REMEDY FOR RHEUMATISM
The so-called involuntary forces (by the medical fraternity) are, with reference to the science of magnetic healing, called subjective forces, subjective faculties of the mind, or better yet, THE SUBJECTIVE MIND. In treating all diseases the operator has to deal, ultimately, with the Subjective Mind of his patient, and of course the most convenient way to reach it, is through the objective or conscious mind. It seems to be the duty of the conscious mind to stand guard over the subjective mind, and to best reach it you will find it necessary to enter into a compact or an agreement with the conscious mind to let your suggestions pass to the subjective mind, thus impressing it with the work of restoring your patient to health.
The office of the subjective mind seems to be to
work out the impressions given to it by the conscious mind of the patient
or operator. The impressions are worked out with neatness and dispatch,
PROVIDED the subjective mind has the material at hand with which to do
the work. What would you expect your engineer to do first?
Should you order him to start the machinery? Would you not secure
the necessary material to create heat and generate steam? Your (engineer)
subjective mind must have (fuel) oxygen, to create heat, and water to generate
(steam) blood, lymph and secretions. The whole body must also be
lubricated, like unto a much complicated piece of machinery, every bearing,
however small, must be lubricated. Water furnishes the basis for all liquids
within animal bodies, and is the only vehicle on which all solid bodies
are conveyed from one part of the body to another, or from the internal
to the external. All worn out or dead cells are conveyed to the exterior
on this vehicle. You will then readily see the importance, of, at
first, securing the necessary material preparatory to rebuilding your physical
structure. The above also applies to keeping your house, the body,
in order. Then let cold winter come, winds may blow, snows may fall,
it is all the same to you, for when you hear the gentle tapping from the
outside, you will be found upon the throne as undisputed ruler over your
little kingdom of health and happiness. It is the writer’s intention
in other comments to discuss the best means of reaching the subjective
faculities, as applied in treating diseases of various characters, especially
those involving the excretory functions.
HOW TO TREAT A BAD CASE OF RHEUMATISM
Have your patient recline on your operating table in a comfortable position, closing his eyes and relaxing every muscle. The operator should tell his patient to direct his mind to the aching joint and hold it there during the treatment. If you find the patient inclined to talk or let his mind wander from the seat of the trouble you should be more positive in order to get him interested in the treatment sufficiently to create a desire on his part to have you discontinue the treatment for the present, at least. It will be observed that your patient will think not of his former sufferings from his rheumatism, but think only of improved feelings over the pains endured before treatment. If your patient complains of severe treatment, tell him that you would not hurt him for the world if it were not absolutely necessary, and that the next treatment will not need to be so severe. You will find that after the first treatment your patient will be on the lookout for developments in the region of the rheumatism, and you will have no trouble in holding your patient’s mind just where you want it. You will find it beneficial to stir up the muscular tissue, producing revulsion, thus aiding the mind in the work of restoring your patient to health. After you have finished the treatment, tell your patient to take a few full and deep breaths, after which have him open his eyes, at the same time tell him that he will feel better, and in almost every case your patient will feel much improved. During the treatment you should keep your thoughts on the work in hand, with a feeling of confidence in your ability to cure your patient, and that he can and must get well. It is well that you express those thoughts to your patient at times that seems most suited, in your judgment, for such expressions.
If you should at any time have a patient with semi-acute rheumatism in either one of the lower limbs, necesssitating the use of crutches, treat the seat of pain with your hot hands, made so by rubbing them briskly together, holding them on the diseased part until perspiration starts, thus you have forced into activity the lymphatic circulation, the pain is thereby subdued, and your patient has changed his course and is now convalescing. Now, is the time to act, look your patient squarely in the eyes and tell him to get down off the table and walk, that he can surely do so, without a doubt, that you know just what you are talking about, tell him to try it, that he can surely do it, and you will witness the seemingly impossible performance of “taking a man off of his crutches in twenty minutes.”
There are many cases of chronic rheumatism that can be immediately relieved and permanently cured, by at first giving a local treatment to the parts afflicted, then look after the stomach and kidneys, with a view of establishing a normal condition in these organs; after you have succeeded in this, you can then look after the stiff joints and painful parts of your patient’s body, the purpose of which is to establish a normal circulation throughout. You can now give your patient the necessary instructions. You will find in nine out of every ten of your patients that he has been eating about one-fourth more than his stomach could digest, you will also find that he has been drinking very little water, or perhaps none at all, thus depriving his stomach of the necessary liquids to digest the food, in this case the food remains indigested and if it passes out of the stomach at all it does so in an indigested condition, after the period in which the contents of the stomach should have passed into the duodenum, fermentation has set in and decomposition is now going on, the absorbent glands are now taking up this poison and conveying it to the blood. The system has no particular use for this substance and in carrying it throughout the body as a burden to the blood, it finds lodgment in the joints or between the muscular tissues, upon which it has a granulating effect upon the tender membrane, causing irritation and inflammation or acute inflammatory rheumatism. Now the next thing for the operator to know, is how to relieve and permanently cure his patient.
The first thing is to increase the venous circulation. To do this, you should use the necessary manipulations to force the blood toward the heart, after this, you should bring about conditions to reestablish perfect digestion. Your patient’s stomach is like unto a faithful work horse that has been overloaded. It has refused to work, not having been able to do the work assigned to it; to overcome this obstacle, lighten the burden, give it a rest, and it will gradually resume its former function.
There is one very important point that should not be overlooked in this matter, and that is the material of which secretions are made, in order to have an abundance of lubricating fluid, by which you can properly lubricate all the bearings throughout your whole body, thus permitting the different organs to act in harmony with each other, in the absence of which health cannot exist.
Taking then into consideration this state of affairs, your patient suffers intensely through the acute stage and in time settles down into a chronic invalid, suffering intensely all kinds of pains.
The next thing to be looked after is the circulation. In order to equalize the circulation, you should get your patient to help you, which he can do by deep breathing, thus assisting the heart in forcing the blood through the capillaries, then back again to the lungs, where the principle impurities are cast out of the blood; in this exercise there are several points gained, such as developing the lungs, aiding the stomach in its work of digestion, forcing the secretions into the colon and producing the peristaltic motion so essential in breaking up constipation, assisting the lymphatic circulation, and generally aids all functional activity.
The manipulations should be confined principally to parts where the temperature is below normal, all manipulations, to increase the circulation should be with the intention to force the blood toward the heart. The most effective for this purpose, when the arms or the limbs below the knee are to be manipulated, is the twisting movement, which is done in the same manner as wringing water out of a wet sheet. The rotary motion is the best for other parts of the body. This is done by placing the end of the fingers flat on the body, take up a circular motion, from right to left or vice-versa, never permitting the finger to slip except for the purpose of changing your position. For intercostal or thoracic rheumatism, the last named movement is the most effective. In about nine cases out of ten where your patient reports a pain in the lungs, the pain is really in the intercostal muscles and can be relieved in about three minutes.
Another good manipulation is to follow the intercostal
nerves from the spine to the sternum or breast bone, thus revulsing the
muscular tissues and equalizing the circulation, when all rheumatic pains
will then disappear. The above is the language that your patient
will better understand. It is always well to at all times keep your
patient well informed as to the object of your manipulations, and he will
accept them as a more reasonable way out of all his troubles than any other
remedy now known to man. The physiological effect is beneficial to
a considerable extent whether or not your patient’s mind takes any part
in the proceedings. Of course it is very essential where the best
results are expected, to have your patient in perfect rapport with you.
NEURALGIA
Neuralgia is a painful affection of the nerves. When it attacks the facial nerves it is called tic-doloreux; when it occurs in the great nerve of the leg it is termed sciatica. Many other parts of the body may be liable to this agonizing pain, the stomach, abdomen, heart, chest and fingers. One of the most severe of all painful afflictions.
The origin of the diseases can usually be traced, that is to say, the nature of the trouble, for although its immediate is a nerve or a set of nerves, yet there must be a cause for this affliction. The most severe cases can be traced to the presence of some foreign substance irritating those sensitive organs. The action of the stomach may be held as generally responsible for the greater part of those afflictions. You will almost invariably find in connection with all troubles of this character, a condition of the stomach that will justify you in locating the cause in that organ. In this connection, may be well to mention that there are many ways that the stomach may be held responsible for the above complaints. A few may be mentioned, such as, exposure to damp and cold, where malaria exists, general debility, anxiety, acidity of the stomach, induced by excessive use of tea, coffee, tobacco, opium, etc.
They should all be discontinued and the trouble will likewise disappear.
You will recognize this trouble by its plunging, darting and violent character, which appears in paroxysms, which generally last from one to three hours, and the extreme agony of the suffering while it lasts.
Its periodic visits, and its absence of inflammation, are recognizable characteristics of this disease. In treating this ailment, go first to the stomach, and there you will find disorder. Treat the same in the usual way,. Let your intention be to establish normal activity. Instruct your patient to avoid excesses of all kinds. Manipulations are made with a view of aiding the circulation through the parts afflicted. When this is done, you have accomplished all that could be desired locally.
Lumbago may be classed among these rheumatic affections. It is treated with the hot hand with vigorous, deep, hard and heavy manipulations.
In all of the above-mentioned diseases never forget
the stomach and bowels, as they are invariably involved in all of the foregoing
cases.
EARACHE
We may class earache and toothache with this family
of diseases. The most effective treatment is to fold a handkerchief,
lay it over the pain, placing your mouth to the handkerchief and breathe
gently through it into the ear, or for toothache breathe gently but firmly
upon the maxillary nerves, continue this until your patient is entirely
relieved.
HEADACHE
As we are now discussing aches we may also include
headache. To treat headache of all kinds and descriptions, you will
find that it can be relieved in nearly every case by the hot hand and brisk
manipulations in a rotary motion all over the head, and more especially
in the region of the temples, or perhaps better treat the principle seat
of pain, in the manner directed. We are taught that suggestion does
the work, which of course we know to be a fact. We also know that
there are very many different kinds of suggestions, perhaps as many as
there are different kinds of drugs or medicines. It behooves the
operator to know just what particular suggestion to use and how to apply
it to the patient in order to get the best results. You have often
heard that no two people are afflicted exactly alike, and the suggestion
to be used will depend in a great measure on your judgment when the time
comes to act. The same suggestion would cure some people and to others
it would be fatal.
INTENTION
A word about “INTENTION.” Intention is always
the first thing that is done in the direction of your patient. You
must first intend before you will ever do anything. If you intend
to carry out your intention you have got to do something else, or the world
will never know that you ever intended to do anything. If you intend
to do something and then do it, all the world will know what your thoughts
have been. Webster says: “Intention” is a design, purpose, the fixed
direction of the mind to a particular object, or a determination to act
in a particular manner. It is my intention to cure my patient.
You should also try to inspire your patient with an intention on his part
to get well. You will soon observe a change in the condition of your
patient, which of course you must point out to him when he will recognize
the improvements and he is then convalescing.
SUGGESTION
All suggestions are applied for the purpose of bringing into action the necessary forces in each and every organ of the body where an abnormal condition exists. Any inharmonious condition or inactivity of any organ creates a disturbance, and directly or indirectly influences the functions of some or all of the other organs in a greater or less degree.
If the operator discovers inaction of any particular organ or organs, it will be only necessary to attract the forces required to bring this particular organ back into normal condition.
It will be observed that all influences brought to bear in the science of magnetic healing is in the form of a sugggestion, and is defined as such.
All manipulations are forms of suggestion. Spoken words are verbal suggestions. A thought of health for your patient, formulated in the mind and directed to the patient’s mind is a mental suggestion, or a transference of thought to your patient. In cultivating and developing the capacity to hold at will long or short periods of mental abstraction to accumulate thought force, you are ever building and increasing in power and volume the unseen element, which is being sent out from your mind and directed to your patient’s or any other person’s mind far or near, and thereby effect results favorable to the concentrated intention directed. This same power can be directed to one’s self with the same force and effect corresponding with your intention.
All suggestions, whether they be conveyed by thoughts, words or deeds, in order to obtain the best results, the patient should be gotten into a passive attitude, or a receptive condition of mind, such being the requirements that the suggestion may be effective and permanent, and the results will be in strict accord with the primary thought, thus establishing the fact that the operator and patient were in direct communication, and in perfect rapport.
All suggestions, except in hypnosis, become auto-suggestions before they reach the subjective mind of the patient. In hypnosis, foreign suggestion, generally speaking, does not become auto, before reaching the subjective mind of the patient, as the objective mind or faculties are more or less in a relaxed condition, consequently inactive, permitting the suggestion to pass undisturbed to the subjective mind. It is auto-suggestion which produces the hypnotic sleep, and after the sleep has been produced, the suggestions which follow and enter the subjective faculties of the patient are not auto but foreign to him.
If there are any suggestions existing in the mind of your patient the operator should make an effort to learn their nature, especially if they are obstacles in bringing your patient in perfect communication, and obliterate them or overcome their effect by giving stronger ones in their stead. When this has been done, there will be clear sailing and the patient can be landed on the bright and sunny fields of health and happiness.
There is one great and most important point that should always be borne in mind by the operator, that of fixing his suggestion firmly upon the subjective mind of his patient, to make it one grand and lasting impression. The will then takes it up and forces the body into that particular expression. It matters little what may be the conditions to overcome in the body. Everything must be subdued in order that these expressed impressions are demonstrated in accordance with the will so directed.
There are so many different kinds of suggestions that it would be a hard matter to enumerate them. Everything that we feel, see, hear, taste or smell is suggesting to us - even thoughts of others are offering suggestions. If we are passive to them we get them; if we are positive, we do not, or there are stronger suggestions already in the mind which oppose their admittance. We find it possible to awake at any hour suggested. We also find that a suggestion that we are to meet some one at a certain time during the day works fully as well as the suggestion of awaking at a certain hour - as when the time is up for the engagement. The force that arouses you at night is the same that does so in the day time. The construction of the mind seems to be able to meet all requirements; consequently its power must be unlimited. The man who uses printer’s ink has a pretty fair idea of the power of suggestion.
Suggestion means a great deal when used in its broadest sense, and it seems at times that it is necessary to coin a new word, so that we may better know just what we are trying to talk about. Suggestion creates diseases and suggestion cures them. This is another evidence that diseases originate in the mind, as discussed elsewhere. It is also another proof that the mind controls the body.
The power of suggestion can be verified by the writer in one particular case at least. Shortly after treating a patient for rheumatism, in whose case much interest was taken, as the patient got up and walked off without his crutches, creating much excitement among the many patients who witnessed the performance. The operator, feeling much elated, receiving congratulations from many of the patients present, forgot himself so much that he failed to watch as well as to pray, took into his own body all of the symptoms of his patient and suffered for three days identically as his patient had suffered, before his mind could realize that there was nothing the matter with him. When such was discovered to be the fact, the pains all disappeared.
There are thousands of invalids today who contracted their ailments by at first supposing that they had or thought they were predisposed to have certain diseases, and resorting to some drug recommended as a cure for such ills, as a result of the continuous dwelling upon that suggetion, finally forced that into expression in their own bodies. Suggestions to the effect that they had the power within them to overcome their trouble, and if they assumed it to be true, and tried it, the result would be a complete restoration to health.
There are many people who are invalids, who would not be anything else for the world. They seem to be perfectly contented, and to suggest a remedy for their restoration to health would be regarded as an infringement upon their rights. They look as happy and contented as one could wish, and to be wheeled around in an invalid’s chair seems to be their special delight.
To remind them that they could do something for themselves would be regarded as an insult to their intelligence, and you would be regarded with suspicion ever afterwards. “The dear Doctor” would not permit me to even try to do anything for myself for fear of losing his patient. It is wholly out of the question to consider such thoughts. There are other people who take special pride in boasting of their nervousness, thinking that it is a mark of a finely constructed body and to be admired; and a thought of getting well gives them an extra nervous chill. Those people would prefer being invalids rather than take their place in a busy world and assume the responsibility of making their own living. It is not our province to treat this class of patients, but on the contrary, we wish to try to help those who are willing to help themselves. The object in calling the attention of the reader to the above class of patients, is to discover, if possible, if the patient really wants to get well, thus saving a great deal of hard work and doing no good. There is a broad field for labor in the profession of Magnetic Healing among those who need and really want your help. And a busy life can be devoted to this great and noble cause.
Let us return once more to the subject. Suggestion, as defined in the magnetic treatment, is based firmly upon intention. Whatever is done must be preceded by an intention. Place your hot hands upon the body in the region of the afflicted part, exercising a steady intention to relieve him of his suffering. The patient, being passive to you, will produce a beneficial effect beyond question. If the heart shows weakness and is beating without a sufficient quantity of blood, force the blood in that direction.
If the pulse shows great strength, assist the blood away from the heart. Let your intention be in all cases in perfect accord with your movements. Never lose sight of the fact that your patient’s mind is effecting the cure, and to keep in perfect unison with him is of the greatest import. He is forming all kinds of auto-suggestions from the suggestions you are giving him, and great care should be taken in the kind of material you are furnishing him. All suggestions are made over by the patient before they reach his subjective mind, except in hypnosis. The principal difference that the writer observes in hypnotic and wide-awake suggestions, is, the former go straight to the subjective mind and the latter are reconstructed into auto-suggestions. Strictly speaking, there is no difference at all in suggestion. The difference is in the condition of the mind of the patient.
