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A quick cold sitz (30 seconds to 2 minutes) produces active dilation of all vessels of the lower abdomen, increasing the movement of blood through these parts. The thermic reaction produced heightens the nutritive processes in the parts concerned. At the same time it excites contraction of the muscular structures of the viscera along with the musculo-ligamentous structures which support the abdominal and pelvic viscera. This has great influence on the bladder, all pelvic organs (male and female), and all structures that are involved in the acts of urination and defecation. It is good to note for those concerned that during the first moments of the cold sitz there is an increased activity of the heart and a temporary rise of the blood pressure.

COLD SITZ

The cold sitz (55° to 75° F., 5 to 8 minutes duration) produces a profound tonic effect on the body and must be frequently applied. The cold sitz is most frequently employed to bring about flowing effects upon the internal pelvic organs. This cold sitz is an excellent application for individuals who are at least moderately vigorous, and who suffer from congestion of the liver or spleen. It is very useful in atonic genito-urinary organs and in the nocturnal urinary incontinence of children (however, this needs to be introduced and employed in such manner that the child does not view it as punishment). It is equally valuable in chronic congestion of the prostate, in atonic weakness of seminal vessels, and in constipation, and in lack of tone of the bladder of both men and women. The cold sitz must not be used in cases of acute inflammation of the pelvic or abdominal organs, in painful conditions of the bladder or genital organs, in sciatica, or in cases of lung congestion.

COOL SITZ

A cool sitz-bath (65° to 80° F.) is derivative when continued for 15 to 20 minutes, or long enough to cause a decided reddening of the submerged skin which will attest to adequate dilation of the surface vessels. The special use of this bath for decongesting the internal organs lies in the persistence of a large quantity of blood that has flowed to and is fixed in the skin. This, accompanied by the contraction of the internal vessels which is produced at the same time by the irritation of the cold, aids in the decongestion of the internal parts.

PROLONGED COOL SITZ

The prolonged cool sitz-bath at 65° to 75° F. for 15 to 40 minutes causes prolonged contractions of the vessels of the pelvic and abdominal organs. This action makes this bath an excellent measure for relieving chronic congestion in this area. A hot foot bath must always be given simultaneously and the pelvic area should be rubbed so as to maintain strong surface circulation. This friction is important to assist the decongestion of the pelvic organs. The prolonged cool sitz also renders excellent results, when combined with other measures of treatment, and in relieving chronic excessively profuse menstruation (when not due to endometriosis). It is also useful in any bleeding from the bladder, the intestines, the uterus, urethra, and rectum, in hemorrhoids, and chronic inflammation of the prostate.

In many cases a temperature of 75° to 80° F. is preferable to a lower temperature, especially for individuals who have not been accustomed to cold water applications. In some cases it is desirable to begin the bath at a temperature of 85° to 90° F. and lower it after the first few minutes to 75° F. The duration of the bath should be 15 to 20 minutes. This should always be accompanied by a hot foot bath of 104° to 110° F., but no hotter than this.

The cool sitz-bath and the cold sitz-bath are to be avoided with individuals who have any kind of heart condition that would be adversely affected by a sudden increase in arterial pressure. It is also contraindicated in all acute inflammations and infections involving the organs of the abdomen or pelvis, painful conditions of the genito-urinary organs, any conditions of the pelvis accompanied by muscular spasms, spermatorrhea accompanied by frequent losses of fluid (see warm sitz),