Part 17 (1/2)

Whatever you may do, avoid everything in the form of drugs, for they are injurious in the highest degree. The continual excitation of the excretory processes by the use of cathartics is a most pernicious practice and should be shunned. A constant indulgence in the ”purgative habit” often renders the coating of the stomach so sensitive that even the presence of food in that organ irritates it and is frequently hurried out half digested.

The ”Cascade” should be used each alternate day, for at least two weeks, then, twice a week, until improvement is a.s.sured. Drink a tumblerful of hot water, not less than half an hour before breakfast and eat freely of fruit at that meal. Also partake liberally of good, green vegetables at other meals. Eating whole-wheat bread is of decided a.s.sistance, and make it a rule to drink from two to three pints of water each day.

PILES OR HEMORRHOIDS.

This is a disease of the r.e.c.t.u.m and muscles of the a.n.u.s, and is the direct result of constipation. The acc.u.mulation of hardened faecal matter distends the sigmoid flexure, causing inflammation, until from its own weight it falls down, producing prolapse of the bowels.

Frequently ulceration follows and the bowel is pressed out, tumors forming on the protruding portion.

Bleeding piles are caused by congestion of the rectal blood vessels.

The constant nerve irritation causes muscular contraction, consequently circulation is interfered with, producing a condition of engorgement. Owing to lack of nutrition the structures become brittle and quant.i.ties of the varicosed capillaries unite to form pile tumors.

The methods of treatment usually employed are, injecting astringents into the tumors to dry them up; to ligate the tumors, that they may die or drop off, or to amputate the portion of the r.e.c.t.u.m in which the tumors form (known as the radical operation), none of which prevent a return of the trouble. The only rational plan is to remove the cause.

TREATMENT.

First empty the colon, using the ”Cascade,” thus removing the cause, then the inflammation will subside and the protruding bowel go back into its place. Tumors will soon absorb if they are put back when they protrude. Sitting in a tub of hot water will cause the bowel to go back immediately. Hot water is Nature's astringent and never fails.

The following salve has been found of great value in facilitating recovery: Two heaped tablespoonfuls of vaseline or cosmoline, willow charcoal, one teaspoonful; canadies pinus canadensis, twenty-five drops; sulphate morphia, five grains. Mix well and apply up the r.e.c.t.u.m with the fingers as far as possible. But the most effective aid to a cure is to follow the use of the ”Cascade,” by inserting in the r.e.c.t.u.m a small piece of ice, about the size of the tip of the little finger (previously immersed in water to render it smooth), which will be found a most admirable rectal tonic, driving the blood away from the congested parts, and producing a bracing effect on the structures. In bad cases, it may be used with good effect several times during the day, and will be found equally beneficial in cases of prolapse of the r.e.c.t.u.m. The ice is to be retained in the r.e.c.t.u.m.

PARALYSIS OR PALSY.

These two terms signify one and the same disease; that is, a condition of the system in which the power of voluntary motion is lost. It is the outward manifestation of a deep-seated disease that can usually be traced to an obstructed colon and consequent disordered circulation.

The same causes promote apoplexy. A blood vessel is ruptured in the brain, causing a clot to form, which presses upon the nerves that convey the will of the mind to the muscles, thus stopping their action. It is not, as is usually supposed, an affection of the muscles, but of the nerves that control the muscular movements.

Sometimes one entire side of the body becomes affected and completely deprived of voluntary motion. Congestion of the brain is a preliminary of paralysis, and congestion of the brain are invariably due to an enlarged transverse colon.

One form of paralysis affects only certain parts of the body, such. as the lower limbs, or the reproductive organs, and is caused by pressure upon some large nerve communicating with the paralyzed portion. This is doubtless due to the pressure of an enlarged ascending or descending colon upon some of the lumbar plexus nerves, or their branches. This, however, refers to what may be termed local paralysis, or paralysis of certain parts.

Paralysis of an entire side of the body is due to pressure on the brain, and this is caused by defective circulation, induced by an unnaturally distended colon. While in this condition some severe physical exertion or mental strain increases the pressure beyond the power of resistance and a rupture is the result--when the patient falls, wherever he may happen to be.

TREATMENT.

Prevention of paralysis is very easy, for with a clean colon it is an impossibility, and the remedy is too plainly indicated to need pointing out. You have but to remove the cause--the acc.u.mulation in the colon. Ma.s.sage is a most valuable part of the treatment. To prevent the muscles from stiffening, and to retain the suppleness of the affected parts, frequent rubbings are necessary, and the mind should be stimulated to resume its control over the refractory muscles.

During an attack it is necessary to pay particular attention to diet-- easily digested, nonconstipating food only. You may have to revert to a spoon diet for awhile--and, as the liability to a second attack is great during the period of recovery, special attention must be given to diet to guard against it.

When power begins to return to the affected parts, a system of graduated exercises should be arranged, gradually increasing in force with the return of strength and normal control. These exercises will gradually educate the mind and restore its harmonious working with the body.

EPILEPSY, OR FALLING SICKNESS,

Is distinguished from apoplexy, or paralysis, by the convulsive action and foaming at the mouth. One prime cause of this most distressing complaint is the action of worms in the colon. In a number of cases treated by us, knots of worms were expelled, and the exciting cause being removed, complete recovery followed. The preventive treatment is simple. Use the ”Cascade” and out antiseptic tonic until the worms are entirely expelled. During a fit loosen the clothing at the throat and place something in the mouth, a cork, for instance, to prevent the patient from biting his tongue. Some fine salt thrust into the mouth will shorten the duration of the fit.

Another prolific cause is masturbation, in which case nothing but the abandonment of the habit and a cleanly life, both physically and morally, will effect a cure.

GONORRHEA.

This is a contagious disease, and its victims usually become the prey of unprincipled charlatans, who drive the disease inward by suppressing the symptoms. It affects the male much more seriously than the female. It commences with a slight uneasy sensation at the mouth of the urethra, between the second and seventh day after exposure to infection. The natural discharge of mucus is increased, and is more viscid, followed by acute inflammation. The discharge becomes thick and greenish and urination is painful. Swelling of the glands in the groin is common, called a bubo. Orchitis or swelling of the t.e.s.t.i.c.l.e is also a frequent accompaniment. Under the best of treatment it will require from four to six weeks to effect a cure, but if neglected it may mean months.