The Treatment of Acute Diseases by Natural Methods
Local Compresses
In case of local inflammation, as in appendicitis,
ovaritis, colitis, etc., separate cooling compresses may be slipped
under the pack and over the seat of inflammation. These local compresses
may be removed and changed when hot and dry without disturbing the
larger pack.
In all fevers accompanied by high temperature,
it is advisable to place an extra cooling compress at the nape of
the neck (the region of the medulla and the back brain), because
here are located the brain centers which regulate the inner temperature
of the body (thermotaxic centers), and the cooling of these brain
centers produces a cooling effect upon the entire organism.
Enemas
While ordinarily we do not favor the giving
of injections or enemas unless they are absolutely necessary, we
apply them freely in feverish diseases in order to remove from the
rectum and lower colon any accumulations of morbid matter, and thus
to prevent their reabsorption into the system. In cases of exceptionally
stubborn constipation, an injection of a few ounces of warm olive
oil may be given. Allow this to remain in the colon about thirty
minutes in order to soften the contents of the rectum, and follow
with an injection of warm water.
Just How the Cold Packs Produce
Their Wonderful Results
(1) How Cold Packs Promote Heat Radiation
Many people are under the impression that
the packs reduce the fever temperature so quickly because they are
put on cold. But this is not so, because, unless the reaction be
bad, the packs become warm after a few minutes' contact with the
body.
The prompt reduction of temperature
takes place because of increased heat radiation. The coldness
of the pack may lower the surface temperature slightly; but it is
the moist warmth forming under the pack on the surface of the body
that draws the blood from the congested interior into the skin,
relaxes and opens its minute blood vessels and pores, and in that
way facilitates the escape of heat from the body.
In febrile conditions the pores and capillary
blood vessels of the skin are tense and contracted. Therefore the
heat cannot escape, the skin is hot and dry, and the interior of
the body remains overheated. When the skin relaxes and the patient
begins to perspire freely, we say the fever is broken.
The moist warmth under the wet pack produces
this relaxation of the skin in a perfectly natural manner. By means
of these simple packs followed by cold ablutions, the temperature
of the patient can be kept at any point desired without the use
of poisonous antifever medicines, serums and antitoxins which lower
the temperature by benumbing and paralyzing heart action, respiration,
the red and white blood corpuscles, and thus generally lowering
the vital activities of the organism.
(2) How Cold Packs Relieve Inner
Congestion
In all inflammatory febrile diseases the
blood is congested in the inflamed parts and organs. This produces
the four cardinal symptoms of inflammation: redness, swelling, heat,
and pain. [Rubor, tumor, colar and dolar.] If the congestion be
too great, the pain becomes excessive, and the inflammatory processes
cannot run their natural course to the best advantage. It is therefore
of great importance to relieve the local blood pressure in the affected
parts and this can be accomplished most effectively by means of
the wet packs.
As before stated, they draw the
blood onto the surface of the body and in that way relieve inner
congestion wherever it may exist, whether it be in the
brain, as in meningitis, in the lungs, as in pneumonia, or in the
inflamed appendix.
In several cases where a child was in the
most dangerous stage of diphtheria, where the membranes in throat
and nasal passages were already choking the little patient, the
wet packs applied to the entire body from neck to feet relieved
the congestion in the throat so quickly that within half an hour
after the first application the patient breathed easily and soon
made a perfect recovery. The effectiveness of these simple water
applications in reducing congestion, heat and pain is little short
of marvelous.
(3) How Cold Packs Promote Elimination
By far the largest number of deaths in febrile
diseases result from the accumulation in the system of poisonous
substances, which paralyze or destroy vital centers and organs.
Therefore it is necessary to eliminate the morbid products of inflammation
from the organism as quickly as possible.
This also is accomplished most effectively
and thoroughly by the application of wet packs. As they draw the
blood into the surface and relax the minute blood vessels in the
skin, the morbid materials in the blood are eliminated through
the pores of the skin and absorbed by the packs. That this
is actually so is verified by the yellowish or brownish discoloration
of the wet wrappings and by their offensive odor.
