WO1995026176A1

WO1995026176A1 - A wax bath

Info

Publication number: WO1995026176A1
Application number: PCT/GB1995/000678
Authority: WO
Inventors: James Henry Sharples; Peter James Little
Original assignee: Pifco Limited
Priority date: 1994-03-29
Filing date: 1995-03-27
Publication date: 1995-10-05
Also published as: GB9406180D0; AU1957195A; EP0752841A1

Abstract

A wax bath for use in medical or beauty treatment comprises an open-topped vessel (2) for holding molten wax and into which a portion of the body can be dipped. The vessel (2) is adapted to hold a liquid (26) other than the wax and on which the wax can float in a surface layer (28). This liquid (26) comprises a heat source for maintaining the wax in a molten state. The liquid (26) is itself heated by a heating means (7) to a temperature above the melting point of wax in order to melt the wax indirectly and to maintain it in a molten state whilst the bath is in use. Preferably, one side wall (6) of the vessel is inclined to the vertical and the heating means (7) is located adjacent to it so that convection currents can be set up within the liquid (26) running along the underside of the wax layer (28) in order to melt it in a substantially even manner.

Description

A WAX BATH

The present invention relates to a wax bath for therapeutic use or for use in beauty treatments.

It is well known in the medical field to use wax baths therapeutically, particularly in the treatment of arthritis and similar conditions affecting the hands and feet. It has been found that such treatment is of great assistance in the alleviation of pain and the joint stiffness associated with such illnesses for a considerable period thereafter.

The treatment is carried out by dipping the affected limb several times into a bath of molten wax. After each dip a layer of the wax solidifies around the limb so that a plurality of layers, typically seven, is built up and a reasonable wax thickness thereby results. The limb is then wrapped in a towel and the patient rests it for twenty minutes or so. As the wax is warm, the affected part is effectively externally heated all over by the wax, which encases the limb completely and retains the heat for the resting period thus providing the required therapy. Thereafter, the wax is easily and painlessly peeled off the limb as it does not penetrate into or adhere itself to the skin.

Conventionally, the wax baths used for these purposes are large sinks which are maintained full of molten wax at a suitable temperature for therapeutic use, typically just above its melting point of 47°C. The heat source is usually an electrical resistance element and is typically left running continuously because to heat such a large quantity of wax safely takes a long time and it would be inconvenient in a hospital or clinic situation not to have wax molten at any time when it may be required. A large mass of wax cannot be heated quickly as otherwise it tends to melt unevenly, molten wax surrounding the solid wax tending to insulate it from the heat being provided whilst the molten wax layer itself heats to a high temperature. As a result, cavities tend to form within the wax mass within which pressure can build up to high levels so that the mass can be in danger of being exploded somewhat in the manner of a volcanic eruption.

Hence, the problems involved in the heating of a substantial quantity of wax reasonably quickly and in a safe manner, particularly by persons who are not able- bodied, has in the past confined the giving of wax bath treatments to hospitals or clinics where the bulky bath equipment can be located safely. However, it would be a great advantage and save considerable professional health care resources if such patients were able to carry out treatment on themselves at home.

The present invention addresses these problems and has for its object the provision of a means whereby it may be satisfactorily achieved.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a wax bath for use in medical or beauty treatment comprising an open-topped vessel for holding molten wax into which a portion of the body can be dipped, and a heat source for maintaining the wax in a molten state, and characterised in that the vessel is adapted to hold a liquid other than the wax on which the wax can float in a surface layer and which comprises said heat source for the wax, and in that a heating means is provided capable of heating said liquid to a temperature above the melting point of wax in order to melt the wax indirectly and to maintain it in a molten state whilst the bath is in use. The indirect heating of the wax by the liquid on which it floats ensures that the floating wax layer is heated safely and relatively quickly. Conveniently, the liquid used for the purpose is water.

In addition, the bath uses less wax than a conventional wax bath but the fact that the bath does not comprise a totality of wax does not affect the efficacy with which the affected limb is coated. Any wax washed off the limb and lost into the water as the limb is dipped into the bath is replaced as the limb is pulled out. The detached bubbles of wax then simply float back into the wax layer.

Preferably, the vessel comprises a base and side walls, at least one side wall being inclined to the vertical and adjacent which said heating means is located whereby convection currents can be set up within the liquid running along the underside of the wax layer in order to melt it in a substantially even manner.