If your patient has submitted to the hypnotic sleep, your suggestions following would necessarily be hypnotic. Otherwise, they would not be. Let us then prefer to call the latter, strictly speaking, a magnetic treatment.
The fact that there are so few who will submit to hypnotism, and on the other hand there are such a large per cent of cures, does not bear out the claim by some that it is mostly or all hypnotism or hypnotic suggestion. Neither does it support the statement that all suggestions are hypnotic.
The facts in the case as far as the writer has observed, are that not over twenty per cent can take a hypnotic suggestion. Even after several trials, and after repeated efforts the per cent may be raised to thirty.
Therefore the writer finds it hard to admit that hypnotism does the work. But, on the other hand, it is willingly admitted that hypnotism is an important factor in some cases.
The writer finds in treating rheumatism, that instead of the patient being asleep, that he is in most cases very much awake, with both eyes on the operator watching the next movements in the process of breaking apart his stiffened and ankylosed joints, and revulsing his fever-grown muscles and tendons. If you were to tell him that he was under the influence of hypnosis, he would go straight way in pursuit of his grandmother that he might annihilate her. If hypnosis means sleep, this patient could not surely have been hypnotized. The patient is yet living who has been referred to in this connection, and is enjoying the very best of health. This man was cured through auto-suggestion. He argued that it was the treatment and not the rheumatism that ailed him, and finally admitted that he could exist without either, and be perfectly contented.
In Hudson’s L. of P. P. We find: “It is recommended
for several reasons that the mesmeric passes be employed. First,
they are so generally believed to be necessary that they greatly assist
in the way of suggestion. Secondly, they are a great assistance to
the operator, as they enable him to more effectually concentrate his mind
upon the work in hand, and to fix his attention upon the parts he desires
to effect. Thirdly, they operate as a suggestion upon the operator
himself, which is as necessary and potent to effect the object sought as
is suggestion to the subject. Fourthly, whether the fluidic theory
is correct or not, the power, or whatever it is, appears to flow from the
fingers, and, inasmuch as it appears to do so, the effect, both upon the
mind of the operator and of the subject, is the same as if it were so,
-- the great desidoratum being the confidence of both. If, therefore,
there exists in man which in the obedience to the suggestion of another,
is capable of producing abnormal conditions in defiance of the normal instincts
and desires of all animal creation, how much more potent must be a suggestion
which operates in harmony with the natural instinctive desire of the patient
for the restoration of normal conditions, and with the constant effort
of nature to bring about that result. It is obvious that any outside
suggestion must operate with all the greater potentiality when it is directed
on lines in harmony with instinctive auto-suggestions. It follows
that normal conditions can be restored with greater ease and certainty,
other things being equal, than abnormal can be induced. And thus
it is that by practice of the various systems, we find that the most marvelous
cures are effected.”
“The fact that thought may affect the growth and function of the body is regarded as a possibility by even the most conservative and material of scientists. The more advanced and speculative members of the medical profession have experimented along that line for a number of years with very interesting results.
In speaking of the effect of thought on the body,
in order to understand how a thought can affect the body or influence the
physical organs it is necessary to have some conception of what is called
the subconscious mind, which is that part of the mentality that carries
on such “involuntary” actions as that of the circulation of the blood,
etc. If these obscure functions were dependent upon the exercise
of the conscious will the very necessity of drawing the breath in and out
for several times a minute during one’s lifetime would be such a stupendous
effort as to appall the bravest and most energetic of creatures.
But these matters have all been simplified by a beneficent Creator through
the action of the subconscious mind. This mind, while distinct from
the thought, or intellectual faculties, may, however, be affected by them,
and that sympathetic foundation of all the phenomena of the faith curist
and the mental healer.
INTERESTING EXPERIMENTS
Though the effects are generally unconscious on the
part of the subject there is no reason why this should be necessarily so,
and a few simple experiments will convince almost anyone that the mind
may have a conscious effect on the body. One of the simplest experiments,
though one which is of no use in a practical way, is to fix the mind intently
on a certain part of the skin -- say the inside of the wrist. If
the mind is not allowed to waver from the point, in a few minutes the surface
of the wrist will be suffused by a warm glow and an itching, burning sensation
will appear. One of the most general effects of this concentration
of thought upon any part of the body is the restlessness which ensues and
the consequent difficulty of holding the part still for any length of time.
It, therefore, is easy to understand how the constant dwelling of the mind
upon some slight or imaginary ill may aggravate the condition, if existent,
or even cause it to appear, if imaginary.
EFFECTS OF FEAR
A curious case came under my observation not long ago. A young woman patient of mine consulted me about a hard lump in her throat, which had been getting larger for some time. She seemed very much troubled about it. She confessed to me that there were very few moments in the day that the fear of its developing into a malignant growth was absent from her mind. On examination of her throat I found the purple congestion frequently encountered in connection with cancer. After consulting another operator, I decided that on account of her fear of cancer, it would be useless as well as cruel to enlighten her as to the real condition of her throat. So we constantly referred to the swelling as a simple enlargement of the gland. The patient thus reassured, ceased thinking about her throat, and after a few weeks the swelling actually began to diminish in size and at last completely disappeared.
Here was doubtless an exceptional case, but it goes
to show that such fear-thoughts may have tangible effects on the physical
plane.
GETTING CHILDREN TO GROW
There is an old superstition which doubtless originated among people who understood the principles of mental therapeutics, that if a child is placed beside a young sapling and a peg driven into the sapline even with the child’s head, as the young tree grows and the distance between the peg and the ground increases the child will also begin to grow. If the child really would become interested in the procedure and should earnestly watch the growth of the sapling, I can understand how such attention on his part might impress his subconscius mind with the idea of growth so strongly that the body would respond to the impulse and actually begin to grow.
I think that the rapid growth of a child has often
been augmented by the constant exclamations of its relatives and friends
of “Why how that child is growing.” Nervous children become more
nervous when their attention is called to their condition by doctors’ consultations
with anxious parents in their presence, while the little sufferers from
St. Vitus’ dance or chorea, become much worse when their antics attract
the attention of their elders. Most doctors have found that a child
whose parents become terrified when a case of measels or scarlet fever
breaks out in the neighborhood is much more apt to contract the disease
than the little ragamuffin who comes and goes when he pleases, without
thought or fear of measels.
THOUGHT EPIDEMICS
Every physician will remember the great number of dysenteries and diarrhoeal cases he was called upon to treat during the cholera scare a few years ago. At that time there were about three times as many cases of that kind as usual during the summer months and most of them were undoubtedly caused by fear alone.
If people, especially women, would realize the absolutely uselessness of worrying over their real or fancied complaints, the general health and happiness of the human race would be very much improved. I have known nursing mothers to worry so persistently over crying babies that the poor little mortals were very nearly poisoned through drawing in the impulses of fear and nervousness with every drop of the mother’s milk. If these over-anxious mothers could only understand that crying is one of nature’s ways of expanding the lungs of the infant, their children would stand a much better chance of becoming healthy men and women.
Nothing so enervates and demoralizes the whole nature
as fear. In one form or another it is responsible for nearly all
the evil which curses the world.
VITAL MAGNETISM
Health and strength to enjoy this lovely world in
which we live is the greatest blessing bestowed upon man, and, like the
sweet air we breathe, is the birthright of every human being. If
we better understood the laws of our being, and then obeyed them, disease
might be banished from the category of human ills, and our minds and bodies
brought into that more perfect harmony with our surroundings which the
aspiration of mankind through all ages has believed to be the ultimate
end and object of our creation. There can be but little doubt that
ill-health and premature decay are the penalties of disobedience, remote
or near, to laws of health, and that we have only ourselves to blame for
consequences which we are too ready to lay to the account of the Almighty,
who has made all things beautiful and good. Without respect to the
Biblical account of the creation of man, there is every reason, on scientific
data, that he has been loaded down, more and more, with the advance of
civilization, and that new diseases UNKNOWN and unfelt in earlier times
have been added to the list of his sufferings. The profession of
MEGNETIC HEALING, the system that cures has been brought to the rescue,
and a better and broader field for the profession has never existed.
It then appears on the horizon of the mind this broad field of labor has
been left to it in the cause of humanity, the amelioration of our over-burdened
people. Now, let us take up the phenomenon of the mind which is understood
by the several terms as odic force, psychic force, biology and mesmerism,
and what therapeutical property attaches to it, which, when properly directed
by a competent operator, reaches the most complicated and stubborn acute
and chronic diseases of whatever character.
CONGESTED SPINE
To illustrate, we will take up the case of a very prominent physician in this city, whose name will be given on application, was suddenly, and without warning, taken with a very acute attack of congestion of the spine. The writer, being in the same block at the time, was immediately consulted, and was asked to take the case, which was done without a moment’s hesitation, and in just four minutes the patient was entirely free from pain, and apparently as well as ever.
The treatment consisted of an application of the hot hands, the right being placed upon the forehead and the left upon the sacral plexus.
The patient was called upon next day and reported
that he was entirely free from pain and had been since the treatment.
The gentleman, while being a vendor of drugs and medicines, is also an
ever-ready endorser of this method of MAGNETIC
HEALING.
NEURALGIA OF THE EYES
A prominent business man, an old citizen of Nevada,
Mo., was afflicted with neuralgia of the head and eyes since childhood
and was entirely cured in one treatment. The application was right
hand on forehead and left on back of neck for about three minutes, then
change was taken to both hands on temples and eyes for about the same length
of time. The cure was made over a year ago and there has been no
signs of its return up to this time. In those cases in connection
with the application of the hands, a steady intention is exercised to equalize
the circulation and restore normal conditions.
PERITONITIS
There are many other instances where the mind, educated
in the science of healing, has brought back to health many apparently hopeless
cases that had resisted the most skillful medical practitioners with the
greatest ease imaginable. Take the case of Miss L.-------, afflicted
with peritonitis, given up to die by the neighbors and doctors.
Her father, grasping at the last straw, called the writer to her bed-side.
Her pulse at that time registered 120 and temperature 104. The treatment
consisted of applications to the stomach, abdomen, head and feet, all of
which lasted thirty minutes. At this time her pulse and temperature
was again taken and the following was recorded: pulse 95, temperature 101.
The patient was then convalescing and was sitting up in four days and was
out of bed in one week.
FEVER
Many cases could be cited in acute form where the power of the mind has been brought to bear in every instance where the treatment has been successful. The writer treated a little girl, Miss B., for earache about a year ago; she recently was prostrated with fever for several days. During her delirium she frequently called for help. She wanted the doctor who did not give any bitter medicine. The treatment was given to break up the fever, which lasted about forty minutes. That is to say, the fever and the treatment was a thing of the past in that time. It is safe to say that the mother of the little girl is a fast friend to the science of magnetic healing, as the little girl was soon well again; the fever never again made its appearance. Many cases of those acute forms have been treated with absolute success. In the treatment of Lagrippe it is found to be a splendid method of treatment. All cases known to have been treated by this method have yielded readily and permanently. While it is not the intention to impress upon the minds of the people in general that the treatment of acute cases is to be resorted to entirely, for obvious reasons, still where a magnetic healer is called in as a last resort, it is proper to answer the call without assuming any responsibility for the life or death of the patient. These references are only made to show that it is the safest and best means to cure, now known to the most advanced scientists of our day. As long as we have ignorance to combat we may expect conflict after conflict until we have reached the summit of popularity. Then we can say that truth has at last prevailed. The most distressing thing that can be said about magnetic healing is that it interferes with other lines of business, the undertaker, for instance.
The main object of this course of lessons is to show
how the writer treats the common run of diseases as they came to his hands.
Those following are classed alphabetically as near as possible. The
first will be:
ABSCESSES
Causes -- They arise from previous inflammation of the skin, the inner portion of which, with its surrounding parts which did not pass off by gradual cessation, but a cavity filled with matter was formed which is termed an abscess.
Symptoms -- The inflammation of the part quickly subsides; a heavy, dull, or cold sensation of the part, instead of acute pain; frequent sighs, or shivers, through the frame; and the top of the tumor appears soft and white; all around is red.
Treatment -- Treat the bowels with intention to produce a daily evacuation. If the abscess goes on undisturbed, it will soon break. Do not squeeze it. Let the hot hand be gently placed in contact with the abscess, exercising a steady intention to ripen it, thus permitting it to break and the pus to pass off. An application of magnetized water to the part will assist in bringing about the desired condition. The cloths used in connection with magnetized water should be kept wet.
After discharging pretty freely, a slip of magnetized
lint or cotton should be inserted by a probe, and renewed twice a day,
according to the nature of the discharge. After this the part should
be supported by a bandage to facilitate contraction. The parts should
be left open to facilitate the discharge. Good matter is the color
and consistency of cream with no smell. If this is not the case,
the matter is unhealthy and the sore is not doing well. When healed,
the stomach, bowels and circulation will be much improved. During
the continuance of the abscess the patient should avoid all kinds of stimulants,
drink an abundance of water and breathe plenty of fresh air. Revulse
all the flesh surrounding the abscess with the intention of accelerating
the circulation.
ASTHMA
This is a disease of the lungs and bronchial tubes whose main characteristic is laborious breathing, which comes in paroxysms, and is accompanied by a wheezing noise. Humid asthma is that in which the attack terminates in expectoration; when it does not do it, it is called dry asthma. The heart is generally sympathetically involved. When it is not, it is called spasmodic asthma, and to this some persons are sometime subject, who, when the attack is passed, may appear quite vigorous and healthy.
Causes -- Dwelling in a cold moist atmosphere, gout, intense study, or great mental anxiety; suppression of accustomed evacuation; irritation of the air cells of the lungs by atmospheric impurities; irritation of the stomach, uterus or other viscera.
Symptoms -- The attack commonly comes on in the night, the patient having gone to bed in a listless, drowsy state, with a troublesome cough, oppression at the chest . Toward midnight the breathing becomes more labored, the wheezing sound louder, and the patient is obliged to assume a sitting posture to prevent suffication. Sometimes he starts out of bed, he rushes to the window for air, or he sits with his body bent forward, his arms resting on his knees, with a flushed or livid face, if it be not deadly pale, gasping and struggling for breath, in a condition painful to behold.
The attack will probably last for a couple of hours or more, when the severe symptoms will gradually remit, with an expectoration of frothy mucus, and tranquil sleep follows.
Treatment -- The objects in this to be obtained are, first, to moderate the violence of the paroxysms, second, to prevent its recurrence. Treat the stomach and bowels as the first cause. Put the feet in warm water, or use the warm bath. Give a heavy and strong general treatment to force perspiration and to equalize the circulation. To prevent the return of the paroxysm of asthma, avoid the exciting causes, keep the bowels in good condition, and strengthen the tone of the stomach in the usual way.
Let the patient’s diet be light and nourishing, avoiding everything difficult of digestion. Wear warm clothing, flannel next to the skin; have regular and moderate exercise. Do not indulge in intemperate habits.
When the symptoms first appear, at once place the
feet in warm water, to produce a gentle perspiration. Sleep on a
hard mattress and frequently take the country air.
PAINS IN THE BACK
Pains in the back are of many kinds and may reesult from a variety of causes.
Treatment -- If weakness be the cause, take a cold
sponge bath in the morning, together with a heavy magnetic revulsion down
the whole length of the spine, which will give immediate relief and permanently
cure your patient, when a steady intention on the part of the operator
is exercised to bring about those results.
BLINDNESS
Deprivation of sight may proceed from various causes, such as one of the diseases which affect the eyeball, or a deficiency of power in the optic nerve, local or general paralysis, or any disease whose seat is in the brain or nervous system; the formation of a speck on the eye, or of a film over the lens. Sometimes the affection of the brain or nerves, from which loss of sight proceeds, is sympathetic, arising from a disordered stomach. In this case, as in many others, it is but transient, and matters may be set right by regulating the stomach and bowels, followed with a low diet and avoidance of the exciting causes of the disorder.
Treatment -- Local treatment may be given by sending
the vibrations through the optic nerve by placing the left hand over the
eyes and the right forefinger on the base of the brain, sending the vibrations
into the optic nerve. General treatment for stomach, bowels and circulation
should be freely administered.
INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS
The indications are a dull pain in the belly, the tongue bordered with red, the abdomen swollen or flat, skin dry and husky, cold feet and hands, small and frequent pulse, thirst, loss of flesh, low spirits, scanty urine, slimy discharge from the bowels from one to four times a day.
Treatment -- At first there should be hot fomentations
(magnetized water and flannels). Cold magnetic compresses at night,
the body kept warm in bed.
Flannels should be used if the patient is very feverish.
A warm bath should be taken at least twice a week. The diet should
be in moderation. Let the patient drink an abundance of hot or cold
water. Vibrations should be gently applied to the seat of pain, and
light manipulations with the intention of keeping the bowels open.
Stroking the spine and the lower limbs as soon as the patient is able,
will be beneficial.
BRONCHITIS
This may be described as an inflammation of the air passages of the throat. Bronchitis is either acute or chronic. The exciting causes are nearly always the exposure to cold or moist air, which people should always guard against. Inhaling irritating gases or other vapors will cause it.