One of the main causes of constipation in
febrile diseases is the inner congestion and fever heat. Through
the cooling and relaxing effect of the packs upon the intestines,
this inner fever heat is reduced, and a natural movement of the
bowels greatly facilitated.
If constipation should persist in spite
of the packs and cooling compresses, injections of tepid water should
be given every day or every other day in order to prevent the reabsorption
of poisonous products from the lower colon. But never give
injections of cold water with the idea of reducing fever in that
way. This is very dangerous and may cause fatal collapse.
The Electromagnetic Effect of
Cold Water Applications
One of the most important, but least understood,
effects of hydropathic treatment is its influence upon the electromagnetic
energies in the human body. At least, I have never found any allusions
to this aspect of the cold-water treatment in any books on hydrotherapy
which have come to my notice.
The sudden application of cold water or
cold air to the surface of the nude body and the inhalation of cold
air into the lungs have the effect of increasing the amount of electromagnetic
energy in the system.
This can be verified by the following experiment:
Insert one of the plates of an electrometer (sensitive galvanometer)
into the stomach of a person who has remained for some time in a
warm room. Now let this person inhale suddenly fresh, cold
outside air. At once the galvanometer will register a larger
amount of electromagnetic energy.
The same effect will be produced by the
application of a quick, cold spray to the warm body.
It is the sudden lowering of temperature
on the surface of the body or in the lungs and the resulting contrast
between the heat within and the cold outside, that causes the increased
manifestation of electromagnetic energy in the system.
This, together with the acceleration of
the entire circulation, undoubtedly accounts for the tonic effect
of cold-water applications such as cold packs, ablutions, sprays,
sitz baths, barefoot walking, etc., and for the wonderfully bracing
influence of fresh, cold outside air.
The energizing effect of cold air may also
explain to a large extent the superiority of the races inhabiting
the temperate zones over those of the warm and torrid southern regions.
To me it seems a very foolish custom to
run away from the invigorating northern winters to the enervating
sameness of southern climates. One of the reasons I abandoned, with
considerable financial sacrifice, a well-established home in a Texas
city which is the Mecca of health-seekers, was that I did not want
to rear my children under the enervating influence of that beautiful
climate. I, for my part, want some cold winter weather every year
to stir up the lazy blood corpuscles, to set the blood bounding
through the system and to freeze out the microbes.
In our Nature Cure work we find all the
way through that the continued application of warmth has a debilitating
effect upon the organism, and that only by the opposing influences
of alternating heat and cold can we produce the natural stimulation
which awakens the dormant vital energies in the body of the chronic.
Increase of Oxygen and Ozone
The liberation of electromagnetic currents
through cold-water applications has other very important effects
upon the system besides that of stimulation.
Electricity splits up molecules of water
into hydrogen, oxygen and ozone. We have an example of this in the
thunderstorm. The powerful electric discharges which we call lightning
separate or split the watery vapors in the air into these elements.
It is the increase of oxygen and ozone in the air that purifies
and sweetens the atmosphere after the storm.
In acute as well as in chronic disease,
large amounts of oxygen and ozone are required to burn up the morbid
materials and to purify the system. Certain combinations of these
elements are among the most powerfu1 antiseptics and germicides.
Likewise, the electric currents produced
by cold packs, ablutions and other cold-water applications split
up the molecules of water in the tissues of the body into their
component parts. In this way large amounts of oxygen and ozone are
liberated, and these elements assist to a considerable extent in
the oxidation and neutralization of waste materials and disease
products.
The following experiment proves that sudden
changes in temperature create electric currents in metals: When
two cylinders of dissimilar metals are welded together, and one
of the metals is suddenly chilled or heated, electric currents are
produced which will continue to flow until both metals are at the
same temperature.
Another application of this principle is
furnished by the oxydonor. If both poles of this little instrument
are exposed to the same temperature, there is no manifestation of
electricity; but if one of the poles be attached to the warm body
and the other immersed in cold water or exposed to cold air, the
liberation of electromagnetic currents begins at once. These electric
currents set free oxygen and ozone, which in their turn support
the oxidation and neutralization of systemic poisons.
