bath

(bath )

To hear audio pronunciation of this topic, purchase a subscription or log in.

The medium and method of cleansing the body or any part of it, or treating it therapeutically as with air, light, vapor, or water. The temperature of the cleansing bath for a bed patient should be about 95°F (35°C) with a room temperature of 75° to 80°F (23.9° to 26.7°C).

THERAPEUTIC EFFECT
Warm and hot baths and applications soothe both the mind and the body. Gradually elevated hot tub and vapor baths relax all the muscles of the body. Hot baths promote vasodilation in the skin, drawing blood from the deeper tissues, and also help to relieve pain and stimulate nerves. Cold baths and applications abstract heat and stimulate reaction, esp. if followed by brisk rubbing of the skin. Cold constricts small blood vessels when applied locally.
SEE: hydrotherapy

There's more to see -- the rest of this topic is available only to subscribers.