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The Hindu-Yogi System of Practical Water Cure2140
teachings of the ancients, and revived the therapeutic bath as an important
adjunct of their system.
The reader who has studied what we have said in a previous chapter
regarding the Skin, will not need much additional argument or explanation
in order to understand just why the bath is a necessary factor in the health
of every human being. When you remember the important part played by
the skin in the matter of elimination of the waste products of the system,
you will recognize the importance of the bath in the matter of removing the
gummed up and accumulated debris which has gathered on the surface of
the skin, and in its pores.
Bathing performs the same service for the skin, that flushing the colon
does for the large intestine—in both cases the water washes away the debris
and waste of the system, carrying off the foul excrementitious matter, and
enabling the organs of the body to function properly. And both methods
act in very much the same way, and produce the same general results. By
keeping the skin properly cleansed, the kidneys are prevented from
becoming overtaxed, and natural functioning all along the line is rendered
possible, particularly if the colon is kept in a normal condition. Many skin
diseases, and similar complaints could be obviated by an observance of
both the flushing methods and intelligent bathing and cleansing the surface
of the skin. Besides these important purposes, the bath acts as an invigorant
and an exhilarant, and tends to keep the spirits bright, and the mind cheerful,
clear and sound. We shall now proceed to a consideration of the various
methods of bathing, advocated by the Water Cure practitioners.
The Ordinary Cleansing Bath. Many persons will smile when they see
this heading, for they are apt to think that there is very little to be taught
regarding the ordinary bath. And, yet, very few really know how to get the
best results from the ordinary cleansing bath. In the first place, the proper
time to take the cleansing bath is either in the morning soon after rising, and
before breakfast; or else in the evening, some time after eating, and just
before retiring. Persons should avoid eating just before, or just after a bath.