According to my experience, however, the
cold-water applications are more effective in this respect than
the oxydonor.
The Importance of Right Mental and
Emotional Attitude in Acute Disease
We have learned that in the processes of
inflammation a battle is going on between the healing forces of
the body, the phagocytes and natural antitoxins on the one hand
and the disease taints, germs, bacilli, etc., on the other hand.
This battle is real in every respect, as
real as a combat between armies of living soldiers. In this conflict,
going on in all acute inflammatory diseases, mind plays the same
role as the commander of an army.
The great general needs courage, equanimity
and presence of mind most in the stress of battle. So the mind,
the commander of the vast armies of cells battling in acute disease
for the health of the body, must have absolute faith in the superiority
of Nature's healing forces.
If the mind becomes frightened by the inflammatory
and febrile symptoms and pictures to itself in darkest colors their
dreadful consequences, these confused and distracted thought vibrations
are conveyed instantaneously to the millions of little soldiers
fighting in the affected parts and organs. They also become confused
and panic-stricken.
The excitement of fear in the mind still
more accelerates heart action and respiration, intensifies the local
congestion and greatly increases the morbid accumulations in the
system. In the last chapters of this volume we shall deal especially
with the deteriorating influence of fear, anxiety, anger, irritability,
impatience, etc., and explain how these and all other destructive
emotions actually poison the secretions of the body.
In acute disease we cannot afford to add
to the poisonous elements in the organism, because the danger of
a fatal ending lies largely in the paralysis of vital centers by
the morbid and poisonous products of inflammation.
Everything depends upon the maintenance
of the greatest possible inflow of vital force; and there is nothing
so weakening as worry and anxiety, nothing that impedes the inflow,
distribution and normal activity of the vital energies like fear.
A person overcome by sudden fright is actually benumbed and paralyzed,
unable to think and to act intelligently.
These truths may be expressed in another
way. The victory of the healing forces in acute disease depends
upon an abundant supply of the positive electromagnetie energies.
In the initial chapters of this volume we have learned that health
is positive, disease negative. The positive mental attitude of faith
and equanimity creates positive electromagnetic energies in the
body, thus infusing the battling phagocytes with increased vigor
and favoring the secretion of the antitoxins and antibodies, while
the negative, fearful and worrying attitude of mind creates in the
system the negative conditions of weakness, lowered resistance and
actual paralysis.
In the paragraphs dealing with the effects
of cold-water treatment upon the body we learned that the electric
currents created in the organism split up the molecules of water
in the tissues into their component elements (hydrogen and oxygen),
thus liberating large amounts of oxygen and ozone; and that these,
in turn, support the processes of combustion and oxidation in the
system, burn up waste and morbid matter, and destroy hostile microorganisms.
However, the electromagnetic forces in the
body are not only increased and intensified by positive foods, exercise,
cold-water treatment, air baths, etc., but also by the positive
attitude of mind and will.
The positive mind and will are to the body
what the magneto is to the automobile. As the electric sparks from
the magneto ignite the gas, thus generating the power that drives
the machine, so the positive vibrations, generated by a confident
and determined will, create in the body the positive electromagnetic
currents which incite and stimulate all vital activities.
Common experience teaches us that the concentration
of the will on the thing to be accomplished greatly heightens and
increases all physical, mental and moral powers.
Therefore the victory in acute diseases
is conditioned by the absolute faith, confidence and serenity of
mind on the part of the patient. The more he exercises these harmonizing
and invigorating qualities of mind and soul, the more favorable
are the conditions for the little soldiers who are fighting his
battles in the inflamed parts and organs. The blood and nerve currents
are less impeded and disturbed, and flow more normally. The local
congestion is relieved, and this favors the natural course of the
inflammatory processes.