Preferably also, said inclined side wall is angled at substantially 45^β to the vertical.

Preferably also, a temperature sensor is provided whereby operation of the heating means is regulated, said temperature sensor being located in the vessel at a level in the liquid adjacent the liquid/wax interface.

Preferably also, the heating means is regulated in a manner whereby when the wax layer is solid the temperature of the liquid is raised to a first temperature level sufficient to destroy substantially any pathogens therein and in order to melt the wax quickly but thereafter is permitted to fall and is maintained at a second temperature level above but close to the melting point of the wax in order to maintain the wax in a molten state at a suitable temperature for use.

Preferably also, the bath is provided with a lid which cooperates with a locking means whereby the heating means cannot be connected to its power supply when the lid is open.

Preferably also, said locking means comprises a spring-loaded shutter arrangement whereby a user-operated on/off switch for the heating means is prevented from remaining in and being switched into the on-position when the lid is opened.

Preferably also, the lid is formed in two parts, each of which cooperates independently with said locking means.

Preferably also, the lid or lids are hinged to the bath and each, when open, comprises a drip tray for wax from the bath.

Preferably also, said heating means comprises an electrical resistance heating means in the form of a thick film printed circuit.

Preferably also, said thick film printed circuit is mounted on said inclined side wall.

Preferably also, said thick film printed circuit is provided with two independent conductive tracks whereby when the wax bath is in use the operation of the tracks is controlled by the temperature sensor so that when the temperature of the liquid is sensed to be below the melting point of the wax both tracks are switched into operation but thereafter when the temperature of the liquid is sensed to be at or above the first temperature level at least one of the tracks is switched off until the temperature of the liquid is sensed be at the second temperature level when one of the two tracks is operated to maintain the temperature of the liquid at or around the second temperature level.

Alternatively, said thick film printed circuit is provided with a high power conductive track and a low power conductive track whereby when the wax bath is in use the operation of the tracks is controlled by the temperature sensor so that when the temperature of the liquid is sensed to be below the melting point of the wax the high power track is switched into operation but thereafter when the temperature of the liquid is sensed to be at or above the first temperature level the high power track is switched off until the temperature of the liquid is sensed be at the second temperature level when the low power track is operated to maintain the temperature of the liquid at or around the second temperature level.

Preferably also, a first or the high power conductive track comprises a 2000 W track and the second or low power conductive track comprises a 200 W track, the second track being that track which is operated to maintain the temperature of the liquid at or around the second temperature level .

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a wax bath according to the first aspect in combination with a heat-retaining bag in which a treated limb can be located after encasement with wax.

Preferably, the bag is made from an externally metallized polyester sheet material.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a wax bath according to the first aspect in combination with a wax-retentive covering which can be dipped into the bath and applied to an area of the body to be treated.

Preferably, the covering is weighted so that, when not in use, it can be retained within the vessel beneath the level of the wax.

Whilst it is intended that the primary use of the wax bath according to the present invention will be for medical purposes, it is also envisaged that the bath could be used in beauty treatments for cosmetic therapy. In either case, the wax in the bath can be mixed with or at least partially replaced by other suitable substances such as various oleaginous compounds, and essential and/or aromatic oils. The term "wax" as used throughout the specification and in the claims should, therefore, be understood in this light.

The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Figs. 1 and 2 are end and side elevations respectively of a wax bath according to the invention;

Fig. 3 is an end elevation similar to Fig. 1 but with lids for the bath, which are shown closed in Fig. 1, shown partially open;

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal vertical cross-section through the bath showing a vessel forming part of the bath containing wax and water as would be the case when the bath is in use;

Fig. 5 is a cross-section along the line V-V in Fig. 4 but to an enlarged scale;

Fig. 6 is a side elevation, to an enlarged scale, of an on/off power switch mechanism for the bath when in an off-position, part of a casing of the bath being omitted to reveal the detail of the mechanism; and

Fig. 7 is a graph showing the temperature of the wax against time when the bath is in operation.

A wax bath according to the present invention and as shown in the drawings comprises a casing 1 attached to an open-topped vessel 2 for holding wax and another liquid such as water, as will be described, to form the bath in which a limb to be treated can be dipped. The open top of the vessel 2 can be covered by a pair of hinged lids 3 which open outwardly of the vessel on each of two opposed sides respectively to form drip trays for wax from the bath.

