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Chapter VIII: Scientific Bathing.2147
condition, inasmuch as the internal organs, or rather some of them, notably
the liver, lungs, intestines, spleen, etc., rest freely in the space allotted
them, without pressure upon each other and are thus given a sort of rest
and relaxation, which relieves undue pressure and also tends to readjust
minor displacements, etc. This effect may be obtained by filling the bathtub
nearly full of water of a pleasant temperature—about the temperature
of the body, and allowing oneself to float around easily in it for a quarterhour
or more—without exercise, scrubbing, etc.,—just a state of “loafing
and inviting one’s soul.” It gives one a splendid rest, and “loafing spell.”
Foot Baths. We cannot urge upon you too strongly the importance
of bathing the feet. There is a peculiar connection between the soles of
the feet and the nervous system, which evidences itself by the sense of
relief and nerve rest afforded by the application of water to the tired feet,
particularly at night. More than this the excretory channels of the skin, in the
feet, are large and apparently perform more work than those in other parts
of the body, as is evidenced by the tendency of feet to excrete foul-smelling
perspiration. For this reason the feet should be kept clean and “sweet.”
Attention to the feet will repay you for the time and trouble bestowed
upon them.
Private Parts. The “private parts” of the body, including the anus (or
outer opening of the rectum) should be kept scrupulously clean, not only
from reasons of ordinary refinement, but also because the health of these
parts depend largely upon careful attention. It should not be necessary
to say more on this subject here to intelligent people. The idea of “Purity”
should be evidenced not only in the inner sense, but in the outer also.