bath. It is only when the cold bath is a pleasure that it is a benefit. If you dread it, if the mere thought of taking a cold bath brings a shudder, it will not be of benefit to you. You should feel sufficiently vigorous and vital really to enjoy it. A friction bath will put your skin in a condition where the cold water will "feel good." Exercise that thoroughly warms the body will naturally have the same effect.