Symptoms -- The acute is generally manifested on the first opportunity after exposure to cold. The lining membrane of the eyes, nostrils and throat are affected, and the inflammation extends down into the chest. The first symptoms are running at the nose, watering of the eyes, and frequent sneezing, and all the distressing symptoms of what is called Influenza.
The fever generally runs high, with headache, extreme lassitude, and probably a troublesome cough and expectoration of mucus.
Treatment -- The first that should be done for the
patient is to induce profuse perspiration (see baths), hot diluent drinks,
magnetic fomentations on the chest.
BLEEDING AT THE NOSSE
Causes -- Violent exercise, great heat, blows on the part, the long maintenance of a stooping posture, and a peculiar smallness in the blood vessels running to the brain, rendering them liable to rupture. It may come on without warning, or preceded by a sense of heaviness, singing noises in the ear, heat and itching of the nostrils, throbbing of the temporal artery, and accelerated pulse.
Treatment -- The stoppage may sometimes be effected
by an application of cold water to the head, and at the same time stroke
the head and neck downward with the intention to force the blood away from
the head. Take the nose between your thumb and with the first fingers
of the right hand, sending the vibrations through the head. The body
of the patient should remain in an erect position, with the head thrown
somewhat back, a key or other cold substance applied to the spinal column.
Or, if this fail, the nostrils may be plugged with magnetized cotton dipped
in magnetized water. When the bleeding has stopped there should be
no haste in removing the clotted blood from the nostrils. Let it
come away of itself. Do not blow the nose violently, nor take stimulants,
unless there be excessive faintness, in which case a little cold brandy
and water may be taken. When there is a full habit of body, cooling
drinks and low diet may be safely advised.
BLEEDING OF THE LUNGS
Bleeding of the lungs may occur without organic disease, in plethoric and robust people living a life of excitement and excess, and in nervous, irritable individuals, weakened by mental and bodily fatigue, and leading sedentary lives. It may be brought on by violent muscular effort, paroxysms of cough, blows, or pressure on the chest, inspiration of irritating vapors, or of rarefied air on high mountains. The blood may be exuded from the tracheal or bronchial membranes or it may proceed from capillaries communicating with the air passages in any part of their extent. The color is generally florid, and more or less mixed with air, differing from the dark, coagulated blood which comes from the stomach.
An attack is generally announced by a feeling of heat and oppression in the chest behind the sternum, followed by a cough, which brings up the blood. When the quantity is very great, it pours forth without a cough and almost by an act of vomiting, with considerable spasmodic effort.
Treatment -- Elevating the chest and shoulders, admitting plenty of fresh air, with spare diet, and perfect quiet are among the most useful measures to be adopted. The chest should be sponged with cold magnetized water, cold liquids and sucking of pieces of ice will be of service.
In all cases calmness of mind, rest, silence, erect
position, cool air, and freeness of the bowels should be enjoined.
A return of the bleeding is to be guarded against by avoiding the exciting
causes. To take the pressure of blood from the lungs, stroke gently
down the spine, with the intention of equalizing the circulation.
Send vibrations from back of neck to the feet, until your patient is at
perfect rest. Very light strokes may then be used over the patient
to induce sleep.
CANCERS
Of this distressing disease, there seems to be a large variety, each apparently distinct from the others. They are ulcers of the worst form.
Causes -- Most frequently they arise from a bruise or a blow upon the body of the patient, and occasionally from previous inflammation, as well as torpidity of the alimentary functions.
Symptoms -- The glands are the principle seat of those troubles. They often attack, externally, the nose or breast, etc. Usually a small tumor first appears, about the size of a grape. The tumor will remain in this condition for an unlimited time and then it will start to grow, and roots will shoot out in all directions. The skin will change in a short time to many different colors, first red, then purple, then livid, and at last black before bursting, causing great pain after which there is perfect ease for a while. The progress of the disease is now well under way, and if not checked, the life of the patient is jeoparized by reaching out and spreading of the ulcer until a vital spot is reached, terminating in death. When cancer is first discovered there should be no time lost to effect a cure, as delays are dangerous.
Treatment -- Diet, light but nourishing. Highly
seasoned food and stimulants should be avoided. Schirrus, or unbroken
cancer, should be disposed of without breaking, if possible. Placing
the positive hand on the tumor, or as near as possible, and the other opposite,
for at least ten minutes at each treatment, with a strong, steady intention
to scatter the poisonous accumulation, and equalize the circulation in
the immediate vicinity. Tone up the general system and keep it so.
Always keep an air-tight dressing on the afflicted part, changing the covering
often, and keeping it perfectly clean at all times.
CATARACT
In this disease the crystalline lens of the eyes become opaque, blindness thus ensues by shutting out the rays of light.
Symptoms -- The vision becomes dim and misty, which
always precedes before opacity appear on the lens. There are specks
floating before the eyes, creating optical illusions, following which the
falling of a curtain takes place upon the outward view which is eventually
excluded entirely. In most cases, the program of the disease is very
slow, but in some cases it is more rapid, especially in advanced stages.
Treatment -- Medicine seems to have no effect whatever
upon this disease and that no remedy in the wide world is admitted by the
medical fraternity. But the patient need not despair, there is a
cure for him in the “Weltmer Method of Magnetic Healing.” All influences
brought to bear upon the patient should be directed toward the restoration
of his general health, and to dislodge all inflammatory conditions that
may exist. Induce your patient to assume a quiet frame of mind, and
attempt to arouse him to the fact that the power to restore his sight is
possible and that an agreement between himself and the operator, if relied
upon and trusted, will restore to him his sight.
The magnetic treatment is applied by placing the
negative hand over the eyes and the first finger of the positive hand on
the base of the brain, sending the vibrations through the optic nerve for
a few minutes each day until your patient shows that he can continue the
treatment alone or rather keep the forces in motion that have aleady been
started.
CATARRH
This very distressing ailment is in consequence of a neglected cold, and will manifest itself more or less in the patient for many years and, if not overcome, will remain for life.
Causes -- The primary trouble is brought on by exposure to cold or damp air when the body is heated, or in draughts when the body is in a perspiring condition. Any sudden changes from heat to cold, or the reverse, will lay the foundation for a severe cold, which, if neglected, will develop into a genuine case of catarrh, which, if unmolested will accompany the sufferer through the remainder of his life. The fact that a person can take cold in entering a warm room from the cold atmosphere without is not known by many people, but the fact still remains the same. One should not approach a sudden change of temperature without first preparing to resist the conditions confronting him.
Symptoms -- The usual symptoms met with in catarrh are, swollen membrane, heat, uneasiness, part or all of the sense of smell lost, eyes inflamed, pain in the forehead, sneezing, and a labored breathing. There is always a general derangement of the stomach and bowels, those being, primarily, the seat of the whole trouble. There is a stiffness of the joints, little appetite, slow circulation, succeeded by dry feverishness. The discharge from the nostrils at first is thin and acrid, but afterwards becomes thick and very offensive.
Treatment -- A general treatment is efficacious in
those cases as there is general torpidity throughout the system.
Local treatment is of great advantage, when temporary relief is sought.
Place the thumb and first finger of the left hand on “Vitativeness” and
take the nose with thumb and first fingers of the other hand, force the
vibrations to the mucus membrane of the air passages for a few minutes,
then stand behind the patient, putting the ends of the fingers under the
cheek bones, forcing the vibrations with a steady intention to establish
normal conditions in that region. (See Osteo, manipulations.)
CHILBLAINS
The skin of the toes and fingers are the principle points involved, in some cases the joints of the feet and hands are attacked.
Causes -- Extreme heat or cold, poor circulation, tight shoes, rubber over-shoes, when they are worn constantly, unnatural warmth by hot bottles, bricks, jugs and woolen socks at night, those only serve to keep up a constant perspiration, which will produce chilblains in the worst form.
Treatment -- A cold magnetic foot bath at night,
followed with a rapid magnetic frictionizing, a hot magnetic vibration
for a few minutes will soon relieve the most obstinate cases.
COLIC
Severe pain in the bowels is the primary symptom in all kinds of colic, other symptoms are such as distention or flatulence, indicating inaction and a more or less obstructed condition, flatulence, indigestion, biliousness, vomiting of bile, inflammatory, when accompanied by inflammation, lead, painters’ or Doveshire colic, the dry bellyache, which is attributed to lead-poison. All of the foregoing symptoms and conditions are accompanied primarily, and in consequence of a constipated condition of the colon.
Causes -- Over-worked stomach, fermentation of indigestible food, causing gas to form in the stomach, anything that will retard digestion, permitting the food to decompose, and filling the system with poisonous gases.
Symptoms -- Generally there is a painful distention in the lower bowels with a twisting, spasmodic action in the region of the navel.
Treatment -- Place the positive hot hand upon the
seat of pain, the other opposite. Send vibrations through the bowels,
follow the tract of the colon in a rotary motion, until the patient is
relieved, always keep the hands very hot while treating these conditions.
The intention should be to relax and restore motion to the alimentary tract,
thus enabling the obstructions to pass off. Place the knee in the
lumbar plexus. Pull by the shoulders gently backwards.
CONVULSIONS OR FITS
In grown people, convulsions may be hysterical, puerperal,
or epileptic, as may appear from the symptoms. Narcotic poisons are
responsible for many of these conditions, such as opium, prussic acid,
strong spirits of all kinds, and anything indigestible. Try to discover
the cause and remove it. In epilepsy, force the blood from the head
by rapid stroking the temples downward, working the blood away from the
sides and back of the neck and down the spine. If you can, discover
just when the patient is expected to experience a convulsion. The
advance symptoms are anxiety, dejection, nausea, faintness, yawning, swimming
of the head, palpitation. When the fit is on, there is foaming at
the mouth, short breath, the tongue generally protrudes and is often bitten,
the hands are clenched, the face becomes purple, and a great rush of blood
to the head. The paroxysms often last but a few minutes, other times
for several hours. After the convulsive period subsides, there is
an exhausted feeling which gradually disappears, and the patient is apparently
as well as ever. The first things to be done when a person falls
in a fit is to loosen the clothing where it may appear tight, if a female,
cut the corset lacing at the back, dash cold water in the face, blow the
hot breath through a folded handkerchief onto the temples, and as soon
as the patient can swallow give a small glass of cold magnetized water.
A little brandy would not be objectionable to most patients.
CONSUMPTION
This disease is discussed somewhat in connection with the subject of deep breathing, and the mode of treatment will only be touched. In connection with consumption, there will be other derangements, among them will be found a weak digestion, thick and impoverished blood, poor circulation, extreme action of the lower bowels. They are never normal in their movements. The stomach is always in a deplorable condition, and is the primary cause of consumption. There was never a case of consumption where there was a perfect alimentary condition. It is then easily seen the importance in righting the cause.
Treatment -- Decomposition or fermentation of the
contents of the stomach is absorbed by the lacteals and carried to the
blood, and in the effort of the system to cast off this poison through
the skin, it being closed from atmospheric influences, nature seeks a new
channel, the mucus membrane of the air passages being the only available
outlet. Those poisons in the blood are cast off into the lungs, throat
and nasal passages, where it is deposited, and its accumulation irritates
the membrane causing the patient to cough, producing greater inflammation
by repeated accumulations. This decomposed, odoriferous substance
partly filling the lungs, its foetid vapor attracts the much dreaded tubercular
becilli, which has, thus far, produced a clear case of tubercular consumption.
The treatment in connection with the exercises mentioned under the subject
of deep breathing can be applied with great advantage. Place the
positive hand on the sternum, the other between the scapulas, forcing the
vibrations through the chest, exercising the intention to relax the intercostal
muscles, thus enabling greater chest expansion. A general treatment
would be also suitable in such cases.
CONSTIPATION
This is the corner-stone of more diseases than all other sources combined. Dormancy of the bowels is easily acquired, and, the most dangerous conditions that can be met with, it is the forerunner of all kinds of complications, and is the most dreaded by the physician, as he finds himself helpless in coping with the ailment. There is no remedy in Materia Medica for this disease. The best that medicine can do is to temporarily give relief. It almost invariably accompanies, and indeed is, the principal cause of many chronic complaints. It interferes with the free action of the brain and nerves; it burdens the blood with a thick slimy substance which retards its circulation. Ladies are the greatest sufferers from its effects. Peristaltic motion of the bowels is absolutely necessary in order that they may regularly evacuate. Most all skin diseases are in consequence of this condition. The poison absorbed from an impacted colon into the blood, then cast off through the pores of the skin, accumulates upon the surface, when it is attacked by microbes, which produce eczema in its many forms. Other visceral ailments are often induced, which, by all means should be avoided. There need never be any fear on the part of anyone as long as the entire alimentary tract is in perfect working order.
Treatment -- A certain time should be selected each
day for the purpose of evacuating the bowels. The action will soon
become a force of habit. We habituate ourselves to eat, retire, and
rise at regular intervals. Why should we not do likewise as regards
the bowels? Giving regular daily attention to them will soon cause
this motion at the specified time. No matter how unconscious of this duty,
the subjective mind has this matter under its complete control and will,
as surely, force the functions into action. The conscious mind should
offer no resistence to nature’s movements and a complete restoration will
soon follow. Mechanical motion in the tract of the colon will greatly
assist nature to functional action. Place either hand upon the solar
plexus, other hand opposite, force the vibrations with the intention of
lubricating the walls of the colon, and starting the peristaltic motion
and suggestion action at a certain time. All extra manipulations,
such as lifting, and working them in all directions, etc., may be beneficial.
It depends a great deal upon circumstances and can be judged better by
the feelings of the patient. Where there is no pain in the region
of the lower bowels, there can be no harm, and perhaps much speedy relief
in vigorous manipulations.
CORPULENCE
Extreme corpulence is a disease. It interferes with breathing, the backing up against the diaphragm prevents the free action of the lungs and interferes with the free action of the body and limbs.
High living, rich food in abundance, malt liquors in large quantities, sedentary, quiet and indolent habits tend toward corpulence. Corpulent people are generally found with an easy-going disposition, and are, in most cases, on pretty good terms with themselves and everybody else. They are mostly of a jolly, easy-going, pleasant and agreeable temperament.
Symptoms -- Enlargement of the muscles are at first noticeable, which prevents the usual activity, is easily exhausted, and out of breath with little exertion. The circulation becomes less vigorous, which lessens correspondingly the vitality.
Treatment -- Reduce the quantity of food fifty per
cent; the aliment should be less nutritious; use no male liquors; take
regular daily exercise, omit suppers entirely, rest but little, sleep but
a few hours, and rise early every morning. Use the hot magnetic bath
daily at a temperature of 110 to 115 degrees for each bath of about ten
to fifteen minutes duration. The operator should frictionize the
body vigorously, exercise the intention to neutralize fatty aliment, and
bring into vigorous action the perspiration and circulation, and a general
intention to reduce the body to its natural symmetry.
CRAMP
This condition is generally brought on by exposure
to a damp or a cold atmosphere, which has a tendency to retard the circulation.
Foment the part in extreme cases with warm magnetized water, drink nothing
cold. Put the feet in hot magnetized water, and give a brisk, vigorous
treatment exercising the intention to force perspiration. Avoid fermented
liquor and green vegetables, especially for supper. Wear flannel
next the skin. In ordinary cases, all that is necessary is to apply
rapid friction with the intention to establish normal circulation.
Revulse all the muscles completely.
CRAMPS
Cramps in the stomach is usually of short duration,
but very painful while they last. Use the same treatment as above.
Treat the bowels with intention of producing hasty action. Bend the
patient back against the knee.
DEAFNESS
Deafness may be caused from any injury of the delicate organs of the ear or auditory passages, inflammation of the membrane, colds, loud explosions, hard wax, or anything interfering with the conduction of the sound wave. Absence of secretions in the middle ear, extreme dryness, or any foreign substance in the auditory tube, or a stoppage of the eustachian tube, absence of tone in the general system, impoverished blood, etc.
Treatment. -- Treatment should be applied in accordance with the requirements. First try to discover the cause and be governed accordingly.
If there is an accumulation of dry or hardened wax, place a folded handkerchief over the auditory tube and breathe gently into the ear, with the intention of loosening the wax, place the index fingers in the ears, working farther in, then after rapid vibrations withdraw the fingers suddenly, thus forming a suction which will generally dislodge the obstruction. If there is an imperfect or diseased action of the secreting glands, the same treatment can be applied as above with advantage. When a cold produces deafness, the warm magnetic foot bath may be applied with advantage.
If the cause is from general debility, the treatment
should be as indicated under that head. Place the hot hands over the ear,
with the intention of equalizing the circulation in the immediate vicinity,
and stimulating the auditory nerve. If the eustachian tube is obstructed
there should be gentle stroking down from the ear to the root of the tongue,
with the intention of forcing the obstruction from the eustachian tube.
DEBILITY
A general falling off in strength and energy, loss of power to do and to perform the every-day routine of physical exercise and usual amount of manual labor.
Treatment. -- Breathe deeply of fresh air.
Eat regularly of nourishing food, take a cold shower bath daily.
Treatment for indigestion will apply to debility, as this trouble is in
consequence of the above.
