Page:Personal beauty how to cultivate and preserve it in accordance with the laws of health (1870).djvu/192

 The clothing was resumed in a moderately warmed room, the body having been previously anointed with fresh olive oil, well rubbed in, to protect it from the action of the air.

The Turkish bath likewise has its hot-air chamber, its hot-water bath, and the moderately heated apartment to dress in; but in Constantinople, and in many establishments in this country, the cold-water douche is lacking. This, however, should never be omitted, as it is important that the system be thus stimulated before going forth into the air.

The value of the Turkish bath depends on the thorough cleansing it gives the system, and on the perspiration it excites. Its peculiar feature is the shampooing process. An expert attendant kneads, rubs, and manipulates every muscle and joint of the body, imparting a suppleness and elasticity to the system very agreeable and often beneficial.

For rheumatics, for those affected with chronic skin diseases, for many complaints, indeed, this bath is admirably suited, and an occasional use of it, say once in ten days or a fortnight, may benefit one who even takes an ordinary bath daily. A more frequent indulgence in health is not advisable.

The Russian bath is said also to be a descendant of old Rome. The bather remains in an apartment filled with either moist or dry air at a very high temperature until in a profuse perspiration, and then adjourns to the