Here’s how the curative Schlenz-bath is administered. First, the patient should not eat for at least two hours before treatment. If possible, the bladder and the colon should be emptied. The bath tub should be as large and as deep as possible. If a regular American bath tub is used, you may need to plug the emergency outlet to raise the water to the top of the tub.
The patient must be totally covered with water, including his head; only his nose, eyes and mouth – and as little as possible of them – should be left uncovered. Start with a low temperature of about 95 degrees, or about the temperature of the skin. Let warm water run slowly from the faucet and stir constantly. In 15 to 20 minutes, bring the temperature in the tub to about 100 degrees; later to about 103 or even slightly higher, depending on the patient’s reaction.
The length of the treatment is about one hour. Although the temperature of the water is not too high, when the patient is totally covered by the water there is no heat escaping from the body and its temperature will invariably rise to match the temperature of the water.
The Schlenz-bath, if given to sick patients, must be supervised. The pulse should not go over 130 or 140. The temperature of the water should be monitored at all times with a bath thermometer. If the patient feels any discomfort, he should be raised out of the water to a sitting position for a while. It is also recommended that the nurse massage the patient with a bristle brush during the bath. This brings the blood to the surface of the skin and relieves the heart from undue pressure.
*135/103/5*