DEFECTIVE APPETITE
Excessive mental labor, over anxiety, the excessive use of intoxicating liquors, over-eating, etc.
Treatment. -- Drink plenty of fresh, cold or hot
water, eat but little if anything until the appetite is entirely restored,
and never eat until your appetite is entirely satisfied, or in other words,
quit eating while you are hungry. Keep the bowels open and regular
in their actions.
DELIRIUM TREMENS
Being a disease of the brain, usually caused by excessive indulgence in intoxicating liquors, and some times by over-mental exertion and loss of sleep, or by accident, loss of blood, etc. One siege of intoxication has been known to bring on delirium tremens, but it is generally brought on by continued and protracted and excessive indulgences in intoxicants. The malady often appears in the attempt to break down a protracted debauch.
Symptoms. -- Extreme nervousness, remarkable irritability, unusual fretfulness of mind, and restless movements of the body, becoming very nervous and uneasy. Sudden noise, such as the opening or closing of a door or the unexpected appearance of a visitor, the entire body is more or less tremulous. The patient complains of sleeplessness; if he dozes for a short period he awakes with a start from the effects of frightful dreams. Delirium soon manifests itself in the form of erratic talk and mutterings, he is in mortal combat with all kinds of wild animals, reptiles, etc. He is sometimes pursued by some imaginary murderer, or some terrible and ghastly vision.
In most cases the symptoms are of a frightful and terrifying character. They are not always so, as they often appear from the ludicrous side of life, and there is more or less amusement and entertainment for the patient.
At other times there are very important matters of business to be attended to. In this channel of delirium the patient is a very busy man, and is in a great bustle of activity. The most prominent emotion the patient has to deal with is fear, and in his attempt to escape from the enemy he is very dangerous and if not suppressed may do some one great bodily harm. He should be confined and guarded so as to avoid any possible danger to do himself or another any injury, until he passes from the influence of the delirium. The delirium continues until the patient sinks into a natural sleep, from which he awakens comparatively rational, or dies from the effects and exhaustion; or at length, after passisng many nights without sleep, he sinks into a state of coma, which terminates in death. This disease is rarely fatal, escept where the strength is impaired by long continued excesses.
Treatment. -- The great remedy is sleep, and the best means of inducing this is through hypnotism, at short intervals, increasing the periods until the patient has pretty well slept out the delirious effects. If the patient is in an exhausted state, or if the disease has been brought on by cessation of an accustomed stimulus, it will be necessary to allow the patient a certain quantity of his ordinary beverage, but this should be discontinued as soon as the patient can do without it.
A general, heavy frictionizing treatment, with vigorous strokes down the spine. Treat the stomach to restore its tone. Give nourishing food in abundance. A mixture of raw eggs, sugar and hot milk, with, perhaps, a little brandy, will be of great benefit. A cold shower, or sponge bath should be given daily, which will afford great relief.
This disease has many symptoms in common with inflammation
of the brain, and should be carefully distinguished from the latter.
DIABETES
This disease is easily distinguished by an immoderate flow of urine. There are two degrees in this disease; first “insipidus” when the taste is unchanged; and second, when the urine has a saccharine taste.
In the first stages, the urine has a clear appearance and tasteless, and in the next stage it becomes cloudy and sweet.
Causes. -- Anything which has a tendency toward impoverishing the blood, excessive labor, over-eating, indigestion, dyspepsia, extremes in most cases as regards modes of living, anything that will tend to derange the natural functions of assimilation and digestion.
Symptoms. -- There is a voracious appetite, great thirst, a general weakness and emaciation, and a debilitated and exhausted feeling, with a copious and frequent discharge of urine, which at first shows traces of saccharine and other matter, which, if uninterrupted will increase as time goes on.
Treatment. -- The stomach should be looked after, and its tone be kept up to the normal standard. The bowels should be copiously evacuated daily.
The diet should be animal food only. Soda water
as a beverage may be given with advantage. A general treatment with
the intention to equalize the blood, stimulate the stomach, and strengthen
the kidneys. Vigorous frictionizing the skin after a cool salt bath
will be beneficial. Warm bathing at night may be resorted to occasionally,
as it will promote quiet and restful slumber.
DIARRHOEA
Causes. -- Any kind of indigestible food will cause diarrhoea. Acid fruits, oily or tainted substances, continued use of purgative medicines, sudden application of cold to the body, the suppression of perspiration, intense mental depression, etc.
Symptoms. -- Frequent discharge of the bowels of a feculent matter, accompanied by griping. The stomach has a bearing down sensation, there is a sense of fullness in the lower bowels, a considerable accumulation of gas is generally present, and at times causes great pain. After each evacuation a feeling of relief is felt for a time, but the pain is again renewed before another operation.
Treatment. -- Flex the spine over the knee on the
lumbar plexus. Place the positive hand on the lumbar plexus and the
other opposite, exercising the intention to re-establish normal functions,
and to restore the ideal daily evacuations. Should the transfer of
rheumatism or gout cause these symptoms, magnetic fomentations of hot water
should be applied over the bowels, a hot foot bath is recommended, and
should be continued until perspiration is produced. Hot drinks of
all kinds, except intoxicants, is advised to aid perspiration. If
the trouble has been produced by cold or obstructed perspiration, the patient
should be kept warm. Drink freely of diluted hot drinks, use the
tepid bath daily, and let the underclothing be of flannel.
DISORDERED SKIN
Dark blotches, moles, freckles, sun-burn are the
usual result of diseased action. These conditions are caused by exposure
to the sun. These unsightly discolorations can easily be removed
by simply stimulating the absorbent glands of the skin, to take them up
and carry them away. Treat the skin with rapid friction, with the
intention of stimulating the absorbent glands, enabling them to expel those
unsightly blemishes. Birth marks should be left severely alone as
they cause more trouble in an attempt to remove them.
DIZZINESS
This is generally preceded by a rush of blood to the head, even at times when there is no excitement. In this case there is general derangement throughout the whole system, and a general treatment is all that is needed, with the intention of equalizing the circulation of the blood.
Causes. -- The principal causes are impoverished blood, indigestion, constipation, general debility, and excessive mental labor.
Treatment. -- Equalize the circulation, stimulate
the stomach to renewed activity, force the blood away from the head, while
treating, exercise a steady intention to re-establish normal conditions
throughout the whole body.
DISORDERS OF THE OIL GLANDS
(Dry skin). When the skin becomes dry and hard,
the oil glands are inactive, and can be restored by applying a brisk frictionizing
treatment, with the intention to bring to those glands their natural vigor.
The soap bath will assist in its restoration. It should be applied
in the form of a thick lather and left on until next day, when it may be
washed off and another applied. Continue this with the above described
magnetic treatment until the healthy conditions are restored.
DYSPEPSIA
There are few cases of sickness, either acute or chronic, where this ailment has not in some way had something to do with it. It is primarily the cause of most all the diseases to which mankind is subject.
There are not many people who have not had some experience with this trouble.
Occasional spells of indigestion may appear at any time, and are nearly always caused from overloading the stomach, with food and strong stimulants, such as wines, liquors, and intoxicating spirits of all kinds. Chronic indigestion may be contracted by a long continued intemperance, either in eating or drinking. One of the most common causes for indigestion is not masticating the food properly, the stomach having the principal labor to perform, finds itself unable to perform such a huge task, it is forced to leave a part of its work unfinished, and a portion of the food is then left in the stomach to ferment and decompose, thus furnishing the lacteals with a substance poisonous to the system, which is taken up and cast into the blood where it is expected to supply nourishment for the general system and rebuild the worn out tissues, etc. Another cause is no observance in regard to the quality of food eaten. It should be at all times fresh and wholesome, and always in the proper quantity; and all irregularities as to times of eating, excessive use of tea or coffee, or drinking malt liquors too freely should be avoided.
Among other causes that may be mentioned are the want of exercise, insufficient breathing, impure air, etc.
Symptoms. -- Among the first signs is the loss of appetite, at other times there is a revenous craving for food, and again it becomes uncertain and irregular, at times there is no desire for food whatever. Often there is a nauseating feeling immediately after eating, and occasionally the whole meal is lost by vomiting. One great prevailing symptom is a sense of fullness, a feeling of weight, and an uneasey sensation of distention, even at times producing great pain, occasionally accompanied with eructations and flatulence. Pains may appear when the stomach is entirely empty, and at other times immediately after eating, or again, the pain may not appear for an hour or so after taking food. Constipation often follows the above symptoms of dyspepsia, especially when the person is inclined to neglect the regular daily evacuations. The bowels often act in an extreme manner, either costive or the reverse. They are never normal in their movements. Among other symptoms are palpitation of the heart, irregular pulse, impaired mental strength and energy, short breath, and almost always severe headaches are in evidence.
Treatment. -- In advance of giving the magnetic treatment, it will be well to give some idea of the many important directions as to the conduct of the patient. A sponge bath immediately after arising should be taken every morning, from one to two cups of hot water should be drunk at least one hour before breakfast each morning, very little tea or coffee should be used at breakfast. After breakfast take short exercise, or the exercise may continue until fatigued, after which rest until the dinner hour, which should be about one or two o’clock. The foods should be mutton, fresh or preserved fruits, and Graham bread. Small quantities of tea or coffee may be used, but in no case should there be excessive use of those beverages at meals. Water should be the main drink at all times, and may be used in large quantities at regular intervals during the day, but never more than one glass full at a time. Any person of average size should drink at least three quarts of water every day of their lives, as the body can and will consume that much every twenty-four hours. Never retire until you are tired and sleepy, or you may grow restless and wakeful, and have trouble in drifting off to sleep. If you will wait until you become sleepy you will have no trouble in falling into a quiet restful slumber.
The magnetic treatment will be found expedient and effective in all cases of long standing, and even when all other remedies fail, and is resorted to as the only hope.
If the patient is a chronic sufferer, try to assist
him in the above directions, and give him the following daily treatment.
Place your hot positive hand over the solar plexus and the other opposite
and force the vibrations through the stomach, exercising a steady intention
for at least five minutes to restore the normal circulation in that region.
Stimulate the general circulation by stroking down the spine. Give
special instructions as to relaxed periods for at least ten minutes both
night and morning.
EARACHE (OTALGIA)
Acute periods of earache are indicated by great pain in the auditory tube, caused principally from cold, or detention, sometimes it is neuralgic. Grown people often suffer from earache while cutting wisdom teeth.
Treatment. -- Place a folded handkerchief over the ear and breathe gently through it into the ear tube for a short time or until the pain subsides, after which place the hot hand over the ear until you have produced perspiration, which indicates a restoration of the circulation. If the patient is suffering from other troubles where the earache is only produced in sympathy, it will be necessary to eradicate the general cause before permanent relief can be had. However, it is often that the extreme pain will never reappear.
In all cases where an abscess is forming, a general
treatment will be necessary, and will assist the abscess in its efforts
to pustulate and finally discharge. After the breaking of the abscess
warm magnetic water should be used in syringing the ear, which should be
repeated twice daily.
EPILEPSY
Or falling sickness is caused from external injuries done to the brain by concussions, blows or bruises, extreme nervous affections, great mental excesses, dyspepsia, constipation, etc.
Treatment. -- The patient is often attacked without warning, and falls, uttering a scream, which, when once heard, will never be mistaken as to its cause. There is always frothing of the mouth, and a distorted appearance of the face, showing a great rush of blood to the head, the blood veins become greatly distended, there is a sudden snappy activity in the lower jaw, which often causes painful lacerations of the tongue, the hands are spasmodically clenched, and hold to what they may grasp with a death-like grip. The lungs are undergoing a great strain in their efforts to keep up their respiratory functions. In the course of time the body gradually relaxes, and the symptoms pass away, and the patient becomes conscious again, having a faint idea of what he has just gone through. After the convulsions subside, the patient is usually exhausted, and wanders off into a semi-conscious state of mind, and may fall asleep which often continues for several hours. Several days may pass before the patient entirely recovers.
If an operator is present when the patient is undergoing
one of those convulsions, he should first see that the patient does not
injure himself in any way, then force the blood away from the head as much
as possible by rapidly stroking the head and neck downward, the throat
and chest should be manipulated with the intention of relaxing the muscles
and forcing the blood into the lower part of the body. Always see
that the clothing is perfectly loose so that it will not interfere with
this application. All cases can be immediately relieved in this way,
and the patient be brought back to consciousness in a very short time,
and can eventually be restored to health by giving a general treatment
daily. As the period for another fit approaches, the patient should
eat food very highly seasoned with salt. It will tend to relieve
the patient very much. The patient should take great care at all
times to keep his passions under complete control. A handkerchief
immediately placed over the face is said to instantly overcome the convulsion.
ERYSIPELAS
Or the “Rose,” as it is sometimes called, on account of its color. It is also known as St. Anthony’s Fire on account of its resemblance to a scald or a burn, also because it is said that the above named saint had the power to cure this disease with a touch.
The primary cause of this disease is an over-burdened and impoverished condition of the blood. On the first opportunity that presents itself in the shape of a bruise or a scratch on the surface of the skin, an inflammation will set up, and continue on until a clear case of erysipelas is at hand.
Treatment. -- This sort of ailment should have the
same local treatment as a burn, but as to constitutional or general treatment
the system should be brought up to the general standard of health, and
the disease itself will be an easy affair to overcome. Local manipulations
with the intention of forcing the abnormal accumulation of blood from the
seat of the disease, and applying continually the magnetic cold compress.
EYES
Inflamed or granulated sore eyes should be bathed
at least three times a day with magnetized water. Place the patient
in a dark room or exclude the light as much as possible. (See treatment
for blindness.)
EXHAUSTION
This is an over-worked and collapsed condition of
the body. The motive power has, in a great measure, been consumed
or absorbed. The best remedy for this trouble is absolute rest.
In toning up the bodily functions, treat the spine with the intention of
equalizing the circulation. Induce the patient to resort freely to
a deep breathing exercise as often as possible, as there is nothing that
will restore the patient as rapidly as plenty of fresh air. At last
three quarts of water should be consumed by the patient every twenty-four
hours. If the patient is corpulent, a cold sponge bath should be
given with rapid frictionizing immediately after arising in the morning.
FAINTING (SYNCOPE)
This is a partial abatement of the regular action of the circulation, inducing unconsciousness, caused by a diminished flow of blood to the brain.
Causes. -- All kinds of sudden emotions, such as fright, ecstasy, excitement, and loss of blood, any one of which will tend to debilitate and reduce vitality.
Symptoms. -- The patient generally falls, apparently lifeless to the ground, a cold, clammy sweat appears on the patient’s body, there is a death-like paleness in the face, the limbs are powerless to sustain the body, which sinks apparently as in death, and it may be some time before there is any signs of life. The above describes a faint in its worst form, but the symptoms may appear in a milder form, and the faint be less intense.
Treatment. -- Sprinkle the face with cold water, open the clothing about the neck and chest, and let the patient have access to all the fresh air possible.
Frictionize the neck and chest exercising an intention
to assist the blood to the heart and to equalize the circulation.
As soon as the patient revives somewhat, a glass of magnetized water should
be taken with the intention to stimulate the heart action. When the
patient faints from the loss of blood, no immediate action should be taken,
as this is the only safety the patient has in holding on to the thread
of life. Ladies subject to attacks of fainting should avoid crowded
places, even in their own clothing, also where the air is impure, and avoid
all exciting tendencies at least that which is liable to disturb the ideal
mental equilibrium.
FUNDAMENT (FALLING OF THE)
In connection with constipation, in straining at
stool, and in extreme cases of diarrhoea and dysentery, a protrusion may
take place, but the most common cause is straining at stool, while the
bowels are in a constipated condition. The patient should be instructed
to immediately arise from stool as soon as the first installment of faeces
is discharged. The patient can rest awhile before finishing the evacuations
without a prolapsus of the rectum. If the rectum has passed upon
the outside it can easily be replaced by a gentle pressure with the fingers
covered with a soft cloth coated with vaseline. It should not be
allowed to remain down very long, as this will prevent the free circulation
of the blood, which will cause a great deal of unnecessary trouble.
Children should not be allowed to remain long at stool. A cold sponge
bath is recommended. In order to overcome this ailment the constipated
condition, which always exists in connnection with prolapsus, should be
permanently broken up. See constipaton and how to treat it.
FEVERS (ALL KINDS)
The healthy bodily functions are more or less impaired when fever sets up in the body. Fevers may be in sympathy with some deep seated inflamed condition. Fevers consume the vital energy, and prey upon the tissues at time to an alarming degree. The heat of the body during fevers is considerably increased, the pulse becomes more rapid. The appetite disappears, and the patient becomes dull and listless, with a sense of weakness, pains in the head, back and limbs, hot flashes, cold and chilly sensations, great thirst, a hot dry skin, and a furry tongue. All of this are in most part caused by neglected colds, lack of healthy excretions, intemperance, and infection of contagious diseases.
Treatment. -- In his work on human science Prof. Fowler has to say: “Guard against or forestall all acute fevers. They are not causeless but caused, and that by precursors as apparent as they are violent. They generally gather a long time before they burst, and are usually the most violent in those whose constitutions are the strongest, because much unload disease as fast as it is generated, till some sudden cold stops up the outlet, when their powerful constitutions grapple right in resolutely with their disease, and the two struggle for mastery so violently that one or the other must conquer promptly.”
