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Story: Thermal pools and spas

The slipper bath

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The slipper bath

Electricity was often used in addition to thermal treatments, as it was thought to increase blood flow to limbs and ease joint stiffness. The exact purpose of the alarming treatment depicted in this photograph is unclear, but it appears to involve an electric current.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library

Reference: PA1-f-051-28-3

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Nancy Swarbrick, Thermal pools and spas – Health benefits, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/6485/the-slipper-bath (accessed 25 June 2026).

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 2 March 2009.