538 THE HUMAN BODY 



It is perfectly safe to bathe when warm, provided the skin is 

 not perspiring profusely, the notion commonly prevalent to the 

 contrary notwithstanding. On the other hand, no one should 

 enter a cold bath when feeling chilly, or in a depressed vital con- 

 dition. It is not wise to take a bath immediately after a meal, 

 since the afterglow tends to draw away too much blood from the 

 digestive organs, which are then actively at work. The best time 

 for a long bath is about three hours after breakfast; but for an 

 ordinary daily dip, lasting but a short time, there is no better 

 period than on rising and while still warm from bed. 



The shower-bath abstracts less heat from the skin than an or- 

 dinary cold bath and, at the same time, gives it a greater stimulus : 

 hence it has certain advantages. 



Persons in feeble health may diminish the shock to the system 

 by raising the temperature of the water they bathe in up to any 

 point at which it still feels cool to the skin. The very hot bath 

 is occasionally useful as the most efficient means for cleansing the 

 skin. There is no doubt, however, that its effect tends to be ener- 

 vating, and it should not be indulged in too frequently. 



