General Principles open – Air bathing
The general principles which have been outlined for suc¬cessful results with other forms of cold bathing may be and should be followed when bathing in the open air. There is the same necessity for normal warmth of the body before entering the water and for perfect recuperation on leaving it. The likelihood of delayed reaction and of chilling is often greater because of the cooling breezes. When bathers shiver and talk through chattering teeth, they are getting no benefit from their bath, either because the water is too cold or they remain in too long.
If one feels chilly before entering the water, it will usually be detrimental to go in unless, by mod- erate exercise, deep breathing, and friction, the circulation can be speeded up and warmth reestablished. A person of high vitality and robust body may occasionally be warmed through and through by the reaction following immediately after a cold plunge, even when somewhat chilly before the plunge was made, but one should be sure that such vigorous reaction will take place before attempting to enter the water in this condition, and it would be unwise to linger in it after reaction is complete.