Cold Spinal Bath

Water temperature: 18–24°C.
Duration: 15 minutes
Procedure: The patient lies in the spinal bath tub after getting undressed and adjust himself to the water columns of the tub so that they touch the entire length of the spine from the nape of the neck to the lowest portion of the spine. Footwear should be worn so that the circulation is not interfered with. After the bath the patient should walk briskly or perform suryanamaskars so that heat is generated in the body. If the patient is weak he can lie down on the bed and cover himself with a blanket.
Uses: Cold spinal bath relieves irritation of nerves, fatigue, high blood pressure and excitement. It is recommended in almost all nervous disorders such as hysteria, fits, mental derangement, sleeplessness, loss of memory, tension etc.
Contra–indications: Cervical and lumbar spondylosis and arthritis.

Contrast Arm Bath

Requisites: For this purpose, a specially designed tub having 2 compartments, one for each hand is required in which the water springs out as fine columns of jets through the perforated tubes. The tubes are arranged in such a manner that the water column cover the hands fully.
Water temperature: Hot 40–45°C., cold 18–20°C.
Procedure: The patient sits on a stool and keeps both hands separately in each chamber and the tub is covered with a metal sheet. First, hot water ejects through the tubes for 3 minutes and then cold water for 1 minute. This procedure is repeated 4 to 5 times ending with cold water.
Precaution: Care should be taken that water does not fall on other parts of the body as this interferes with blood circulation.
Uses: It gives a gentle massage to the hands. It relieves congestion in other parts of the body, sprains and spasms. It is helpful in treating muscular weakness and rheumatoid arthritis.

Contrast Foot Bath

Requisites: A specially designed apparatus similar to the arm bath tub is used for this.
Water Temperature: Hot 40–45°C., cold 18–20°C.
Here the water is ejected as fine columns on both legs.
Procedure and Precautions: Same as in contrast arm bath, but instead of arms both legs are placed in the tub.
Uses: This gives a gentle massage to the legs and is an effective aid for relaxation. It is useful in treating arthritis, varicose veins, muscular sprains and strain and headache.