“All such will get well if they give the life force a fair chance. A constitution able to set up so fierce a struggle is therefore able to win a victory. Let them fight it out.”
Heroic medicines are positively dangerous in all such cases. Superadding their inflammation to that of the disease, endangers a sudden snapping of the cords of life. Let the life force alone and it will grapple thus resolutely unless it had the power to overcome. It would take hold more leisurely and cast out more gradually if it needed to. All Nature’s provisions warrant this conclusion.”
“Previous care will stave off the battle. Self inspection can always tell beforehand that the thunder-cloud of disease is gathering and about how long it will be before it will naturally burst. It is always preceded by a dark, livid red about the face and eyes; too much general inflammation; a bad and haggard, or else a wild glaring look, along with other signs of inflammation, including passional irritability. Let such beware how they violate the health laws much longer; for retribution is knocking at their door preparatory to their arrest.”
“Mothers should watch these and other signs presaging sickness in their children and take the patient in season, put them on short dietetic rations, soak their feet in hot water, and put them to bed early, covered up warmly, with a cup of hot tea, so as to start the perspiration.”
“Aching bones, violent, sharp, darting pains, local or general, an irregular appetite, or none at all, restlessness, and bad dreams during sleep, etc., signify that the gathering disease storm is about to burst.”
“Begin in season. Be careful not to take cold, to which you are especially pre-disposed in proportion as you are loaded with disease.
“Keep well housed and warm, but eat nothing; let your system live on its accumulated carbon. Lay a wet cloth on your stomach at nights.
From the author -- Take a deep breathing exercise with the intention of forcing the secretions into the lower bowels to induce the ideal regular daily evacuations. Breathe fast and deep, keep the room well ventilated.
Do not try to do any work as that will only aggravate the malady.
Remember that the power to overcome the attack is in the patient and anything to arouse this force should be resorted to. The power of the will brought to bear. The operator should frictionize the skin so as to induce a lively excretory action. If the patient is thirsty, let him drink abundantly of either hot or cold water, which furnishes the system with a vehicle on which to convey the corrupt materials from the body. Take every precaution to prevent taking more cold. If the fever seems to stay with the patient, discourage all thoughts of impatience, as that will only add fuel to the fire. Encourage all thoughts that will tend to keep the patient in a calm, restful and hopeful state of mind, and in a few days the patient will be entirely restored to health and will be in a better physical condition than if he had not been sick.
The sick room should be decorated with cheerfulness more than any other one thing. The nurse should bear in mind that the patient is to be encouraged under all circumstances. A sad, sorrowful, cranky, whining nurse will do more harm to the patient than the doctor’s drugs can possibly do, and those last two great destroyers are to be avoided as much as possible, but, should there be a time when it is desirable to shift the responsibility of the case it might be well to govern yourself accordingly. No one should be allowed to whisper, or to act in a suspicious manner, which might convey to the patient the impression that there is danger at hand, as this will kill all the courage and hope left in him, and a collapse may then at any time be expected. Though the patient be a child, any alarming actions will be immediately noticed and acted upon with a lightning-like rapidity, thus weakening the will power, which is to be depended upon as the real remedy.
Never allow your patient to anticipate death as that
does more to induce it than all else. Compassion or commiseration
bespeaks danger. The attendants should at all times encourage the
patient to exercise his will-power to overcome his physical weakness.
Give him to understand that the same power that created him will sustain
and restore him to health, if he will rely upon it. If you do anything
to assist nature, be as careful not to interfere with it; simply let it
take its course, and carefully guide your patient through to convalescence.
GALLSTONES
Gall stones are calculous concretions formed in the gall bladder, and in passing from the gall bladder they cause excruciating pains. The stones of large size are the ones which cause the greatest suffering. As soon as the stone passes into the bowels the pain ceases. The usual size of the gall duct is about that of a large rye straw, and as some of the stones are larger than the gall duct, it is with great difficulty that the stone is passed through this duct, and often considerable time is consumed in its passage.
Symptoms. -- An agonizing pain in the region of the stomach or slightly on the right side. If the case is of long standing there will be considerable soreness in this region. After the stones have all passed the patient rapidly recovers, and there is no more trouble until another batch of stones have accumulated. This state of the system may continue at regular intervals for years, without any very serious danger to the patient, but he will find it very inconvenient to be forced into these paroxysms at regulr intervals. It will be observed that there is little or no fever present when the patient is laboring with his pains, and no inflammtion whatever in this region.
Treatment. -- At first give the patient a hot magnetic
bath. In the absence of the operator, a hot magnetic compress is
to be applied over the seat of pain. The magnetic treatment is applied
thus: Place the positive hand over the region of the stomach, and if the
patient is in bed, place the other hand on the forehead, exercising a steady
intention to equalize the circulation and to annul and subdue the acute
painful conditions, and to neutralize the disturbing elements, thus preventing
a further accumulation of the biliary calcula. A few treatments for
this special purpose have been successful in preventing the recurrence
of this disturbing condition.
GONORRHEA
Gonorrhea consists of a purulent discharge from the urethra, characterizing an inflammatory condition attacking the extremity of that passage, extending through the entire gland.
Symptoms. -- Evidences of its presence are generally observed after the third or fourth day, in others from five to nine days and sometimes longer, after connection. In about three or four days the orifice of the urethra begins to swell, there is some irritation in the parts, there is a sensation of itching in the male organ, and more or less soreness in the whole urethral tract. The lips of the orifice are slightly feverish, and drier than usual. In a short time a whitish mucous discharge is observed, which increases from day to day until it becomes quite profuse. There is a scalding sensation in passing urine. As the discharge increases the color changes from white to a yellow or greenish cast. The patient is annoyed with painful erections, which is otherwise called chordee. It seems to be almost impossible to get medicinal remedies from the long list of drugs, and the patient is often forced to seek a magnetic healer for relief. In these cases the patient is troubled with frequent desire to urinate, which is passed with some difficulty, and often only a few drops at a time. There is often a disturbance in the groin, the glands of which are in sympathy with the inflamed condition of the urethra. These are called sympathetic buboes, on account of their diminishing or increasing in size according to the amount of inflammation in the passage.
Treatment. -- A general or constitutional treatment is indicated in this ailment when it has been long neglected. In addition to this, the daily bath should be resorted to. Give an injection of magnetized water immediately after urinating, and instruct the patient to practice the deep breathing exercise three times per day, and drink in the morning two glasses of hot or cold water at least one hour before breakfast each morning, and during the day in the forenoon, say at nine, ten and eleven, one glass at each of those hours mentioned. The same in the afternoon, and two more after supper.
Keep the bowels well open, and see to light diet and the patient will soon be convalescent. Absolute cleanliness of the parts is strictly necessary.
No malt liquors or other intoxicants should be used, as it only leads to its inflammation. Nothing should be drunk except water and milk.
The diet should be looked after, and nothing eaten
that will cause more irritation, such as acids and sweets. Use only
the most cooling materials, such as farinaceous food, and for the ordinary
drink let it be straight hot or cold water or milk. Absolute rest
should be enjoined upon the patient at all times.
GOUT
Gout seems to be closely allied to rheumatism, and occasionally works hand in hand with rheumatism. The origin of Gout is indigestion, and is on account of fermentation of food in the stomach, creating acids which poison the blood, and those acids are floating around in the blood seeking an outlet. They find a convenient lodgment in or near the joints of the hands and feet, where they finally locate for business.
Treatment. -- Avoid all stimulants, either in food or drinks. Let the patient be kept perfectly quiet.
If the patient is able to sit up, place the hot hands
upon the patient’s stomach and back, exercising the intention of neutralizing
the effect of the disturbing elements, equalize the circulation, and to
assist the dormant functions into greater activity, stroking the spine
to stimulate the nervous system.
GRAVEL
When the worn-out constituents of the blood are secreted with the urine, and the urine is held too long within the walls of the bladder, this calculi seems to leave the urine and begin to solidify, which will accumulate and form a gravel. These small grains often find lodgment in the folds of the bladder, gradually growing larger until they are recognized as being a great disturbing element in the region of the urinary canal.
Symptoms. -- Many times those deposits take place in the kidneys, which cause great pain in the back and loins, often shooting to and from the bladder, causing the most excruciating pain. The deposits finally accumulate in the bladder and create an unbearable, with almost a continuous desire to urinate, and a rasping or scraping sensation while voiding the urine. In the male there is often very severe pains in the glans-penis. When the urine finally is allowed to settle there will be found a deposit of a gravelly substance, with more or less variation in size and color.
Treatment. -- Any symptoms as above described indicate
a general derangement of the system, and it is therefore necessary to look
after the cause more than the consequence. Local treatment is necessary
in order to give immediate relief, but to permanently cure the patient,
the cause must be sought, found and eradicated. The local application
is made by placing the positive hand over the sacrum and the other on the
opposite side, and vice versa, holding several minutes, or until your patient
shows that he has forced the circulation through the parts involved, after
which the general treatment may or may not be applied, as the operator
thinks the case may require.
HAY FEVER
Hay Fever, or Hay Asthma, as it is sometimes called, is an inflammation of the air passages, which generally comes on about hay harvest , and is looked forward to by the patient with considerable dread and fear, which aids its reappearance at this regular annual period, as its yearly visits are much encouraged by suggestion. The popular belief is that there is a pollen of some wild vegetable growth which is floating in the air and finally is breathed into the throat and lungs where it causes an inflamed condition, which is the source of much annoyance and discomfort to the patient.
Treatment. -- This troublesome condition is treated
the same as Catarrh of head and throat, with the intention to force the
natural secretions into the afflicted parts, and after this has been done,
the nose will require more attention than usual - so much so that it will
be found necessary to apply the same treatment as for headache. There
will appear at times and in some patients slight deafness, and this part
of the treatment will be found fully explained under that head. A
general toning up of the system will be necesssary in the successful treatment
of Hay Fever in all its forms.
HEADACHE
There are about as many different kinds of headache as there are different kinds of stomach troubles. There is no permanent relief from headache except to remove the cause, which, in most cases, originates in the stomach, but not always so. Among the many kinds of headaches that may be mentioned are: Bilious or Sick, Congestive, Rheumatic, Periodic, Organic, Nervous, etc. Neuralgia is another kind of headache, which is in most cases hard to locate the direct cause, except to assume that the system needs to be righted, which, in a general way, might be said of most all of the other kinds of headaches.
Treatment. -- Place the patient in a chair with a
low back. Take your place behind him, heat your hands very hot and
place them over the temples, holding them firmly against the head for a
few minutes, then heat your hands again and place the positive on the forehead
and the other on the back of the head or neck and hold firmly a short time.
Then stand behind your patient and breathe onto the top of the head, alternately
stroking it down from front to back. Continue these applications
until you are satisfied that the patient has taken your suggestions, which
you can know by the extent of the perspiration visible, which, if profuse,
indicates considerable relief, and fair evidence that your efforts were
not in vain.
HEART DISEASE
Symptoms. -- In detecting the condition of the heart and its actions in health, it will be discovered that the heart has two distinct sounds, very much like the beat and its echo, which comes immediately after. Any deviation from this may be regarded as evidence of disease. It need not be considered that on account of any increased or decreased motion of the heart that the heart is the seat of the trouble, as such is not always the case, as the principal causes of palpitations is not on account of the heart but the blood, which does not respond to the action of the heart because of an impoverished and burdened condition which prevents its free circulation through the veins and arteries, and more especially the capillaries.
The two classes of heart diseases are functional and organic.
Among the former are fainting and palpitation. Those symptoms are confined to those of nervous temperament, or in weak, delicate and hysterical women, which condition is primarily induced by a weak stomach. The organic diseases are numerous, among them may be mentioned pericarditis, carditis, endocarditis, atrophy, hypertrophy, dilatation and valvular diseases.
Treatment. -- As in most all other diseases, the general health should be attended to both as to mind and body, and in all heart trouble there should be an extra effort to keep the mind of the patient in as cheerful a mood as possible, as there is nothing so dangerous to the sufferer as excitement.
In this ailment, as in all others, find the causes, and eradicate it. There will, in most cases of so-called heart disease, be found nothing the matter with the heart, except its inability to perform its functions on account of the material which it has to work with, the blood being burdened with foreign substances to such an extent that it is so overloaded that the heart cannot force it through the body, and as the efforts to do so are sometimes heroic and spasmodic. It is only the natural consequence of an overburdened circulation, and should be treated as such, and it will be immediately relieved. To purify the blood it will be necessary to increase the circulation by rapidly stroking the spine downward, with negative hand on the heart, exercising a steady intention to remove the burdened condition.
The stomach should come in for its share of attention,
as it is always at the bottom of poor circulation or heart trouble.
The breathing exercise is recommended as an assistant to the regular magnetic
treatment.
HEARTBURN
Heartburn is not a disease of the heart, but a decomposed or fermented condition of the contents of the stomach, causing a burning sensation in the region of the heart, as it is supposed, but the real seat of the disturbance is in the stomach. It is one of the many forms of indigestion. All the juices of the stomach turns to acetic acid, the gastric juices included.
Treatment. -- Stimulate the stomach with an application
of the hot hands, exercising the intention to force the natural secretions
and to neutralize the acids thus toning it up to its functional activity.
HICCOUGH
Symptoms. -- Hiccoughs are produced by a spasmodic action of the nerves and muscles of respiration, causing convulsive movements of the midriff. It is one of the many apparently little ailments which, if permitted to continue on undisturbed, will in time become more or less alarming, and often gotten rid of with much difficulty.
Treatment. -- The best remedy for hiccoughs of short
duration is have your patient sit or stand in an erect position and breathe
very deeply and very slowly for a moment in order to break the regular
spasmodic contraction of the respiratory muscles. Another is to sip
very slowly a pint of magnetized water. Hypnotism is very successful
where the patient is a good subject. If he is not, ply the hypnotic suggestion
without his knowledge, with a persistency that will force his mind into
higher vibrations and the hiccoughs are gone. The hot hand can be
applied to the stomach, exercising the intention to relax the diaphragm,
thus removing the cause.
HIP JOINT DISEASE
These diseases are mostly confined to children from the ages of 4 to 12 years, prevailing mostly in damp climates. However, some cases are met with in high and dry altitudes, and in persons of different ages than those mentioned.
Symptoms. -- The symptoms appear to be very much like rheumatism, a pain will generally appear in the knee, causing slow and painful movements. The limb will become emaciated, and in a short time the hip joint will become inflamed, which, in its swollen condition, will push the ball of the joint from the socket, thus elongating the limb, causing great pain and interfering with the motion of the limb, which will soon necessitate the use of crutches.
Treatment. -- The hot hands applied to the joint, exercising a steady intention to overcome the diseased condition and to establish normal circulation through the joint, which will, in time, restore the part to its former state of health.
The general system should be kept in perfect order,
thus expediting the ultimate recovery of the hip-joint. Flex the
limb in all directions, revulse all the muscles of the hip and thigh, which
will tend to release the circulation.
HOARSENESS
Is generally a swollen condition of the throat, which interferes with the free vibrations of the vocal cords.
Causes. -- It usually comes from over-speaking, singing, taking cold, breathing dust and dampness.
Treatment. -- Gargle with clear, cold magnetized
water five or six times a day, place the hot hands upon each side of the
throat for at least five minutes, exercising the intention to force the
natural secretions, and to restore the normal circulation, which will overcome
all the inflammation and restore the patient to health. Rotate the
head and neck in a wringing motion.
HYPOCHONDRIA
This is a nervous disease of the worst form, bordering on insanity if it is not expressly classed with those ailments. The patient imagines he is or wants to be almost anything. He is generally loaded with some great imaginary disease, which is about to take him off. If there is really anything ailing him, he thinks it is much worse than it really is, or that there is no hope for his case. He often has extreme ideas as to weight, height, and strength. He is an extreme individual in anything that his mind may dwell upon. Their thoughts are mostly of their own trouble. They grow very suspicious of those around them, even of their best friends. The derangement is generally only functional as to some of the nutritive forces.
Causes. -- The causes are about as numerous as the symptoms. Among them may be mentioned nervousness, indigestion, constipation, diarrhoea, masturbation, excess in anything will do its share in producing those conditions.
Treatment. -- The operator must be guided according
to the conditions and symptoms found when the patient presents himself
for treatment. A general treatment would be indicated from the above-mentioned
causes. It will be necessary to use some pretty strong suggestions
in treating those cases. In fact, the hypnotic method would apply
to this class, and there is no doubt that it is the best suited to those
troubles, and is therefore highly recommended.
IMPERFECT SIGHT (AMAUROSIS)
This is a dimness of the eye-sight, with dark specks floating before the vision. The pupils become dilated, with no sensibility to light. The stomach will be found at the bottom of this trouble. The indications are over-eating, excessive indulgences, extreme habits, etc.
Treatment. -- Take a cold sponge bath, if possible,
every day. Let the food be entirely vegetable. Exercise should
be taken in moderation, and avoid all mental tension, and anything of an
exciting character. Give the same magnetic treatment as in blindness.
