Pouring

Pouring, one of the simplest hydrotherapy procedures, consisting in the fact that the whole body or separate parts of it are poured with water. The mechanism of action is conditioned by the same factors as in other hydrotherapy procedures (see Hydrotherapy). The main factor is the short-term thermal effect on the skin, causing a corresponding reaction, which is expressed the stronger the greater the t° of the applied water differs from the t° of the body. At the same time, a large significance has evaporation of the water remaining on its surface, primarily due to the presence on the skin of a more or less developed hair covering, which produces cooling, even if the skin is moistened with warm water. Some significance may also have a mechanical effect in the sense of a light blow on the surface of the body, analogous to the action of a shower. In addition, pouring is one of the ways of washing. Indications for the application of pouring. 1) As a hygienic measure, it is applied on an equal footing with a shower for the purpose of washing, especially in the hot season or after work in production associated with overheating and contamination. 2) As a preventive measure, it can serve for hardening the organism, especially with a tendency to cold diseases. 3) As a therapeutic procedure, it can be applied instead of rubbing, short wrapping, bathing, shower, or whirlpool. In addition, pouring is often applied as an auxiliary reception after various physical-therapy procedures: after general solar, light, or hot water bath or after a mud procedure, both general and local. Methods of application. In pouring, as in other hydrotherapy procedures, as a rule, pure fresh water is applied, and it is necessary to determine in advance the required t°, the amount of water (buckets, jugs), and the force of the blow (swing) of the poured water when pouring from the side, as well as the direction and parts of the body to which the water is poured. If pouring is done with a hygienic purpose, then it is necessary to apply water of indifferent t° or more cool, depending on the individual features of the subject. In this case, it is possible to make pouring several times from different sides, throwing water from a certain distance and with significant force, thanks to which a more sharp reaction and a better effect are obtained, similar to the action of a jet shower. If pouring is done for the purpose of hardening, then it is necessary to conduct it systematically and only gradually lowering the t° of the water. At the beginning of the course, water 36-37° is taken, i.e., several degrees higher than the so-called indifferent 1°, since the very evaporation of water from the surface of the body acts as a cooling procedure; in this case, it is necessary to prevent any movement of air, which accelerates evaporation and thereby increases cooling. In the future, it is necessary to gradually lower the t° of the water, and it is possible to slightly increase the duration of the whole procedure, i.e., apply > 2-3 buckets and more. At first, it is practically advisable to make pouring from above, i.e., holding a vessel (jug, basin) close to the body, gradually pouring water on the neck and on the shoulders; in the future, it is possible to recommend directing water on various parts of the body, pouring the subject from a basin from all sides. As a therapeutic procedure, systematic pouring is conducted in the same way with the difference that the initial t° may not be higher than indifferent and the transition to a lower t° can be made faster in order to, reaching 25-₂ 20°, conduct the rest of the course of treatment at this t°. As an auxiliary reception after the application of other physical-therapy procedures, pouring is conducted in various ways, depending on the nature of the preceding or subsequent procedure, as well as on the individual sensitivity of the subject. After thermal procedures, especially with chronic inflammatory processes, it is necessary in any case to avoid significant cooling of the body. Partial procedures. 1) Pouring of the upper part of the body of a person sitting in a cool half-bath with water of the same t°, accompanied by rubbing. 2) Pouring of the head, neck, and upper part of the body, performed in a warm bath with more cool water; this procedure, applied to heavy feverish patients with clouding of consciousness, sleep disturbance, and suppression of the function of circulation and breathing, often has a surprising effect. If it is impossible to perform this in a bath, pouring of the head and neck is performed in bed, for which the patient's head is turned to the side behind the edge of the bed and, turning it face down, is inclined over a pelvis so that it is possible to pour it without wetting the bed. 3) Pouring of the back and lumbar region, having the goal of reflex effect on the spinal cord, with its increased excitability and with disturbance of the functions of pelvic organs. In this case, the patient sits on a stool placed in a bath or in a large pelvis, or stands on a wooden grate in a room where there is a drain, and water from a jug or watering can is directed in a stream along the spine. 4) Pouring of the abdomen with cool water at atonic constipation, technically performed in general, as the previous procedure. 5) Pouring of the legs, mainly at stases of vasomotor origin, at varicose veins, after shivers and at excessive sweating.