The vessel 2 comprises a flat base 4 and substantially upright side walls 5. However, as shown in Fig. 4, one side wall 6 is inclined to the vertical at an acute angle of approximately 45" . Adjacent this wall 6 is located a heating means in the form of an electrical element.

Preferably, though not necessarily, the element comprises a thick film printed circuit formed on a plate 7 which is mounted on the angled side wall 6 exterior to the vessel 2 to cover an aperture 8 which is formed in the wall 6 and which comprises a substantial area of the lower portion of the wall 6. In this case, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the plate 7 is provided with a series of securement holes around its periphery whereby it can be attached to the portion of the wall 6 around the aperture 8 by a clamp 9. The clamp 9 frames the aperture 6 and is integrally formed with pins 10 that pass through the holes in the plate 7 and corresponding holes formed in the wall 6 around the aperture 8. A sealing washer 11 is located between the clamp 9 and the interior periphery of the wall 6 and a gasket 12 is located between the plate 7 and the exterior periphery of the wall 6 so that the aperture 8 is sealed and leakage from the vessel 2 cannot occur. Push-nut fasteners 13 are secured over the projecting ends of the pins 10 to ensure a watertight joint. The ends of the pins 10 can then be heat swaged to form rivet heads to ensure a watertight joint.

The thick film element formed on the plate 7 is provided with two independent conductive tracks whereby when the wax bath is in use, as will be described, the operation of each of the tracks is controlled individually by a temperature sensor 14. The location of the temperature sensor 14 is, therefore, important and it is positioned above the element and centrally of the side wall 6, as shown in Fig. 4. Alternatively, the sensor 14 can be a thermistor which comprises a conductive track of measurable resistance formed on the same plate 7 as the element but located above the level of the element away from the heating area and close to the wax layer.

The element formed on the plate 7 is preferably a 2.2 kW element, one of the conductive tracks being a high power 2000 W track and the other being a low power 200 W track. The electrical wiring, controls and connectors for the element and the temperature sensor 14, which are located within the casing 1 adjacent the wall 6 of the vessel 2, are all of a conventional nature and will not be described in detail here. However, for safety purposes a locking means is provided whereby the element cannot be electrically powered when the lids 3 are open. This locking means will now be described with reference to Figs. 1, 2 and 6

It will be appreciated that the element of the wax bath is intended to be powered by being connected to a mains electricity supply in a conventional manner. The bath is therefore provided with its own on/off switch 15 covered by a switch dolly 16 to facilitate operation by a user who may be severely manually disabled.

The switch 15 is located centrally at one end of the bath and is attached to the casing 1 adjacent the lids 3 beneath an overhanging canopy 17 formed by a projecting upper rim of the vessel 2. The switch dolly 16, which is wider than the switch 15, is provided with a pair of parallel prongs 18 which each project inwardly beneath the canopy 17 and, in an off-position of the switch as shown in Fig. 5, terminates just within one respectively of a pair of apertures 19 formed in the casing 1.

Within the casing 1 adjacent the switch 15 is located a partition 20 which defines a channel 21. A spring-loaded shutter arrangement 22 is mounted within the channel 21 in such a way that, when the switch 15 is in the off-position, a shutter lock 23 of the arrangement 22 covers the apertures 19 thus preventing penetration by the prongs 18 into the casing 1 and therefore the switch 15 from being moved into an on-position.

At the switch end of the bath, the lids 3 are each provided with a lug 24 which when the lids 3 are closed projects downwardly into channel 1 and presses against the top of the shutter lock 23. The lock 23 is thereby depressed against the force of the spring into a position below the level of the apertures 19. Each of the lugs 24 also defines an aperture 25 which, when the lids 3 are closed, aligns with the corresponding aperture 19 in the casing 1. Thus, when the lids 3 are closed, the switch 15 can be moved from an off-position to an on-position because the prongs 18 on the dolly 16 can penetrate into the casing 1 through the apertures 19 and 25.

It will thus be appreciated that when the lids 3 are open, the element can neither be connected to the electricity supply nor be switched into connection with the electricity supply.

Operation of the wax bath will now be described,

In use, wax in the bath is not intended to be heated directly by the element but indirectly by a liquid on which it can float in a layer and which is heated to a temperature above the melting point of the wax. Conveniently, this liquid is water but it will be appreciated that any other suitable liquid could be used. Thus, as shown in Fig. 3, the vessel 2 of the bath is filled with water 26 to a level 27 submerging the element and above the level whereat the temperature sensor 14 is located. The wax 28 then floats on the water in a top layer. Expansion of the water 26 and the wax 28 during use of the bath as a result of heating brings the upper level of the wax to the level indicated at 29 in Fig. 4, which is still safely below the rim of the vessel 2.

