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.