ction rub, and then bathe. I would suggest that from five
to ten minutes at least be devoted to this friction. It will furnish
some exercise in connection with the rubbing, will quicken the general
circulation, and will give you that warmth of body which makes the
cold bath desirable and delightful.

Air baths are likewise valuable as a means of promoting activity in the
eliminative function of the skin. Primitive man, living in a state of
Nature, was not burdened with clothing. There was nothing to interfere
with the healthy activity of his epidermis. There can be no question
that the smothering of the skin by our clothing has much to do with
defective elimination of wastes, and the more nearly we can avoid
clothing, or the less clothing we can wear, the better. When possible,
therefore, and especially in warm weather, it is advisable to remove all
clothing and let the air come in contact with the surface of the body.
This not only has a pronounced effect upon the purification of the
blood but it likewise has a tonic effect upon the nervous system. In
the same way the friction rub has a stimulating effect upon the nerves.
This is due to the fact that in the skin are located a million or more
of tiny nerve endings or so-called "end organs" of the nerves. These
peripheral nerve endings are naturally influenced by all conditions
that affect the skin, whether in the form of friction, air baths, cold
baths, or baths of other temperatures. The air bath, therefore, has a
splendid tonic effect and may be particularly recommended for those
suffering with "nerves."

Sun baths are especially effective as a means of stimulating activity of
the skin, and promoting elimination. Sun baths likewise have a very
powerful influence upon the entire organism inasmuch as they stimulate
metabolism or cell-activity. They directly affect the circulation
and promote the formation of red corpuscles. The sun is the centre of
all energy and life upon this earth. It is our great vitalizing and
life-giving principle, both in the realms of animal life and plant life.
It is only natural, therefore, that sun baths should have a
profound influence upon the body.

A word of caution, however, is required because of the tremendous power
of the sun and its powerful chemical effect when sun bathing is carried
too far. Those of very fair skins particularly need to be careful.
Brunettes, with considerable pigment of th