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THE HOT BATH

(APPROXIMATELY 98° TO 104+° F.)

Water is recognized as hot when its temperature is above the temperature of the surface of the body, or between 98° to 104° F. Above 104° F. it is termed as very hot. Aside from the healthy, stimulating reaction generated by the body from a quick cold bath immersion, the hot bath is far more stimulating than the preceding baths. This is evidenced by the excitement of the pulse, the quickening of respiration, the sensation of fullness in the head, the flushing of the face, the reddening of the skin, profuse perspiration, and the throbbing of cerebral vessels. At a temperature of 120° F. a full-water bath becomes unendurable and hazardous for most individuals, although small areas (as in the hand or foot bath, or in the application of a fomentation) can be gradually trained to endure a temperature of 130° to 135° F. Vapor (steam) baths, Turkish baths, and saunas can be tolerated and enjoyed at temperatures of 112° to 120° F., and up to 220° or even 250° F. for a short time by trained persons. I’ve actually met some of those puzzling individuals who enjoy that experience.

Heat is primarily an excitant. It is the most powerful of all vital excitants, as evidenced by the heat of the sun being the direct source of animal and vegetable life, stimulating all protoplasmic activity. In the human organism, heat can increase vital activity, elevate the temperature, and excite the brain and nerve centers.

The secondary effect of heat is depressant, manifested by the body’s atonic reaction to it (the reverse of the tonic reaction is discussed in the section on cold baths). This atonic reaction shows itself as lowered temperature manifested through reflex action, which produces lessened heat production and increased heat elimination with general diminished tissue activity.

A general application of heat first slows, then quickens the pulse.

Short hot applications to the skin surface cause dilation of the small veins, which draws blood from the internal parts and increases the excitability and energy of voluntary skeletal muscles. These short hot applications also powerfully excite the nerves and nerve centers, and these excitant effects are soon followed by depressant effects or atonic reaction.

Prolonged hot applications increase heat production and can give rise to mixed effects of excitation and exhaustion, either of which may predominate. Excitation may involve circulation, respiration, and heat production. Exhaustion may involve nerve impulses and muscles.

Prolonged hot application lessens the energy and excitability of voluntary skeletal muscles. Very hot applications increase the excitability of the involuntary smooth muscles. Neutral temperatures have no influence upon the excitability of the voluntary muscles; the sedative effect produced by neutral temperatures depends rather upon the influence on the nerves of the skin.

Precautionary techniques

A hot bath should never be greatly prolonged, because baths at any temperature above that of the body cause a rapid accumulation of heat and rise of temperature. This can mimic the unpleasant symptoms and effects of sunstroke. The duration of the hot bath should be 5 to 20 minutes according to the temperature. If the intention of a hot bath is mainly to induce excitement, it should be of short duration. The bather is not to be exposed to its action long enough to cause exhaustion. When the sensation of heat is very great or one feels strong palpitations of the heart, it is time to leave the bath.

Before immersing oneself into a hot bath, the head should be rubbed with hot water. This relaxes the blood vessels of the head and lightheadedness (anemia of the brain) is avoided. While partaking in a full hot bath, care must then be taken to avoid cerebral congestion. To prevent this over-engorgement of the blood vessels in the brain, apply a cold compress or ice-cap to the head when hot applications are being made to any large area of the skin. It is also important to avoid overexcitement