Please read Important Points to be Observed with all Treatments before performing this treatment.

Contraindications and Cautions - check with your doctor if:

1. Heart and valvular diseases

2. Diabetes

3. Diseases of malignant origin

4. Vascular disorders

5. High blood pressure

Important Considerations

• Aged or frail people will not tolerate hot bath well

• Do not perform on patients who struggle to get into the tub

• Do not leave patient alone, if dizziness and weakness develop and the pulse become weak and rapid, STOP at once

• Do not give the hot bath after a full meal, it is better for liquids to be given after a bath

• Avoid drafts

Equipment

1. Bath thermometer for checking water temperature; the hand is not a safe guide but elbow can be used if no thermometer is available.

2. 2-3 bath towels and bath mat

3. Basin of ice water

4. 2 wash cloths or compress

5. Shower cap to protect hair

6. Rubber ring or folded towel for patient to sit on (optional)

7. Folded bath towel for inflatable or plastic-covered head pillow

8. Rustproof stool if finishing with a Cold Shower, and patient is weak.

9. If prolonged: Ice bag for heart

Procedure

Preparation for Treatment

• Room should be warm and free from drafts

• Assemble equipment

• Fill the tub ⅔ full of water at 38 - 40°C / 100-104°F

Treatment

• Assist patient into tub; make comfortable with a pad or folded towels under hips and behind head, as needed

• Encourage the patient to lie down to get as much of the chest in the water as possible.

• Keep head cool with a cold compress

• The first treatment should continue until profuse sweating is seen on face (usually 5 minutes after perspiration becomes visible).

• Continue no longer than 20 minutes, often first treatment is just over 10 minutes.

• For following treatments, with longer bath times and increased temperature always use an ice bag over the heart and give fluids to drink

• Check pulse regularly; do not exceed 80 beats per minute.

• Follow the bath with a single Pail Pour or Cold Shower

  • Pail Pour: throw the ice water (at least 2 litres/quarts from the Cold Compress basin) over the neck and upper back of while the patient is sitting forward, or standing in tub holding on.

  • Cold Shower: 2 to 30 seconds of faucet-cold water especially on neck and upper back .

• Assist patient from tub; remember, he/she may become dizzy or faint with exertion getting out of the tub

Completion of Treatment

• Dry thoroughly and keep patient warm

• Care of the skin after the bath is important: Dry skin thoroughly; olive oil or moisturiser for dry skin is beneficial

• Have patient rest in bed for at least 1 hour after treatment