Typically in a bath of a size suitable for treating hands and feet, the vessel 2 is initially filled with approximately 4 litres of water and around 500 grams of pelletized medicinal-quality wax are added. As it is not necessary to empty the vessel 2 after each treatment, after first use of the bath the wax solidifies as the layer 28 above the water 26 on cooling.

Once the vessel 2 has been filled, the lids 3 are closed permitting the switch 15 to be placed in an on- position so that the element is powered when the bath is connected to the mains supply. The element thus heats the water 26 which in turn heats the wax 28.

Appropriate power on and ready-to-use lights 30 and 31 respectively may be provided in the casing 1 and linked appropriately to the electrical circuitry of the element and temperature sensor 14. Thus, when the wax has melted and reached a temperature suitable for use the light 31 is switched on to alert the user who can then commence treatment. This takes around an hour if the bath is of the size mentioned above.

It will be appreciated that when the wax 28 melts it is that portion of the wax in contact with the water comprising its heat source which melts first. Normally, if water or another suitable liquid were used in this way as a heat source to melt a layer of solid wax floating on it, then a situation would be reached wherein a main mass of the solid wax would float on a pool of molten wax, which in turn would float on the water. As the pool of molten wax would effectively insulate the solid wax from the heat provided by the water, it would take a considerable time to melt the whole of the wax.

This problem is solved by not only heating the wax 28 indirectly but also by the combination of the position of the element on the plate 7 and the inclination of the wall 6 of the vessel 2. The location of the plate 7 with the element on an inclined side wall 6 of the vessel 2 ensures that the water adjacent the side wall 6 is heated first. This sets up convection currents within the water 26 which travel upwardly and along the underside of the wax 28 before falling downwardly to the base 4 of the vessel 2 at the side wall 5 opposite the wall 6. These currents effectively strip away the lowermost molten layer of wax 28 thus enabling heat to be transmitted into the bulk of the wax faster than would otherwise be the case. This process also prevents the lowermost layer from over-heating at the expense of the bulk of the wax 28. Hence, the wax 28 is melted relatively quickly in a safe manner and can be retained in a molten state without the need for considerable heat to be continually applied thereafter.

It has been found that an inclination of approximately 45" to the vertical is best for the side wall 6. However, this angle is not critical provided that the inclination is sufficient to ensure that the convection currents set up are effective without the water having to be heated to too high a temperature.

The temperature of the water is regulated by the temperature sensor 14, which is located in the vessel 2 at a level in the water 26 liquid adjacent the liquid/wax interface 27. Hence, the sensor 14 reacts according to the temperature of the water 26 adjacent the wax 28, which is substantially the same as the temperature of the wax 28 itself, rather than the temperature of the water 26, for example at the bottom of the vessel 2 which would not be necessarily representative of the wax temperature. This prevents the wax from being heated to an unnecessarily high temperature, which could be dangerous for the user, and can prevent wastage of power. It also means that the ready-tό- use light 31 can be switched on accurately when the temperature of the wax 28 is just above the melting point of wax and in this example is at or around 49" C, which is a temperature suitable for the wax to be used therapeuticall . As the melting point of wax is 47" C, it is desirable that when it is used for coating a limb it is only just above its melting point so that it will solidify around the limb almost immediately after the limb has been dipped into the bath. In addition, at this temperature the wax is viscous and does not run off the skin so that a reasonable thickness of wax coats the limb.

With reference to Fig. 7, when the wax layer is solid and the water is typically at ambient room temperature and below the melting point of wax, typically below 45^βC, the element is controlled so that either the high power 2000 W conductive track alone or both the 2000 W conductive track and the 200 W conductive track are operated and the temperature of the water 26 as detected by the sensor 14 is raised substantially to 60" C in order to melt the wax 28 quickly. Thereafter on detection of a 63+3^βC temperature by the sensor 14 (point Ti in Fig. 7), at least the 2000 W conductive track of the element is switched off and the temperature of the water 26 and thereby the wax 28 is permitted to fall to around 49*C (point T₂ in Fig. 7). At this temperature the ready-to use light 31 signals to the user that the wax 28 is melted and the correct temperature for use. However, provided power can still be supplied to the element, by the user leaving the lids 3 of the bath closed and the switch 15 in the on-position, then the 200 W element continues to operate to maintain the wax at around the 49*C temperature, as indicated in Fig. 7 from point T₂ onwards.

