Sunlight is, of course, a splendid tonic for the skin, and a healthy skin should be well pigmented; but it should not be forgotten that the sun can do harm if a skin untrained to its influences is forced to undergo excessive sun-bathing. No matter how tanned the skin may be, it should never be exposed for very long periods to the direct rays when the summer sun is at its height.In many ways the air-bath is more important than the sun-bath, because it stimulates the functions of the skin without causing the least amount of harm, and it can be practiced all the year round. It is not necessary for the air-bath to be taken in the open air, although this is highly desirable when the weather is opportune.   The air-bath is of great value when it is taken indoors provided that the room has been carefully aired and is warm enough to prevent shivering. As the body gets accustomed to exposure the shivering reaction will decrease, and the body will be able to stand a much lower temperature.The air-bath is of great value in keeping the skin in good tone, and if practiced regularly it will contribute to the general health of the body. The habit should be inculcated in the child, who should be taught that it is just as important as washing the skin; then by the time adulthood is reached the air-bath will be taken as a matter of course. It is well known by those who practice this method of toning up the skin that it is preventive of coughs and colds, and it is a significant thing that when we tend to wear heavy clothes and completely cover the skin we are much more liable to suffer from these ailments.When taking the air-bath it is a very good thing to stimulate the circulation through the skin by some kind of friction. This can be done by rubbing the surface of the body with the palms of the hands, or, if preferred, with a fairly rough towel. Exposing the skin to the air and quickening the circulation through it not only stimulates the whole nervous system, but is actually far more cleansing than many people imagine.
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The most striking difference between natural therapy and conventional medicine is the length of time you will spend in consultation with your therapist. A first consultation with a natural therapist is likely to take at least an hour and much of the time will be spent in finding out about you and your life. Further consultations are unlikely to be as long as the first but will still be longer than you would spend with a family doctor.Treatments are different too. Often, after the initial symptoms have cleared, you will continue to receive some form of therapy aimed at restoring your body’s natural healing ability. For this reason treatments may take longer than those used in conventional medicine. They may also take longer to work.In addition to specific treatments you will usually be advised to make changes to your lifestyle – for example, a change of diet, sleeping habits, stress management, and exercise may all be recommended to help you back to good health.You will not be a passive recipient of healthcare. A natural therapist will encourage you to take more responsibility for your own health.*54\120\4*