INCONTINENCY OF THE URINE
This ailment is more of an annoyance than anything else. Very troublesome.
The sphincter muscle seems to have abandoned its control of the neck of the bladder, allowing the urine to continually flow undisturbed as it is excreted by the kidneys.
Treatment. -- The intention should be exercised to
increase the vitality in the region of the sacrum, assist the natural functions,
draw to the urinary organs an increased quantity of blood, stimulate the
general circulation. This is done by an application of the hot hands,
one each on the pubis and sacrum, exercising a steady intention to produce
the conditions desired.
PERICARDITIS
It may be brought on by taking cold. It may come from sympathy of some other inflammation, such as rheumatism or kidney diseases.
Symptoms. -- There are usually very acute pains in the region of the heart, and is very tender to the touch. It is often found impossible to lie upon the left side, without great pain. The symptoms of pleurisy are sometimes taken for the above troubles, and the pains are very much the same in severity. Often the pulsations become very rapid even to palpitation. If there is any accumulation of watery fluid around the heart, which may be seen in extreme cases, when the bulging is seen by an elevation of the chest.
The heart is sometimes involved and becomes inflamed. The symptoms in both cases are the same, and the treatment should be alike in both.
Treatment. -- To remove the pain and inflammation,
place the positive hand upon the breast in the region of the heart, the
other opposite, exercising the necessary intention until the pain subsides,
after which use the passe, if deemed necessar, to equalize the circulation.
A general treatment in these cases is advisable as in most cases the stomach
and bowels are involved.
INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER
On the right side under the ribs will be found a painful condition, with some pressure, as though there was a hard lump, slight fever, short breath, no appetite, great thirst, pale yellowish skin and eyes, are the symptoms usually met with in liver complaints.
Treatment. -- Everything should be avoided of a heating
or stimulating nature. The diet should consist of light soups or
broths, and some vegetables. Drink an abundance of hot water, say
at least six to ten pints a day. The bowels, of course, should be
kept open in all cases. Short exercise should be indulged in daily.
In giving the treatment sit behind or in front of your patient, place your
hands on each side of the body a little above the waistline, force the
vibrations into the inflamed parts, exercising a steady intention to break
up the congested condition and restore harmony.
INFLAMED SPLEEN
Inflamed spleen is occasionally brought on by chills and fever; a swollen and painful condition in the left side above the waistline. The spleen is more or less enlarged. It can often be felt by the hand. The patient is generally constipated. The legs become very weak, and a burdened and impoverished condition of the blood, sometimes causing palpitation of the heart.
Treatment. -- Apply the same treatment as in inflammation
of the liver. A warm bath should be taken once or twice a week.
GASTRITIS
This ailment is felt by intense pressure in the stomach, caused by gas accumulating within the stomach inflating it to a painful degree, producing nausea, hiccough or vomiting, and usually some fever. Ice water drunk when the body is very warm will produce it. Any starchy food causing fermentation will cause it.
Treatment. -- Place the positive hand (very hot)
upon the stomach and the other upon the lumbar plexus, exercising the intention
to produce eructations, after which give a general equalizing application.
If the patient is corpulent, a cold sponge bath is recommended. Otherwise,
let the bath be tepid. Total abstinence will be advisable until the
pains subside. (See cramp in stomach.)
INFLAMED KIDNEYS
This disease may be known by pain in the region of the kidneys, accompanied by a soreness in the loins, and a numbness in the thighs.
Treatment. -- Be careful of all kinds of stimulating
foods and drinks. The diet should be very light and chiefly vegetables.
Hot water in abundance should be the principal drink. Apply the hot
hands to the kidneys at least ten minutes, exercising a steady intention
to break up the inflammation and to equalize the circulation. Revulse
the muscles of the lumbar plexus.
INFLAMMATION
Inflammation of the different organs of the body
are treated in the same manner as the foregoing diseases. The diet
should always be light and nourishing. The drinks should be principally
water, neither extremely hot or cold. The intention to be used in
treating should correspond with conditions desired. The magnetic
treatment in any of those cases should continue until the “aura” appears
in the palm. It may take three minutes or it may require half
an hour to produce this effect, but in no case can the treatment be complete
until this effect has been produced. This shows, without doubt, that
your patient has been benefitted, that your efforts have reached the subjective
mind of the patient, and started the forces which are to overcome the diseased
conditions of the body.
INFLUENZA
This disease belongs to the epidemic class, and its visits are without warning, and spreads with great rapidity. The symptoms are very much like a compilation of diseases all at the same time. There is fever, great weakness, no appetite, short breath, great thirst, bad cough, and a heavy cold on the lungs, throat and bronchial tubes; there is usually much pain in the head and eyes, running of the nose. The fever soon passes away, but the inclination to add more cold continues for several days and the patient should avoid exposure as much as possible.
Treatment. -- Those having a robust constitution and a generally healthy body will have very little trouble from this source, but those of a weak and debilitated organism will have a fierce battle with the enemy before it can be vanquished. But, with the proper influences brought to bear on the case, the patient can easily pull through. Medical treatment is not to be considered. The room should be of even temperature and maintained at about seventy degrees F. Let the patient remain in bed, keep the bowels open, the drinks should be principally hot water, at regular intervals; a hot magnetic compress is of great value. Take great precautions when the fever leaves, as the body is then very susceptible to external influences, and should not be exposed. It is needless to say that the diet should be light and nutritious.
In most cases there is very little treatment required
except in chronic cases. Plenty of rest and good, warm, comfortable
quarters and a good nurse will generally bring the patient out in good
shape. The magnetic treatment should be for the intention of breaking
up the fever, forcing the perspiration, equalizing the circulation, and
stimulating into activity the natural functions of the body. The
application should be made with the hands very hot on chest, throat and
stomach. The spine and intercostal muscles should be manipulated
with the intention of overcoming the congestion. Give the neck the
rotary treatment.
JAUNDICE
The cause of this trouble is an obstructed condition of the bile duct, or the neck of the gall bladder, interfering with the free passage of the gall into the intestines, causing the bile to be absorbed into the blood producing a yellowish appearance of the skin and eyes.
Treatment. -- In connection with this ailment the
stomach will be found disordered. The diet should be principally
matured fruit and vegetables, the drink suitable for this case is mostly
hot water; the bowels should be evacuated daily. In treating this
trouble the liver should receive the greatest attention. Place the
hot hands on the body in the region of the liver exercising the intention
to relax the congestion, stimulate the functions, and equalize the circulation.
The stomach should be toned up also with an application of the hands with
the intention of stimulating its functions into activity. The hot
mgnetic bath should be employed semi-weekly.
LUMBAGO
Lumbago is in most cses the van-guard of sciatica. The seat of this disese is in the region of the loins, the muscles of the back become very sore and a stiffness of the muscles seems to be the cause of sudden, sharp and shooting pains, which appear as a shock in the lumbar region, which almost prostrates the patient. If this condition is allowed to continue, it gradually follows the sciatic nerve down either limb, producing the usual sharp, shooting pains as in lumbago. This is a rheumatic affection and should be treated as such.
Treatment. -- The treatment of this ailment has been discussed under the head of rheumatism, but it can be repeated under this head for the convenience of the reader. You will recognize this trouble by its plunging, darting and violent character, which appears in paroxysms which generally last from one to six hours, and with extreme agony and suffering while it lasts.
Its periodical visits and its absence of inflammation are recognizable characteristics of this disease. In treating this affliction, go first to the stomach. There you will find disorder. Treat the same with the usual intention, which should be to establish normal activity. Instruct your patient to avoid excesses of all kinds. Manipulations are made with a view of aiding the circulation through the parts afflicted. When this is done, you have accomplished all that could be desired locally. Lumbago may be classed among rheumatic affections. It is treated with hot hands with vigorous, deep, hard and heavy manipulations. The intention should never be lost sight of, but kept foremost in the work before you, flexing the lower limbs with the intention of revulsing the muscles of the spine. Place the patient upon his back and flex each limb in all directions. Revulse the muscles of the spine with the intention of removing all obstructions to the circulation, which will immediatey relieve the patient.
Many cases of this character have been cured within
a week, and the writer has brought permanent relief to many of his patients
in one treatment.
NEURALGIA
This disease can be classed among the rheumatic affections, or, in other words, nervous rheumatism. The face is often attacked, also the ulnar nerve, sciatica also relates to this class of nervous diseases. (See Rheumatism.)
Treatment. -- A general treatment to equalize the
circulation, apply the hot hands to the seat of pain, exercising the intention
to subdue the pain and restore the circulation to the painful parts.
Induce the patient to relax and become perfectly quiet, then the soothing
strokes and passes may be applied with a beneficial effect. Verbal
suggestions should be given with the intention of soothing and encouraging
your patient to overcome the affliction, bringing the forces within to
bear on the discordant symptoms, and to crush them out.
NOCTURNAL EMISSIONS
Weaknesses of this character are mostly peculiarities
of young men, and there need be no alarm as long as they do not occur too
often, thus causing extreme weakness. They consist of involuntary
discharges of the seminal fluid, influenced by dreams or imaginations of
the person so afflicted. If they only occur occasionally, there need
be no anxiety felt, but if they become too profuse or too often causing
great waste of vitality, the case should be looked after and alleviated
without delay. The general cause is excessive indulgences, sexually
and otherwise. The system is invariably debilitated, which condition is
the effects of excessive and ruinous practices. It is absolutely
necessary that all such influences be immediately checked before permanent
relief can be expected.
PALPITATION OF THE HEART
When there is a fluttering of the heart, which can be felt by placing the hand upon the chest, when the patient has no knowledge of it, there is some reason to expect organic disease. But when he observes the symptoms mentioned above, there is only functional derangement or nervous affection. The stomach will, in most cases, be found as the principal cause. The blood is usually encumbered with foreign substances, preventing free circulation. Palpitations are not always an indication of organic disease. In most all cases there is indigestion, causing an impoverished blood supply.
Treatment. -- The treatment necessary would be very
much like that of dyspepsia, or indigestion, except it might be well to
treat the heart direct, by placing the positive hand over the region of
the heart, and the other opposite, exercising a steady intention to stimulate
its functions and restore normal conditions. Raise the palm of the
right hand, place the fingers firmly upon the body in the region of the
heart, move the hand in a rotary motion, pressing slightly in order to
free the muscles of the chest, thus producing a revulsion and admitting
a free circulation. If the patient is in a reclining or horizontal
position, the mesmeric passes may be used with a quieting effect.
PARALYSIS
There are several kinds of paralysis, among them may be mentioned Paralysis Agitans, the shaking, or it is sometimes called the dancing palsy; Hemiphlegia, when one side of the body is affected; and Paraphlegia, when it is in the lower part of the body, which is often deprived of its motive power. But in all cases it is either the brain or the nervous system which is being pressed in some form, which simply cuts off the nerve force formerly controlling that part so affected. There is one form which is called Creeping, on account of its gradual appearance, sometimes consuming months before it entirely asserts itself. This creeping characteristic denotes general debility, and an obstructed venous or nervous circulation, or both. When the head itself becomes involved the mouth and eye are drawn to the side. The power of speech and memory are more or less affected. If either of the limbs are attacked there will be a loss of motion and sensibility, as well as a shrinking of the muscles of the limb so affected. It is often that the approach is very slight, a finger, the tongue, a hand, foot, arm, or limb may be slightly influenced by a tingling sensation indicating the presence of the first symptoms.
Treatment. -- The treatment is usually effective at once, but often takes some days to make a good showing in the patient’s recovery. Treatment to establish normal circulation is the first thing to be done. The spine must be manipulated vigorously with a deep and heavy rotary motion from the head to the coccyx. Do not permit the hand to slip on the skin, but let the skin and muscles move with the hand. The intention during the treatment should be steady revulsion, thus freeing the circulation and nerve force. Flex the limbs in all directions with the same steady intention. Indigestion will usually be found accompanying the above symptoms, and should receive its share of attention, and the usual treatment for this complaint must be given in order to bring the patient to a rapid recovery. In those cases the patient can easily stand one treatment a day, and in most cases the patient can be restored to health in from two to six weeks, except in cases of long standing, which of course will take longer.
The writer has treated many cases of paralysis successfully, among them may be mentioned a gentleman from Kansas City, Mo., who had been afflicted in his entire left side for four years. He was at times able to move around a little, but his arm was entirely useless. The circulation was so much obstructed that his arm and limb were very cold. After the first treatment the circulation was so much restored that the temperature was almost normal, the treatments being continued daily for two weeks, when he pronounced himself entirely cured.
Another case may be mentioned was that of an old
gentleman from Iowa who was entirely helpless in both limbs and arms.
He had not walked for nine years until he was placed in my hands at the
Weltmer Institute. After the second treatment he got up and walked
from the treating room to the street.
PILES
Constipation is the principal cause of piles. There will be found small tumors in the lower extremity of the rectum, usually accompanied by a heavy, painful feeling in the back, loins, and in the bottom of the abdomen. Pains in the head, nausea, flatulence are often present. Those tumors are often forced to burst by extreme pressure, causing a hemorrhage, which gives temporary relief.
Treatment. -- The first effort should be to examine
your patient for constipation, and if found should at first be broken up,
as in order to get permanent relief this must be done. To assist
free motions of the bowels it may be necessary to distend the walls of
the rectum, which is done by inserting the index finger as far up the rectum
as possible, spreading the walls in all directions, thus permitting the
free circulation of the blood. If the hemorrhoids are found to protrude,
they should be replaced with a soft cloth spread with vaseline. This
should be done very carefully to prevent pain to your patient. This
treatment is regarded as perfectly safe and is the most effective treatment
known to the writer, and has proven infallible in every case thus far treated.
In most cases of obstinate constipation, piles are found to exist, and
except in very painful conditions, this direct application is omitted,
giving entire attention to the cause which, when removed, the piles immediately
disappear of themselves. In prolapsus of the rectum, the patient
should be directed to immediately rise from stool after the passage of
the first section of the faeces, which will prevent the protrusion of the
rectum. The intention on the part of the operator should be exercised
during the treatment, in strict accord with the movements above mentioned.
The patient must be induced to assume a passive attitude, and should be
kept informed at all times with the intention of the operator, thus securing
perfect communication.
PLEURISY (PLEURITIS)
One of the symptoms of, or the direct cause of pleurisy pains, is a severe cold, with more or less fever, a short dry cough, a depressed feeling in the chest, which increases to an acute pain, a shortness of breath, the pain intensifies with every breath. The pulse is hard and quick, the skin hot, the tongue white, the cheeks flushed, the urine scanty and high colored. Those conditions usually last from three to four days, when they gradually subside, except the pleurisy pains which often continue in an inflammatory condition, finally becoming chronic.
Treatment. -- There being an inflamed condition, the manipulations and intention should be to equalize the circulation by subduing the inflammation and relaxing the tension in the intercostal muscles, as well as those of the spine and chest. Flex the arms in all directions, revulse the muscles of the spine with the intention of lifting the pressure from the thorax, thus freeing the nerves, and circulation which gives immediate relief after the first treatment.
The suggestions indicated are a daily improvement
until total recovery. All afflictions of the throat and lungs yield
readily to the foregoing treatment.
SCROFULA
There appears in different parts of the body glandular swellings, which after a time will break and exude a whitish curdled matter. In most cases small lumps appear on the neck which gradually increase in size and number, until they form one large collection of tumors, which finally merge into one whole. There is no part of the body exempt from the encroachments of this disease. It is strictly a blood taint giving evidence of its condition. There are a thousand and one symptoms of this disease and it would be useless to enumerate them. It will suffice to mention that any enlargement of the glands without provocation in the form of colds, bruises, etc., is indicative of scrofula being present in the system.
Treatment. -- Tepid and cold bathing should be resorted
to freely, as this will assist the skin in performing its part in casting
out the impurities from the blood. In all those ailments there will
be found inactivity in the digestive organs, which should be treated with
the intention of restoring them to their normal functions. A general
treatment for the special intention to purify the blood. A local
treatment of the neck will be of great advantage when the tumors are located
thereon. The treatment should be in perfect accord with the general
intention to purify the system, making it impossible for the diseased condition
to exist, thus literally driving it out of the system. Deep breathing
is one of the beneficial exercises that can be resorted to, and should
be indulged in very freely. Let the patient have an abundance of
hot water at all times. It will keep the perspiratory glands in active
operation.
STIFF NECK
This condition is generally brought on by sleeping
near an open window where there is a strong draught of air blowing in upon
the body. It is another form of cold, and can be relieved in a few
minutes by revulsing the muscles and tendons of the neck and shoulders,
with the intention of restoring the circulation. The stiffness will
then disappear.
SORE THROAT
Sore throat is caused principally from a cold.
There is usually some inflammation of the membrane, which is only the ordinary
form, and generally passes away in a few days. The treatment is the
same as for catarrh.
ANCHYLOSIS
In Anchylosis there will be found a stiffness of the joint directly caused by the absence of the synovial fluid which lubricates the joint. Any accident that will admit of the loss of this lubricating fluid will produce Anchylosis, or a stiffness of the joint.
