Arm Bath

Requirements: The equipment consists of a big washbasin covered with a lid, having two openings for inserting the arms. Hot and cold water connections and a thermometer are also provided.
Water Temperature: 40–45°C.
Duration: 15 minutes
Procedure: The patient should drink 1 or 2 glasses of cold water and then the arms, up to the middle of the upper arm (biceps), are immersed in water. The trunk of the patient should be covered with a shawl or a blanket. Gradually the temperature of water is raised from 40–45°C. At the end of the bath, hot water should be fully drained and the cold water taps opened so that the hands gets a dash of cold water for a minute. Keep the limbs warm soon after drying.
Uses: The blood vessels of the hands are dilated in this bath which facilities draining of blood from the thoracic organs to the arms, thus relieving their congestion. This also induces perspiration and both these reactions help to relieve cough and other problems connected with lungs. It gives immense relief when given during an asthma attack. This bath gives immediate relief in case of pain in the chest muscles.
Contra–indications: As in the case of Hot foot bath.

Cold Foot Bath

Requisites: A small tub or bucket.
Water temperature: 8–12°C.
Duration: 1–5 minutes.
Procedure: Water should be filled in the tub to a level of 16” to 18”. The feet previously warmed, should now be immersed in the tub. Friction should be continuously applied to the feet during the bath, either by an attendant or by the patient himself by rubbing one foot against the other.
Uses: Short cold foot bath (1–2 minutes) relieves cerebral congestion and uterine hemorrhage (especially excess bleeding during menstrual periods). When it is prolonged, it relieves sprains, strain, inflamed bunions etc. It is also useful as a diuretic measure.
Contra–indications: In inflammatory conditions of the genito–urinary organs, liver and kidneys.