The World of Courtesans c8.92

c8.92

In order to keep himself fit and to ensure physical well-being the *nagaraka* never missed his bath. To keep the blood circulating freely and to harden the muscles, his body was shampooed on every alternate day and every third day he had his body massaged with wooden rollers (*phenaka*). He was not very particular about shaving, and shaved every fourth day, with the firm belief that this contributed to longevity. His head was shaved on every fifth day and the superfluous hair was pulled out on every tenth day. In order to avoid perspiring profusely in the armpits, he left them uncovered.