Typically, the 200 W element operates in short bursts of around 20 seconds duration and whilst it would be possible to use a higher power-rated track for a shorter period of time for this purpose, the use of a track power- rated as low as 200 W substantially reduces the effect of electromagnetic emissions

Normally, when the ready-to-use light 31 operates, the user will switch off the power to the element via the switch dolly 16, open the lids 3 thus preventing the element from being reconnected to the power supply, and use the bath in the normal way. Typically, an affected limb is dipped into the bath around seven times to build up an effective thickness of wax. The lids 3 can now be utilized as drip trays to prevent wax dripping on to surrounding surfaces .

After use, if it is desired to keep the bath in use, for example to treat another limb, the lids 3 are closed and the switch 15 switched back into the on-position. The temperature sensor 14 will then again control operation of the tracks of the element according to the detected temperature of the water 26.

If the temperature of the water 26 is found to be below 49* C but above 45* C, then the 200 W track of the element will be operated to raise the temperature of the water and thereby the wax and to maintain it at 49+1° C. Should the temperature of the water have fallen below 45* C, as shown in Fig. 7 at point T3 , then either the high power track or both tracks of the element are operated and the temperature of the wax is again raised substantially to 60* C in a similar manner to operation of the bath for the first time from an ambient room temperature.

The heating of the water 26 to around 60^βC as well as being sufficient to melt the wax 28 reasonably quickly also has the additional effect of killing pathogens which may be present in the water 26. Hence, once the vessel 2 has been filled with water and wax it can be left for considerable periods without the need to replace the wax and water every time the bath is used. This is important in a domestic situation and for the disabled user who may find it difficult to remove the solidified wax layer and tip out the water 26 without assistance. The exterior of the bath has also been designed with the disabled user in mind. The casing 1 is curved outwardly, as indicated at 32, to provide a hand grip at one end of the bath and an overhanging rim 33 formed in the vessel 2 provides a convenient grip at the opposite end of the bath to enable it to be carried easily.

In a hospital situation, after being coated with wax the affected limb is usually wrapped in a towel or similar to retain the heat. With the bath of the present invention, it is proposed to supply a heat-retaining bag or mitten which can be worn over the encased limb. An externally metallized polyester sheet material is suitable for making the bag because the metallized coating not only reflects heat radiated by the wax inwardly back to the limb but also does not become impregnated with wax in order to make cleaning easy. Preferably, the bag is provided with a fastening means such as attached strips of an impact interlocking hooked-pile fastener or draw strings in a manner which can be opened and closed easily by a disabled person, for example by being pulled with the teeth.

It will be appreciated that the wax bath can be used directly for the treatment of those areas of the body which it is possible to dip directly into the vessel 2. However, it is envisaged that the bath could also be used to treat other areas which could not be easily dipped into the bath by use in combination with a wax-retentive covering which can be dipped into the bath and applied to the area of the body to be treated. Such a covering can take the form of a bandage or pad for application, for example, to shoulders, knees and, in cosmetic therapy, to the face.

The covering will preferably comprise an open weave or matted material which will not retain water to any appreciable extent but will retain a layer of wax on each side thereof when dipped into the bath. The covering is dipped an appropriate number of times into the bath to build up a suitable thickness of wax thereon and then applied directly to the area to be treated whilst the wax is still in a plastic state so that the covering can be moulded to the body.

In order to facilitate cleaning of the covering after use and for the convenience of the user, the covering is preferably weighted so that, when not in use, it can be retained within the vessel 2 beneath the level of the wax/water interface 27. In this way, solid wax retained therein will melt and bubble upwards out of the covering to return to the wax layer 28 when the water 26 in the bath is heated.

Thus, the invention provides a means whereby wax bath treatment for either medical or cosmetic therapy can carried out safely and conveniently by a person in a domestic situation without the need to heat large quantities of wax thus overcoming many of the disadvantages previously associated with such treatment.

