Definition: The immersion or washing of the body or any of its parts in water or other medium for cleansing or medical treatment. It includes bathing for personal hygiene as well as for medical purposes with the addition of therapeutic agents, such as alkalines, antiseptics, oil, etc.
for personal hygiene or med treatment; at home or in hosp, often not plain water (see note on HYDROTHERAPY), usually with additives; do not confuse with BALNEOLOGY (see note there); general only or unspecified; prefer specifics; note MUD BATHS see MUD TH