ugh
if one is lacking in vitality, it should not be below 70 degrees
Fahrenheit. A hot sitz bath may sometimes be suggested for
inflammatory and painful conditions in the pelvic region. In
inflammation of the bladder, for instance, it is valuable.

When taking hot baths for cleansing purposes the soap used is of some
importance; especially so if the skin is thin or too dry. In such
cases strong soaps are injurious, although their effect may be overcome
to some extent by rubbing the body after the bath with a very little
bit of olive oil. I would suggest, however, the use of a pure vegetable
oil soap, such as castile, which is one of the best examples of a
vegetable soap. This soap may be suggested in all cases, but it is
particularly important when the skin is thin or dry. Very frequently
dryness of skin is noticed in those of very light complexion. In the
preceding chapter on Blood Purification I referred to a hot bath for the
purpose of rapidly eliminating poisons and wastes in the body. An
ordinary warm bath for cleansing purposes need not be taken at such a
high temperature. In other words a soap-and-water bath will be
perfectly satisfactory at a temperature of 103 to 105 degrees F. and need
not occupy more than a very few minutes, whereas the hot bath referred to
for the special purpose of blood purification may be of longer duration
and of a much higher temperature, running up to 110 or 115 degrees
Fahrenheit.

There is another type of warm bath, however, which is of special value
in many cases. This is what I have sometimes termed a neutral
bath, inasmuch as it is neither hot nor cold. This is a bath at about
the temperature of the body, that is to say, 95 to 98 degrees
Fahrenheit. One should use a bath thermometer to be sure of the right
temperature. This neutral bath has a sedative or quieting effect upon
the nerves through its effect upon the innumerable nerve endings in
the skin. It is neither hot nor cold, neither stimulating nor weakening,
and one could remain in such a bath for hours without harm. It has a
quieting effect upon the nerves and reference has been made to it in the
chapter on Sleep as a means of overcoming excitement or nervousness.
In attacks of mania it is especially valuable, and is now extensively
used in all insane asylums because of its wonderful effect in quieting
the nerves. This bath at 98 degrees is also especially commended in
the case of