[Human care: purification action]

This article was originated by a request of some professors of the Masters Course in Nursing. The theme "bath", as an act of care, was developed, initially, on the meaning of moves. The esthetic of body movement, to the sound of music, was represented graphically, allowing to reach constructs as: relationship, physical contact, sharing, pleasure, satisfaction, cleanliness, reaproximation. The concept of "bath", understood through research in different bibliography and idioms, was translated as "purification". The meaning of "purification" was studied with an anthropological view. Many practices and rituals were perceived through history and human experience and bring with them tools that may help Nursing to create and recreate the experience and concept of human care. These elements and some contributions to comprehend care are shown in this study.