COLD BATtfS. 73 



less, and the person probably feels chilly, depressed, 

 and uncomfortable for some hours. The bath has then 

 done harm ; it has weakened instead of bracing the system. 



How long one may remain in cold water with benefit, 

 varies with the temperature of the water and with the 

 vigor of the person. A strong man can set up a healthy 

 reaction after a much longer stay in the water than can 

 a feeble one. Also a person used to cold bathing may 

 with safety continue his dip longer than one unaccus- 

 tomed to it. Many persons who have been taking warm 

 or tepid baths all the rest of the year, injure themselves 

 in the summer by commencing at once to bathe for 

 twenty minutes or more in the sea. Such persons com- 

 plain that sea-bathing does not agree with them; if they 

 would begin with three or four minutes in the water, the 

 first day, and gradually increase the time, they would in 

 most cases be benefited. 



4. When to Bathe. It is perfectly safe for a healthy per- 

 son to take a cold bath when warm, provided the skin is 

 not perspiring profusely. On the other hand, never take 

 a cold bath when you are feeling chilly; or when you are 

 much fatigued either in mind or body. Under such cir- 

 cumstances, the proper reaction is apt not to occur. A 

 cold bath should not be taken soon after a meal, for the 

 blood is then wanted in the digestive organs (Chap. XI.) 

 and cannot be spared to the skin to set up the after-glow. 

 For a brief daily dip, there is no time so good as imme- 

 diately after rising, while the body is still warm from 

 bed and in a rested vigorous condition. 



consequences of staying too long in it? State the conditions which 

 determine the length of time it is wise to bathe in cold water. 



4. When is it safe to take a cold bath? When unwise? What are 

 the best times for bathing ? 



