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is, through the impression of the mind, confined to the blood vessels,
and the good effects of the bath are lost. All this is because the blood
is prevented by the mind and will from flowing readily, and from
coming to the surface to stimulate, arouse, and promote the circulation.
For instance, you are impressed that if you bathe you will become
chilly. The brain sends this intelligence to the nerves of the body,
and the blood vessels, held in obedience to your will, cannot perform
their office and cause a reaction after the bath. There is no reason in
science or philosophy why an occasional bath, taken with studious
care, should do you anything but real good. Especially is this the case
where there is but little exercise to keep the muscles in action and
to aid the circulation of the blood through the system. Bathing frees
the skin from the accumulation of impurities which are constantly
collecting, and keeps the skin moist and supple, thereby increasing
and equalizing the circulation.
Persons in health should on no account neglect bathing. They
should by all means bathe as often as twice a week. Those who are not
in health have impurities of the blood, and the skin is not in a healthy
condition. The multitude of pores, or little mouths, through which
the body breathes become clogged and filled with waste matter. The
skin needs to be carefully and thoroughly cleansed, that the pores may
do their work in freeing the body from impurities; therefore feeble
persons who are diseased surely need the advantages and blessings of
bathing as often as twice a week, and frequently even more than this
is positively necessary. Whether a person is sick or well, respiration is
more free and easy if bathing is practiced. By it the muscles become
more flexible, the mind and body are alike invigorated, the intellect
is made brighter, and every faculty becomes livelier. The bath is a
soother of the nerves. It promotes general perspiration, quickens the
circulation, overcomes obstructions in the system, and acts beneficially
on the kidneys and urinary organs. Bathing helps the bowels, stomach,
and liver, giving energy and new life to each. It also promotes diges-
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tion, and instead of the system’s being weakened it is strengthened.
Instead of increasing the liability to cold, a bath, properly taken, forti-
fies against cold because the circulation is improved and the uterine
organs, which are more or less congested, are relieved; for the blood is
brought to the surface, and a more easy and regular flow of the blood
through all the blood vessels is obtained.