SHOWER BATH.
This bath is simply an imitation of rain. Water is allowed to fall upon the body after being divided into a number of small streams by passing through a vessel with a perforated bottom. Its effects depend upon the size of the streams and the height from which they fall, together with the temperature of the bath and its duration. Although formerly much employed in water cure establishments, this bath is now little used, because its place is supplied by other more convenient ones which produce the same results, as the spray and douche. The best manner of administering it is to commence the application with tepid water, and gradually cool it. The temperature may range from 70° to 92°. The water should not usually be allowed to fall upon the head, but should be received first upon the hands and arms, then upon the feet and limbs, and afterward upon the back and shoulders, the body being well rubbed during the application.
The cold shower bath, formerly so common almost everywhere, has been productive of much injury by its indiscriminate use, and has brought much reproach upon the use of water as a curative agent. None but the most vigorous can enjoy the bath at a lower temperature than 70°, and no advantage is gained by its employment at a lower temperature than that, while considerable harm may be done in many cases.