Treatment. -- Place the patient in a reclining position,
and induce extreme passivity. Let the eyes be closed, place the hot
hands on the stiff joint, exercising the intention to start the secretions
which lubricate the joint. This concentration should continue for
at least ten minutes at each treatment. The muscles surrounding the
joint should have a thorough revulsive treatment, releasing the circulation.
When the bones of the joint supporting the synovial membrane become thoroughly
knitted together, as if it were one solid bone, the relief of the joint
will require several months to produce revulsion.
CHOREA
The advance cause of Chorea is generally debility, nervous shocks, extreme excitement, excessive physical or mental labor, in fact, all excessive habits are regarded as common causes.
Symptoms. -- Obstinate constipation, producing pressure upon the nerves and arteries in the pelvic region, thus obstructing the circulation. In this condition the patient is unable to walk steadily, with more or less jerkiness in his movements. In the attempt to communicate motion to any set of muscles, these immediately become uncertain in their actions, and either refuse to obey the will, or obey it imperfectly. The speech is sometimes affected. The eyes lose their brightness and intelligence. In many cases the mentality becomes more or less involved. The entire muscular system is never attacked simultaneously. In some instances, the perfect control which is retained over other parts, compared with the mutinous state of the remainder, is very remarkable. Sometimes, though, the gesticulations are most absurd, the speech is easy and fluent; and sometimes, when unable to walk with any degree of regularity, the patient can sing and play with the most perfect accuracy. The patient regards his condition with the most surprising indifference, having no pain to speak of. He seems to enjoy himself and his surroundings with all satisfaction, as though he were in perfect health.
Treatment. -- Treat the stomach and bowels as the
primary cause. After the impacted condition of the colon is removed,
and the bowels are restored to a regular daily evacuation, the patient
will begin to improve. Strong manipulations on each side of the spine
should be given, with the intention of removing all pressure and releasing
the circulation. The limbs should be treated as in rheumatism, exercising
the intention to stimulate the nervous system and restore the circulation
to the extremities, flexing the limbs in all directions if they indicate
a low temperature or a slow pulse.
SUPPRESSION OF URINE
A frequent desire to urinate, accompanied with great difficulty in doing so, is called STRANGURY. If no water can be passed it is called suppression of urine.
Causes. -- Exposure to cold, excessive drinking, constipation, enlargement of the prostate gland, stone in the bladder, or kidneys, etc.
Symptoms. -- If from stone in bladder, the stream will be divided, or suddenly checked. If from stone in the kidneys, often nausea, vomiting, and pains in the loins. A constant desire to urinate, and cannot, or if it can be voided, much pain and difficulty accompanies the action. The bladder is usually much enlarged. The prostate gland often acts as a check-valve, and is generally considerably enlarged.
Treatment. -- All straining in an attempt to void the urine should be avoided, and an effort on the part of the patient to relax should be encouraged. The bowels should be kept open. Place the patient in a quiet, easy and comfortable position so that he can become perfectly relaxed. Induce him to assume a passive state of mind. Place the positive hand upon the sacrum plexus, the other on the pubis, exercising the intention to relax tension in the obstructed parts. Stimulate the natural functions to normal action, subdue the inflammation, and free all obstructions to the circulation. Gentle strokes down the spine, with the intention of equalizing the circulation and soothing the patient. As soon as relaxation can be produced, the urine will flow freely, and your patient will be in perfect ease. Let your suggestions to your patient be to relax, and assume a quiet state of mind.
Place your patient face downward, close the right
hand and place it upon the spine in the sacral region, giving a sudden
downward pressure from the coccyx to the lumbar plexus, with the intention
to free the nerves controlling the urinary organs. There have been
many cases cured permanently at the Weltmer Institute, some of long standing.
One in particular was that of a gentleman in north Missouri who was continually
tormented for fifteen years. He is now in perfect health.
VOMITING
The principal cause of vomiting is indigestion, or a lack of perfect digestion, the stomach being overloaded, the contents decompose, and a nauseating feeling, followed by spasmodic efforts to evacuate the stomach. It may also be caused from weakness. When the sickness comes from indigestion, it is not to be considered as alarming, but rather the means of relief. It should, therefore, be assisted by drinking lukewarm water. If the vomiting is caused by spasmodic affections of the stomach, a hot magnetic compress may be applied, which will afford relief.
If the patient is in bed, reach over him, grasping
the body below the shoulder blades and lift gently until the body bends,
then place both hands upon the abdomen after making them as hot as possible.
Let them remain for a few minutes, exercising the intention to quiet the
nervous system. If the patient is sitting up, the operator stands
behind placing the knee near the spine on the left side near the small
of the back. He now takes the patient by the shoulders and pulls
gently but firmly backward. Let the patient relax to correspond with
the movements of the operator. Place the hot hands on each side of
the cervical plexus for a few minutes, exercising the intention to produce
perfect relaxation.
WARTS
Warts, moles, etc., can be eradicated by being burnt
out with scarcely the least pain, thus: By so holding a sunglass or strong
lens in the sun that its focus will cover the head of the wart or mole
for a minute or two. You kill the life of its head and, within a
week it comes out from its roots, a smooth skin forms in its place, and
it is dead without leaving any descendants. This cure applies equally
to all hair moles.
SCALDS, BURNS, ETC.
Scalds and burns should be immediately immersed in
water, cold or warm, as is most agreeable, and kept there till the smarting
ceases, then cover them with flour and let them alone. The fact that
after half or more of one’s skin has been scalded or burnt, he must die,
is full of meaning, and shows how absolutely essential is its office.
But if those scalded by hot water or steam will jump into cold water, clothes
and all, or can have cold water dashed upon them, will instantly stop their
hot clothes from burning them any more and take out the burn more effectually
than any other means. Or, if a hand, arm, foot or any other part
of the body is thus burnt, either hold the parts in water or bind with
a wet bandage, or lay on a thickness of cotton cloth, and pour on cold
water, gently, but steadily, until the pain ceases. The cold probably
effects the cure, because as soon as the flesh heats the water the burn
aches; whereas, moving it in the water, that is, keeping cold water next
to the skin, eases and cures it.
CUTS AND BRUISES
Cuts and bruises should be bound up in their own blood, before they stop bleeding, and then left alone, or if they cause pain, keep them wet with cold water. Blood is the best dreessing in the world. It coagulates and dries, thus forming an air-tight covering, which seals up the wound while nature goes on to heal it. Do salves or plasters carry off waste matter or insert new flesh? They are better than nothing, because they keep out the cold, protect it, etc.; but do that far less than a blood poultice.
Powdered chalk on all kinds of sores and raw places is most excellent. It unites with the exudations to form a perfect coating under which the healing progresses finely.
Dressings irritate, and must be avoided as much as possible. Of course, when suppuration is in progress, the yellow, corrupt matter must have an outlet, which can easily be made through the blood overcoat.
Every touch pains, because it injures. Let
our involuntary shrinking from it warn all to let them alone. -- Fowler.
Cold water is the best restorative. It will
probably give a feeling of comfort and what feels good, is good.
ATROPHY
Atrophy is a gradual wasting of the muscles of any or all parts of the body, caused by inactivity of the lacteals, in not taking up the nutritive elements of the food, or indigestion, which admits of decomposition of foods eaten, thus destroying all nutritive processes, which is literally starving the body. The nerves being poorly nourished, they lack the necessary energy to perform their natural functions, producing a contracted condition of the arterial circulation, thus preventing the free distribution of what little nutrition there may be left.
Treatment. -- For the restoration of wasted flesh,
the blood circulation must be restored, if only temporarily, in order to
convey the nutritive elements to all parts of the body. This process
will stimulate the nervous system and start up the digestive organs, which
will, in turn, furnish more energy for the up-building of the emaciated
muscles. The following manipulations are excellent with a strong
and steady intention to liberate the circulation. Revulse all the
spinal muscles, as well as the intercostal and abdominal muscles.
Flex all the muscles of the limbs, and, to remove all remaining pains,
the mesmeric passes may be successfully employed.
WHITE SWELLING
Called Hip Joint disease sometimes is a very painful and distressing affection of any of the joints of the limbs, mostly the larger joints. Immediate attention to this disease will prevent it from assuming a chronic character. The knee is the joint mostly attacked, although any joint is liable to become the seat of the disease. It will be met with mostly in its chronic form and will require considerable time and patience to cure it.
Treatment. -- Place the hot hands upon the joint,
hold the joint firmly until perspiration sets up, after which ply the joint
in all directions. Revulse the muscles, exercising a steady intention
throughout to restore the natural functions to their normal condition.
Suggest improvement after the patient has become perfectly quiet and relaxed
for a few days.
(CEREBRO) SPINAL MENINGITIS
In the examination of the patient, obstinate constipation will be found. Also, the tongue will be coated white; a hot and dry skin, great thirst. There is a rush of blood to the head and much throbbing of the arterial circulation. The eyeballs become blood-shotten and the pupils contracted. The eyes have an expression of great fear. There are often symptoms of delirium, nausea, and vomiting, and even mild fits and spasms are in evidence. There are shooting pains which cause the patient to scream out with a suddenness resembling an explosion. More or less fever is present, and the upper part of the spine is congested. The muscles in the region of cervical and dorsal vertebrae contract at times so much that the head is drawn back, but this symptom does not always occur.
Treatment. -- In treating spinal meningitis, it is essential at all times to reduce the fever and start the peristaltic action of the bowels.
Revulse the muscles of the head and neck with the intention to releasing the circulation and induce relaxation.
The spine should receive vigorous manipulations,
revulsing the muscles through the entire length, exercising the intention
to relax, releasing the circulation and removing the pressure from the
nerves. Treatments should be given every six or eight hours.
GRANULATED SORE EYES
This seems to be a chronic state of an acute attack of ordinary sore eyes, which has been neglected, or at least a case which has not been cured. If allowed to continue it may result in serious consequences and may interfere considerably with the patient’s sight.
Treatment. -- Place the patient on a stool, taking
your place behind him. Gently manipulate the insides of the orbital
ridges as completely as possible. Revulse all the surrounding muscles,
which restores the circulation. If there are many granules present,
manipulate to dislodge them by forcing the circulation through that region.
Hold the hot hands over the eyes for a few minutes, exercising the intention
to equalize the circulation and restore normal conditions. Suggest
improvement with daily treatment. Many cases have been cured at the
Weltmer Institute, which had been previously treated with every known remedy
without relief.
INFLAMED EYES
The vanguard of inflamed eyes is cold, and needs treatment for that ailment. The local conditions are inflammation of the eyeball and lids. There is a smarting sensation to that produced by dust, the balls become very red, showing an effusion of blood in the veins.
Treatment. -- Thrice daily application of magnetized
water will do much to reduce the inflammation. See treatment for
Granulated Sore Eyes, which is applicable to this condition as well.
Suggest improvement when directions are followed to the letter.
LOCOMOTOR ATAXIA
The patient finds difficulty in properly maintaining his balance and, in walking, his movements are tottering like a man intoxicated. It is difficult for him to maintain his equipoise and walk with his eyes closed. If his arms are affected, their movements are uncertain. The eyes and attention must be constantly directed to the motion which is about to be performed, or it is imperfectly done. The brain centers in this case supply the weakened action of the nerves, and the stimulus to the muscles is directed by the objective instead of the subjective mind, as in health. Still later, the action of the muscles becomes spasmodic and jerking. The neuralgic pains become, at times, very distressing; there is often a sense of constriction around the limbs or body, as if they were encircled with tight cords. In extreme cases locomotion becomes impossible, the patient is unable to bring the hand to the mouth, and the speech may become impaired, articulation being imperfect and difficult. In all cases there is more or less loss of sensation to the lower limbs. The inability to feel the contact of the ground or floor occasions the difficulty of walking.
Causes. -- Indigestion, general debility, excessive indulgences, extreme mental or physical labor, long continued use of intoxicating liquors, excessive use of stimulants, anything that will tend to break down the nervous system is liable to produce it. Constipation is said to be one of the immediate causes, as the impacted colon causes pressure upon the nerves and obstructing the circulation within the abdominal region, thus preventing the free action of the nervous system, thereby cutting off communication from the subjective mentality, which must depend upon indirect communication through other nerves not involved, to the muscles to be acted upon, to which action is necesssarily uncertain and imperfect. The general health does not seem to be influenced to any very great extent, and on this account it has the appearance of a local disease entirely, while the cause may be a general weakness of the entire system.
Treatment. -- The writer has treated many cases of this character, and some of them were entirely cured while others were greatly benefitted.
In treating this ailment, try to discover the cause, and remove it. If it is constipation, your patient will immediately show improvement when it is broken up. It is well to depend upon general treatment until there is observed a direct obstacle in the free action of the nervous system, which must receive immediate attention, until the cause is removed. Establish perfect circulation. See perspiration and water drinking directions.
Treat the muscles of the spine with the intention
of freeing the nerves and increasing the circulation, stomach and bowels.
To restore perfect digestion and daily evacuations, revulse the intercostal
and thoracic muscles with the intention of increasing respiration and chest
expansion. Prescribe semi-weekly baths, intention to remove obstructions
and encourage perspiration.
SMALLPOX--HOW TO TREAT IT
All contagious diseases can be easily handled and never prove fatal when the proper precautions are taken in time. Take that of Small Pox, one of the most dreaded diseases that can afflict humanity. This can easily be used to get rid of all the morbid poisons that have accumulated in the system, as completely as any other means known to science, extending the chances to live to a ripe old age. If the person has been exposed, and before the disease manifests itself, let the diet be very light, resort frequently to the sweat baths. The magnetic vapor bath is the best.
Drink hot water and teas at short intervals, and especially on going to bed. Take extra precautions to prevent taking cold.
When the disease makes its appearance, let it take its course and be careful not to offer any opportunity for a relapse. A magnetic flour poultice should be applied upon the face to prevent pitting, and should be worn until the skin is entirely well. Never allow the scabs to be disturbed, but let them drop off when the proper time comes. When the patient is convalescing and the appetite is improving, there should be extra care taken as to quality and quantity of food eaten. Exercise may be taken, but never to a point of fatigue. If any of the pits do not fill properly, apply a cloth wet with magnetized water. Keep the cloth always thoroughly wet.
Never lose sight of the fact that the power to pull the patient through is in him, and it is the operator’s duty to see that those forces are kept at work and are doing their whole duty, there being perfect agreement between the operator and patient. There is no such thing as fail.
Everything depends on how the patient comes through the spell, as to his future. If he gets out in good shape, he will be the better for his sickness, but if he remains loaded down with effects of drug treatment, he will be later burdened with other ills.
All possibilities of relapses should be guarded against
at all hazards. They are much more dangerous than the disease itself
and are many times more fatal. Most all yellow fever patients die
from relapses rather than the disease itself on account of the want of
attention during their illness. The nurse is the most important personage
in the care of the sick. An expert should be employed where it is
possible to do so. This applies to all contagious skin diseases.
APPENDICITIS
Miss W., 20 years old, has been cured of Appendicitis by a new method. No knife was used, no medicine, no poultice, no ice pack, none of the usual methods used by doctors and surgeons. Only eight minutes elapsed from the time the doctor reached the patient until he had completed his work.
The operator, Dr. H., of this city, applied one hand
to a point midway between the thigh of the young woman and a point above
the stomach. Then bent up the right leg at the knee joint and gave
the leg a slight twist by means of a quick motion, emptying the appendix
by forcing the femur bone against it. Miss W. is up and feels no
inconvenience.
DEAFNESS
The eustachian tube, an air passage which communicates between the throat and middle ear. This passage is lined by a continuation of the mucous membrane which covers the throat and nasal passages. The catarrhal process, by continuity of surface, follows the mucous membrane, thickening its structure, until the eustachian tube is closed, and the beautiful mechanism of the middle ear is thus rendered useless. While the thickening of the mucous membrane is going on and the passage is gradually becoming closed (and this process extends through several years), the patient will occasionally, while blowing the nose, experience a crackling in one or both ears, and hearing becomes dull, but returns suddenly, accompanied with a snapping sound. This may be repeated many times, until, finally, hearing does not return, but remains permanently injured. In other cases the hearing is lost so gradually that a considerable degree of deafness may exist before the person is aware of the fact. Either condition is often accompanied with noises in the head of every conceivable description, increasing the distress of the sufferer.
Treatment. -- Stand behind the patient, place the hand over the ears pressing them gently but firmly forceing the vibrations through the auditory tubes for a few minutes. Then place a folded handkerchief over the ear and breathe slowly through the handkerchief into the ear. Then place the index fingers one in each ear as far as possible without pain to the patient. Then suddenly withdraw them, producing a noise similar to that of drawing a cork from a bottle. The auditory nerves should be rotated with the intention of refreshing and reinforcing local nutrition. It is also revulsive, a potent stimulant to the organs and function of hearing, and has often cured deafness.
To distend the walls of the eustachian tube, have the patient grasp the nose with thumb and finger, closing the nostrils. Force the air into the mouth with considerable pressure, which will cause the air to pass into the eustachian tube, thus admitting a free passsge of air to the middle ear, which immediately restores this particular kind of deafness.
In treating the ears, have the patient concentrate
his mind upon the middle ear while the operator holds his hands over the
auditory tubes, exercising the intention of forcing the circulation through
the weakened organ, toning the nerves to normal activity. In most
cases the general health needs attention, and will do much to prepare the
system for local treatment of the ears.