Claims

1. A wax bath for use in medical or beauty treatment comprising an open-topped vessel (2) for holding molten wax into which a portion of the body can be dipped, and a heat source for maintaining the wax in a molten state, and characterised in that the vessel (2) is adapted to hold a liquid (26) other than the wax on which the wax can float in a surface layer (28) and which comprises said heat source for the wax, and in that a heating means (7) is provided capable of heating said liquid (26) to a temperature above the melting point of wax in order to melt the wax indirectly and to maintain it in a molten state whilst the bath is in use.

2. A wax bath as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the vessel comprises a base (4) and side walls (5,6), and characterised in that at least one side wall (6) is inclined to the vertical and adjacent which said heating means (7) is located whereby convection currents can be set up within the liquid (26) running along the underside of the wax layer (28) in order to melt it in a substantially even manner.

3. A wax bath as claimed in Claim 2, characterised in that said inclined side wall (6) is angled at substantially 45" to the vertical.

4. A wax bath as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that a temperature sensor (14) is provided whereby operation of the heating means (7) is regulated, said temperature sensor (14) being located in the vessel at a level in the liquid (26) adjacent the liquid/wax interface (27) .

A wax bath as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the heating means (7) is regulated in a manner whereby when the wax layer (28) is solid the temperature of the liquid (26) is raised to a first temperature level sufficient to destroy substantially any pathogens therein and in order to melt the wax quickly but thereafter is permitted to fall and is maintained at a second temperature level above but close to the melting point of the wax in order to maintain the wax in a molten state at a suitable temperature for use.

6. A wax bath as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the bath is provided with a lid (3) which cooperates with a locking means (16,18,22,23) whereby the heating means (7) cannot be connected to its power supply when the lid (3) is open.

7. A wax bath as claimed in Claim 6, characterised in that said locking means (16,18,22,23) comprises a spring- loaded shutter arrangement (22,23) whereby a user-operated on/off switch (15,16,18) for the heating means (7) is prevented from remaining in and being switched into the on- position when the lid (3) is opened.

8. A wax bath as claimed in Claim 6 or Claim 7, characterised in that the lid (3) is formed in two parts, each of which cooperates independently with said locking means (16,18,22,23).

9. A wax bath as claimed in any one of Claims 6 to 8, characterised in that the lid or lids (3) are hinged to the bath and each, when open, comprises a drip tray for wax from the bath.

10. A wax bath as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterised in that said heating means (7) comprises an electrical resistance heating means in the form of a thick film printed circuit.

11. A wax bath as claimed in Claim 10, characterised in that said thick film printed circuit is mounted on said inclined side wall (6).

12. A wax bath as claimed in Claim 10 or Claim 11, characterised in that said thick film printed circuit is provided with two independent conductive tracks whereby when the wax bath is in use the operation of the tracks is controlled by the temperature sensor (14) so that when the temperature of the liquid (26) is sensed to be below the melting point of the wax both tracks are switched into operation but thereafter when the temperature of the liquid is sensed to be at or above the first temperature level at least one of the tracks is switched off until the temperature of the liquid (26) is sensed be at the second temperature level when one of the two tracks is operated to maintain the temperature of the liquid at or around the second temperature level.

13. A wax bath as claimed in Claim 10 or Claim 11, characterised in that said said thick film printed circuit is provided with a high power conductive track and a low power conductive track whereby when the wax bath is in use the operation of the tracks is controlled by the temperature sensor so that when the temperature of the liquid is sensed to be below the melting point of the wax the high power track is switched into operation but thereafter when the temperature of the liquid is sensed to be at or above the first temperature level the high power track is switched off until the temperature of the liquid is sensed be at the second temperature level when the low power track is operated to maintain the temperature of the liquid at or around the second temperature level.

14. A wax bath as claimed in Claim 12 or Claim 13, characterised in that a first or high power conductive track comprises a 2000 W track and the second or low power conductive track comprises a 200 W track, the second track being that track which is operated to maintain the temperature of the liquid at or around the second temperature level .

15. A wax bath as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 14 in combination with a heat-retaining bag in which a treated limb can be located after encasement with wax.

16. A wax bath as claimed in Claim 15, characterised in that the bag is made from an externally metallized polyester sheet material.

17. A wax bath as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 16, in combination with a wax-retentive covering which can be dipped into the bath and applied to an area of the body to be treated.

18. A wax bath as claimed in Claim 17, characterised in that the covering is weighted so that, when not in use, it can be retained within the vessel beneath the level of the wax.