Many people are looking for some kind of tonic-usually a pill or something out of a bottle. Yet one of the best tonics of all is the cold mitten friction. All you need for this is a small washcloth or two and a basin of cold water, preferably with ice floating in it. This is very useful in following the hot packs just described above. However, if you are treating a patient in bed, be sure to protect the bed clothes with paper or plastic material.

After the hot-pack treatment, dip the wash-cloths in the cold water; wring them out so that they are just damp. With one washcloth in each hand, rub the skin vigorously until it glows. Treat one extremity at a time, drying it off immediately to prevent chilling. It is best to treat the chest and back as well. Nothing will tone up the body and increase the blood flow to the skin like this simple cold mitten friction.