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Steam Box Bath - The Water Cure
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Steam Box Bath - The Water Cure
The doctor says I shall enjoy the steam box bath - does it look like enjoyment? - The Water Cure.
1870
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23272048
© Mary Evans Picture Library
Bath Cure Discomfort Health Hydrotherapy Newman Treatment Uncomfortable
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative image from the 1870s, a woman timidly steps into the enclosed chamber of a Steam Box Bath, also known as The Water Cure. The Victorian-era treatment, which gained popularity during the 19th century, was believed to offer numerous health benefits, including the relief of rheumatism, respiratory problems, and even mental health issues. The doctor's prescription for this discomfort-inducing therapy is evident on the table nearby, as the woman's apprehensive expression and furrowed brow suggest that the prospect of enjoying this experience may be a stretch. The steam box bath, a wooden contraption with a glass door, is filled with steam that is generated by heating water in a boiler. The woman wears a heavy bathrobe and a protective cap to shield herself from the intense heat. The steam envelops her body, causing her to perspire profusely, which was believed to cleanse the pores and promote detoxification. The treatment typically lasted for around 30 minutes, after which the patient would be wrapped in blankets to help their body readjust to the cooler temperature. Despite the obvious discomfort, the woman's determination to follow her doctor's orders is palpable. The steam box bath was a common treatment during the Victorian era, and its popularity can be attributed to the belief that suffering for one's health was a noble pursuit. The image serves as a poignant reminder of the lengths people went to in the pursuit of wellness during this era, and the enduring belief that pain and discomfort were necessary components of the healing process.
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