The term bathing refers to the art of cleansing one's body for hygienic or therapeutic purposes. It is a part of the daily activity of a human being and taking a bath is usually necessary in order to prevent various germs and diseases from contaminating the body. While this is the prevalent form of bathing, spas provide therapeutic bathing purposes to individuals while religious concerns or demands may require a person to take a bth in order to purify himself. Hydrotherapy is a common means of bathing by which it is possible for one to heal injuries or attain relaxation of the mind and body. In the primitive era when the concept of bathrooms were unknown to people, bathing by the riverside ro lakeside was a common phenomena. Though currently bathrooms are set up for the purpose of bathing, sunbathing by the beach are also very popular. It is necessary to remember that in case of bathing in public like in the beaches, one must conform to certain behavioral etiquettes and it is also necessary for one to be dressed in a proper bathing suit. Swim suits are the most commonly used for this purpose. It is necessary to remember that in the western cultures, taking a bath is mandatory in the early morning and moving out for work without having taken a bath is considered to be a very unprincipalistic and unethical act. In the countries of East Asia , bathing is common twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evenings. Children and infants are usually made to bath in small tubs which are designed specially for this purpose. There are various kinds of bath which include whirlpool, hot sauna baths, Turkish baths, public bath, private bath, decontamination bath, steam shower bath, hot and cold baths. Bathing is usually accompanied by the use of soaps and shampoos which are sort fo disinfectants which aid in the cleansing of the external parts of the human body.



Bathing however can prove hazardous due to various reasons. It has been noticed that hot baths or hot sauna baths can cause heatstroke. Taking a bath in lakes and rivers can endanger one to drowning and different kinds of infections like ear infections and irritation of the skin etc. alteration in blood pressure levels that can occur after taking a bath can also prove fatal and cause fainting. Bathing in infants can cause asthma as well.