The Cold-Air Bath by A. C. Ames, M. D.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Dec 15, 1910

The Cold-Air Bath

By A. C. Ames, M. D.

A. C. AMES, M. D.

Most people know, at least by hearsay, of the tonic effects of a daily cold-water bath in the morning upon rising. Many have tried it, and have experienced its benefits. A few make a regular practise of it; but the majority, owing to the absence of the necessary facilities or the inconvenience of providing them, neglect this valuable health builder. To such let me suggest a substitute that any one can use, even those too feeble or too timid to try the cold-water bath; namely, the cold-air bath. While not a complete substitute, it has many of the desirable effects of a cold sponge-bath or a cold plunge.

To take a cold-air bath, remove the clothing immediately upon arising, and rub the body all over vigorously for a few minutes with the bare hands. The room should be cold. One not accustomed to this should begin in a warm room, and gradually become accustomed to more cold and a longer exposure.

When one sleeps with the windows wide open when there is frost outside, and then, on arising in the morning, can take this treatment for several minutes, without being chilled, he will begin to realize that he is getting good from it, and that he will not take cold from any ordinary exposure. At such a temperature one will shiver a little at first, and the skin will roughen up like goose-flesh; but vigorous rubbing will stop the shivering, and the skin will become smooth and pink, with a sensation of glowing warmth that will make one feel that clothing is almost unnecessary.

Without thinking of it, the person taking a cold-air bath will find himself breathing deeply, filling every air-cell of his lungs, perhaps many that have not been filled since the last similar treatment. Every function of the body will be exalted, and he will start out for the day ready to meet and conquer difficulties, and not at all with the listless, tired feeling of one who sleeps with his windows closed, who dresses quickly, without allowing the cool air to touch his body, and who goes to work “more tired than when he went to bed.”

Young children, old persons, and those of feeble circulation, can not stand as much cold as those who are more vigorous; and no one should expose himself to such a degree of cold that he can not produce a warm and comfortable feeling by a vigorous rubbing of the body; but as long as that can be done, there is nothing to fear.

Don’t fail to try the cold-air bath.

Mountain Grove, Mo.