SEMINAL WEAKNESS
“Man possesses few powers which are more highly prized than those of virility, which is the very essence of manhood. He is but the counterfeit of a man, who hath not the life of a man.” -- Pierce.
Seminal Weakness may be the result of marital excesses.
A proper sexual gratification contributes to the health and happiness of
both parties. On the other hand, intemperate indulgence not only
prevents fruitfulness, but ultimately, if persisted in, renders the husband
entirely impotent, and undermines and destroys the constitution of the
wife. Spermatorrhoea may be induced by spinal irritation, intestinal
worms, or piles.
NOCTURNAL EMISSIONS
When there is great weakness, seminal discharges may be induced by lifting heavy weights, pressure upon the genital organs, horse-back riding, straining at stool, or even upon urinating, as muscular efforts are made to expel the last drops, which appear thick and viscid.
They are at first occasioned by lascivious dreams, yet, as the disease progresses, the erections become less perfect and the losses are only revealed by the depression of spirits experienced next morning, and by the stiffened and stained spots on the linen. In the beginning these emissions may not occur more than once in two or three weeks, unless the patient becomes unduly excited or stimulated by drinks, food or otherwise. But, as the disease progresses, the emissions may occur as often as once every night. In the advanced stages of the disease the testicles and other generative organs waste and become reduced in size. There is a weakened condition in the sacrum, and in the posterior region the flesh will be perceptibly cold and more or less barren of circulation.
Treatment. -- Manipulate and revulse the spine in
the lumbar and sacral region. Place the positive hot hand upon the
sacrum and the other upon the pubis, exercising a steady intention to force
the circulation into the weakened organs. Continue this application
until aura appears in the palm. Suggest improvement after each treatment,
with a strong determination upon the part of the patient to overcome his
weakness. The results with this treatment have always been entirely
satisfactory, as the writer has never failed in a single case.
IMPOTENCY
Impotency is a loss of sex power, often caused by marital excesses. The powers of erectile tissues are diminished, and there is weakness which prevents the act of copulation, or the erection may be slow and not last long enough on account of a functional condition of the spinal cord.
Treatment. -- The treatment is the same as that of
Seminal Weakness. The patient will observe his return of manhood
on awakening in the morning with an erection. The patient’s back
will become stronger, and all pains will disappear.
CONGESTIVE CHILLS
Treatment. -- Place the patient upon the side and with the points of the fingers force the muscles of the spine away from the spinous process with an upward tendency, just before the regular time for the chill, or as near that time as possible. Commence at the inferior cervical ganglion, and proceed downward, revulsing the posterior muscles on each side, from the spinous process to anterior intercostal and thoracic muscles. A rotary motion may be applied with both hands placed flat upon the body, thus producing active capillary and surface circulation.
Place the hot hands upon each side of the neck, exercising
a steady intention to equalize the circulation. Let the hands encircle
the neck, the operator standing or sitting at the right and in front of
the patient; continue this application until aura appears in the palm,
when your patient is entirely relieved for that treatment. Those
treatments should be kept up until the chills are entirely broken up.
After the semi-daily chills have been overcome, the patient should take
a treatment once each week for three weeks just before the regular time
for the weekly reappearance.
GOITRE
In his description of Goitre, Dr. Pierce has this to say: “The thick neck or Goitre, also sometimes called bronchocele, consists of an enlargement of the thyroid gland, which lies over on each side of the trachea, or windpipe, between the prominence known as the ‘Adam’s apple,’ and the breast bone. The tumor gradually increases in front and laterally, until it produces great deformity, and often interferes with respiration and the act of swallowing. From its pressure upon the great blood vessels, running to and from the head, there is constant liability to engorgement of the blood, the brain, and to apoplexy and epilepsy, etc. When the enlargement makes its appearance, it continues to increase as long as the person lives, unless appropriate treatment is resorted to.”
Causes. -- A writer in a Swiss journal, Feuilles d’Hygiene, states that the disease is often due to an impeded circulation in the large veins of the neck, from pressure of the clothing, or from the head being bent forward, a position which is often seen in school-children when the muscles of the back of the neck have become fatigued.
Treatment. -- Grasp the clavicle with thumb and fingers,
lifting it up as much as the patient can stand, and at the same time take
the arm of the same side and raise it as high as possible, using it as
a leverage to stretch the muscles of the throat and chest with intention
of freeing the circulation. Work the other side the same. Give
a general neck and head treatment, revulsing all the muscles and tendons
thereto attached, which will force into activity the absorbent glands,
which are to be depended upon to remove the goitre.
AMENORRHOEA
The prevailing cause of suppressed menstruation is undue exposure to cold, failure of the general health, dullness of the eye-sight, with the weak and delicate, extreme languor, shiverings and tremblings. With the strong and robust, there will be a strong and full pulse, headache, pains in the limbs and back. When the menses do not appear at the regular periods there will be much excitement and irritation, with the above symptoms very pronounced. There will often be discharges of blood from the nose, mouth, stomach or bowels. In some cases the circulation will be unbalanced, extremes of temperature will simultaneously exist in different parts of the body, flushing of the face with cold extremities, and a tendency to faint, or become hysterical.
Treatment . -- Have the patient take horizontal position, face downward. Revulse the muscles of the lumbar and sacral vertebrae, very deeply, upward and outward.
Place the left hand upon the sacral plexus, and with the right under both knees, lift the limbs as high as the patient can bear it. Repeat this movement three or four times each treatment. The intention to be exercised while giving this treatment is to revulse and relax the lumbar and sacral muscles, thus removing the pressure from the nerves controling the genital organs.
Let the patient lie upon one side, place the hot
hands each upon the sacrum and pubis, exercising the intention to stimulate
the uterus and its supporting ligaments. Those applications, as a
rule, are successful in a few treatments, but some obstinate cases require
many treatments. However, if persistently continued, the most tenacious
will finally yield to this treatment, as the efforts cannot possibly be
in vain.
DYSMENORRHOEA
The principal symptom seems to be that of pain during the menstrual period. There is not sufficient relaxation at the exit of the uterus to admit of a free discharge which would necessarily prevent an accumulation of matter within the walls of the uterus, necessitating a spasmodic effort to dislodge the accumulation which is done by a sudden contraction of the walls, forcing the contents to the exterior, after which the pain subsides until another accumulation, which is voided as above, accompanied by the usual painful symptoms.
Treatment. -- The treatment is very much like that
recommended for Amenorrhoea. In either case the hot hip bath is regarded
with much favor for temporary relief. Hot magnetic compress, and
vaginal injections of warm magnetized water is very beneficial in all cases.
MENORRHAGIA
This term is restricted to an immoderate monthly flow. The menstrual flow may be in evidence too often, may appear too frequently, continue too long, or be too profuse. It weakens and enfeebles the patient, shortens the respirations, and debilitates to extremes.
Symptoms. -- There is a painful, itching and a weighty bearing down in the region of loins and abdomen, and often the breasts are much disturbed and become irritated. Headache, great thirst, and nervousness, unsettled feelings are present. In due time the flow makes its appearance and the above advance symptoms immediately disappear. The only marked symptom after the extreme loss of blood is a very weakened condition of the patient. If the flow discontinues, it is only displaced by leucorrhea, which causes the patient to gradually lose strength from time to time and finally the patient takes to her bed, completely exhausted.
Treatment. -- The patient should remain in bed in order to control the excessive flow and cold, magnetic compresses freely used. Give a general treatment with the intention to relax and quiet the entire system. Suggest rest and perfect ease when the circulation is thoroughly equalized. Encourage your patient to assume a hopeful attitude and avoid all nervous tension and excitement. Local applications with the hot hands upon the pubis and sacrum for a period of five to ten minutes, exercising a steady intention to allay all exciting conditions and induce perfect repose.
In all cases as above described, a permanent cure may be expected in a few days, when the general health has been thoroughly looked after.
General treatment see page 142.
PROLAPSUS UTERI
The womb (Uterus) is supported in its place by resting upon its vaginal walls, and by a broad ligament on either side, as well as by other connective tissues. In general debility, the supports of the uterus, like the other tissues of the body, become weakened and unable to perform their functions, thus permitting various displacements of that organ. The causes are aggravated by tight lacing, the pressure of the clothing increasing the weight upon the uterus and by the pressure of an impacted colon as in constipation, and the straining at stool. These causes combined press the uterus down through the vagina until it is sometimes forced out into the world. The above causes apply to nearly all women now living, and few escape, even the girls before they have hardly reached the age of womanhood are afflicted with those troubles. The foregoing explains the mysterious condition of most of such women who ought to be in perfect health.
Symptoms. -- The most prominent symptoms are sensations of dragging down in the region of the womb, pain in the back and loins, inability to lift weights, much fatigue from walking, leucorrhoea, a frequent desire to urinate, irritation of the lower bowel, and derangement of the stomach. The womb may protrude from the vaginal orifice; in very rare cases, wholly protrudes and may be inverted. We have already said that general debility favors prolapsus of the womb, but various general and local circumstances and conditions also favor its occurrence. Excess in sexual intercouse give rise to leucorrhoea, producing a relaxed condition of the vagina, upon which the womb rests. In this way, one of its supports is weakened.
Enlargement of the uterus from congestion and inflammation
or tumors also favor prolapsus. Abortion may leave the womb enlarged,
its supports weakened, and result in displacement.
FLEXIONS AND VERSIONS
When the uterus is bent upon itself it is called flexion. Instead of falling down into the vagina, as in prolapsus, the womb is liable to fall or be forced into other unnatural positions. When the womb is bent backward it is called retroflexion; if forward, ante-flexion.
Symptoms. -- The most prominent symptoms of retroflexion of the uterus is a sense of weight in the region of the rectum, difficulty of evacuating the bowels, and sometimes producing obstinate constipation. There may be also suppression of the urine, and the menses may be diminished in quantity. If retroflexion is due to chronic enlargement of the uterus, caused by abortion or parturition, the patient suffers from an immoderate menstrual flow.
Causes. -- Congestion is liable to occur in women
possessing an extremely active temperament, as well as in those of sedentary
or indolent habits. Retroflexion is a common occurrence in both married
and unmarried women; it is a secondary affection, and, when it is caused
by congestion, the menses are painful and are reduced in quantity, and
there is pain in the back and a sense of weight in the region of the rectum.
In some instances there is a sympathetic irritation of the mammary glands,
and a consequent secretion of milk. There may also be nausea and
vomiting, which often lead to the erroneous opinion that the patient is
pregnant.
ANTE-FLEXION
Ante-flexion of the uterus denotes a bending forward
of the body and fundus of the uterus, while the neck remains in its natural
position. In versions of the uterus, neither the body nor the neck
is bent upon itself, but the whole organ is completely turned backward
or forward.
RETROVERSION
Retroversion of the uterus signifies a change in the position of the womb so that the upper, or fundal portion of the organ drops back toward the cavity of the sacrum while the neck preserves a straight line in the opposite direction. The fundus presses forcibly against the rectum, while the upper part of the vagina bends abruptly and forms an acute angle near the mouth of the uterus.
Symptoms. -- Retroverson is indicated by bearing down pains in the loins and a difficulty in evacuating the bowels.
Causes. -- Jumping, falling, or undue pressure from
the contents of the abdomen may suddenly cause retroversion of the uterus.
Sometimes retroversion is caused from obstinate constipation.
ANTE-VERSION
This term designates another unnatural position of the uterus in which the fundus, or upper part of the organ, falls forward while the neck points toward the hollow of the sacrum. This position of the womb is the reverse of that retroversion. In its natural position, the fundus of the uterus is slightly inclined forward, and any pressure or forward traction is liable to cause it to fall still further in that direction.
Symptoms. -- One of the most common symptoms of ante-version is a frequent desire to urinate in consequence of the pressure of the uterus upon the bladder. The free flow of the menses is sometimes obstructed.
Causes. -- The causes are tight lacing, prolapse of the abdominal organs, weakness of the supporting ligaments, and enervating habits.
Treatment. -- In treating all the various displacements of the uterus, the prominent indication is to tone up the general system, for by so doing we also strengthen the uterine supports. Digestion should be improved, the blood enriched, the nutrition increased, so that the muscles and ligaments which retain the womb in its proper position may become firm and strong. The womb will thus be gradually drawn into position by their normal action and firmly supported. The idea that a displacement is only a local disease requiring only local treatment is a mistake. However, temporary relief can be given by local treatment and should be resorted to at the proper time, which should be after the causes have been removed.
A restoration of the general health will result in the cure of these displacements. The uterus will regain its tone and muscular power, and the local derangement with its attendant pain and morbid symptoms will disappear.
Give general treatment daily, and local treatment when the bowels are free. Simply insert the index finger and gently replace the uterus to its normal position and, while holding it in its proper place have the patient contract the sphincter muscle of the vagina which supports, or should support the uterus, several times, in order that it may be repeated by the patient, twice daily while in a recumbent position Before arising and after retiring, is the most convenient, and should be practiced until complete relief is obtained. In this exercise all the muscles and ligaments supporting the uterus are brought into action. Thus, by exercise, they are strengthened and are enabled to perform their normal functions.
Manipulations corresponding with the requirements are those indicating general treatment of the spine with deep, revulsive movements, exercising a steady intention to restore normal circulation and remove all pressure form the nerves in the lumbar ration especially, enabling the motor system to operate freely within the walls of the pelvis.
Suggest improvement when all directions are strictly
complied with. Impress upon your patient the necessity of becoming passive
to the treatment as, in order to secure the best results, there must be
perfect accord between the patient and operator.
ULCERATION OF THE UTERUS
The severity of the symptoms depends upon the character of the ulceration. It may be purulent, or associated with leucorrhoea hemorrhage. If ulceration be slight and local, few symptoms will be present; but if it be associated with uterine debility, congestion and inflammation of the mucous membrane of the uterus, the discharge will be profuse, and there will be fixed pains in the back and loins, a bearing down sensation, and great difficulty in walking. The discharge is weakening, as it impoverishes the blood, and thus reduces the strength.
Ulceration may be induced by anything that excites inflammation of the lining membrane of the mouth and neck of the uterus. The use of pessaries, excessive sexual indulgences, injuries occasioned by giving birth to children, congestions, enlargements and displacements, may all operate as causes.
Treatment. -- The daily application of the general treatment of the spine and stomach is essential in all cases of this character.
Ulcers of the womb must be healed in the same manner
as ulcers upon any other part of the body. Enrich the blood, tone
up the system, keep the ulcers cleansed with warm magnetized water, and
they will generally heal. Local applications should be made with
the hot hands upon the sacrum and pubis for at least ten minutes at each
treatment, exercising a steady intention to increase the circulation through
the afflicted parts and to force the natural ssecretions, thus checking
the inflammation and re-establishing normal conditions.
OVATIAN TUMORS
Ovarian Tumors develop within the ovaries and are filled with a fluid or semi-fluid matter which is formed within the walls of the tumor.
The cysts vary in size; in some instances they are
not larger than a pea, while in others they are capable of containing many
quarts of fluid.
FIBROID TUMORS
Fibroid Tumors of the uterus are composed of fibrous tissue, identical in structure with that of the uterine walls. They are met with in all sizes, from that of a shot to that of a mass capable of filling the entire cavity of the abdomen. Cases are on record in which these tumors have attained the weight of seventy pounds.
The manner in which fibroid tumors terminate life
is generally by debility and prostration produced by pressure on, and consequently,
interference with the functions of some one or more of the organs essential
to life; or by anaemia and debility, produced by the severe hemorrhages
which, in intra-uterine or sub-mucous form, not infrequently induces.
POLYPOID TUMORS
Tumors of this character are of three kinds - cystic, mucous and fibrous. They vary greatly in size, sometimes being as large as a tea-cup. Their point of attachment may be extensive or consist only of a small pedicle. The cystic or mucous varieties may spring from any portion of the mucous surface of the uterus, but they are more frequently met with growing from the mucous membrane lining of the cervical canal and pendent from the mouth of the womb, while the fibrous variety generally grows from the sub-mucous tissue at or near the fundus, or upper portion of the uterus.
The most prominent symptoms of polypoid growths are hemorrhage, which is almost invariably present - leuchorrhea, pain, backache, and a sense of weight and dragging in the pelvis.
Treatment. -- Have the patient assume a recumbent position and completely relax all mental and physical tension and become entirely passive, close the eyes, concentrate the mind upon one thought suggested by the operator, and strive to maintain passivity to that particular thought only. Have the patient dwell upon the suggestions of the operator, who should strive to reach the patient’s subjective mind at all times through the manipulations and proper suggestions.
Place the hot hands upon the tumor, forcing the vibrations into it, exercising a steady intention to stimulate the absorbent glands into greater activity, thus taking up the tumorous growth by absorption. Give general treatment with the intention of putting the system in perfect health.
There have been many tumors removed in this way at
the Weltmer Institute, and it may be regarded as a reliable method, if
the patient can be brought to the realization of the power of an agreement
between the patient and the operator. In treating the tumor, the
operator should move it in all directions, exercising the intention of
dislodging the obstruction causing the backing up of the circulation of
the blood and lymph which produces the tumor.