A Place to Bathe: Hydrotherapy/the Nile Notes

Notes to Ponder:

Hydrotherapy: A method of manipulating water in order to treat diseases, ease pain, and restore health. It is successful because it is a natural way to stimulate the human body’s own healing force.

 Baths are named according to the part of the body to which the fluid is applied, and the mode of its application.

Semicupium- only the lower half of the body is immersed

Pediluvium- Foot Bath

Manuluvium- Hand Bath

Hip- Seat Bath

A hip bath is a specially designed type of bath tub which is intended for the bather to sit upright, as though in a chair.

 Manner of Application:

Immersion- Of the Naked Body

Affusion- Pouring Water over the Body

                   Two types of Affusion:

                         Shower Bath: Water Placed Above the body to flow like rain

                         Spout Bath: Projection of Water with some forces

Ablution: Washing the Skin with a wet Towel, Or Sponge.

 Cold, Hot, and Warm Temperature:

      Cold Water: Cold is stimulating, and it causes superficial blood vessels to constrict. Less Blood Flow to the Organs

      Hot Water: Relaxing, causes blood vessels to dilate, and removes wastes from body tissues.

     Warm Water: Circulatory and Nervous System: Soothing Influence. There is a feeling of ease and well being as well as mental and physical readiness.

     Alternating Temperatures: Increases blood flow and circulation 

Sources: 'Dietetical and Medical Hydrology'

The Nile: The Gift of Egypt 

-The longest river in the World: 6650 Kilometers

-Derived from Greek, Neilos (valley).

 The Importance of the Nile:

It is safe to say that the Nile was the backbone of Ancient Egyptian civilization. Its cycle of flooding not only shaped the land, but the cultivation as well. People were nearly fully dependent on the river and what it had to offer.

Flood Season:

Annually, from July to October, the Nile floods. Topsoil is the product of silt deposits and the cycle of flooding. As the water recedes, nutrient rich soil is left behind, thus providing fertile soil to plant in.

Lifeline:

Among many things, the Nile was used for:

            Agriculture: the fertile strip along the Nile was the only source of suitable soil

            Line of Communication from other Areas

            Transportation

            Drinking Water

            Bathing 

         Religious Purposes

Sources:

Ancient Egypt - Culture

The River Nile Facts