So-called "savages" have less need of this type of education than we "civilized" people, because the rain beats down upon their naked flesh and leaves brush up against them as they push their way through the rainforests. Lakes and streams are always handy to plunge their bodies into, and they delight in the feel of water against their skin. But, as the benefits of progress and civilization creeps into the farthest corners of the Earth, the mandatory use of clothing has begun to change all that.

The Japanese, however, still lead the world in the understanding of the importance of bathing. They would rather go for days without meals than to miss a single bath. The surprising result is that, even on a hot day, in the most crowded section of Tokyo, you will not notice the slightest evidence of body odor.

Bathing is more important than to just remove obvious dust and dirt. A body may look clean and still have piles of filth, which are not visible to the naked eye. Worn-out and discarded cells, dried waste matter deposited by perspiration, excess body oils, and a plethora of other organic substances produced by the body itself must all be removed before they either clog-up the pores of the skin or become an invitation to germs and bacteria which cause disease.

Everyone should wash their whole body at least once every day. A bath in the morning will help to remove dead cells, thrown off by the body during a night of healthy regeneration, and a shower in the evening will help to remove the dirt of the daily activities. A shower or bath is not always a necessity, though. A good rub with a damp cloth can sometimes be enough.

It is best if you wash in cool water, not too cold and not too warm, and rub the body vigorously with the palms of the hands before towel drying. There is something in the human hands which simply cannot be duplicated by a cloth or towel, whether it is the effects of the Vital Force or just the natural oils produced by our own flesh. But, this practice will make the skin strong, firm and immune to infections.

In the morning, warm the body for a few minutes with exercise, such as those given in the previous chapter, before exposing it to the cool water. Rather than torturing yourself, however, start out with warm water (not hot!) And gradually work down toward cooler and cooler temperatures, until you find a level that is pleasing to you. Leave a little moisture on the skin as you get into your clothes. You will be surprised at the glow which will come over you and the feeling of warmth on all parts of your body.