Therefore, instead of being overcome with
fear and anxiety, as most people are under such circumstances, do
not become alarmed, nor convey alarm to the millions of little cells
battling in the inflamed parts. Speak to them like a commander addressing
his troops: "We understand the laws of disease and cure, we
know that these inflammatory and febrile symptoms are the result
of Nature's healing efforts, we have perfect confidence in her wisdom
and in the efficiency of her healing forces. This fever is merely
a good house-cleaning, a healing crisis. We are eliminating morbid
matter, poisons and germs which were endangering health and life.
"We rejoice over the purification and
regeneration now taking place and benefiting the whole body. Fear
not! Attend to your work quietly and serenely! Let us open ourselves
wide to the inflow of life from the source of all life in the innermost
parts of our being! The life in us is the life of God. We are strengthened
and made whole by the Divine life and power which animate the universe."
The serenity of your mind, backed by absolute
trust in the Law and by the power of a strong Will, infuses the
cells and tissues with new life and vigor, enabling them to turn
the acute disease into a beneficial, cleansing and healing crisis.
In the following we give a similar formula
for treating chronic constipation.
Say to the cells in the liver, the pancreas
and the intestinal tract:
"I am not going to force you any longer
with drugs or enemas to do your duty. From now on you must work
on your own initiative. Your secretions will become more abundant.
Every day at--o'clock the bowels will move freely and easily."
At the appointed time make the effort, whether
you are success-ful or not, and do not resort to the enema until
it becomes an absolute necessity. If you combine with the mental
and physical effort a natural diet, cold sitz baths, massage and
osteopathic treatment, you will have need of the enema at increasingly
longer intervals, and soon be able to discard it altogether.
Be careful, however, not to employ your
intelligence and your will power to suppress acute
inflammatory and febrile processes and symptoms. This can be accomplished
by the power of the will as well as by ice bags and poisonous drugs,
and its effect would be to turn Nature's acute cleansing efforts
into chronic disease.
The Importance of Right Mental and Emotional
Attitude on the Part of Friends and Relatives
What has just been said about the patient
is true also of his friends and relatives. Disease is negative.
The sick person is exceedingly sensitive to his surroundings. He
is easily influenced by all depressing, discordant and jarring conditions.
He catches the expressions of fear and anxiety in the looks, the
words, gestures and actions of his attendants, relatives and friends
and these intensify his own depression and gloomy forebodings.
This applies especially to the influence
exerted by the mother upon her ailing infant. There exists a most
intimate sympathetic and telepathic connection between mother and
child. The child is affected not only by the outward expression
of the mother's fear and anxiety, but likewise by the hidden doubt
and despair in the mother's mind and soul.
Usually, the first thing that confronts
me when I am called to the sickbed of a child is the frantic and
almost hysterical mental condition of the mother, and to begin with,
I have to explain to her the destructive influence of her behavior.
I ask her:
"Would you willingly give some deadly
poison to your child?" "Certainly not," she says,
to which I reply:
"Do you realize that you are doing this
very thing? That your fear and worry vibrations actually poison
and paralyze the vital energies in the body of your child and most
seriously interfere with Nature's healing processes?
"Instead of helping the disease
forces to destroy your child, assist the healing
forces to save it by maintaining an attitude of absolute faith,
serenity, calmness and cheerfulness. Then your looks, your voice,
your touch will convey to your child the positive, magnetic vibrations
of health and of strength. Your very presence will radiate healing
power."
Then I explain how faith, calmness and cheerfulness
on her part will soothe and harmonize the discordant disease vibrations
in the child's body.
Herein lies the modus operandi or working
basis of all successful mental and metaphysical treatment.
Summary
Natural Methods in the Treatment
of Acute Disease
I. Fresh Air
a. A plentiful supply of
pure air in the sickroom.
b. Frequent exposure of the nude body to air and
sun light.
c. Patient must not be kept too warm.
II. Natural Diet
a. The minimum amount of
light food, chiefly fruit and vegetable salads, no condiments.
b. Only enough water to quench thirst, preferably
mixed with acid fruit juices.
c. In serious acute febrile conditions and during
healing crises no food whatever.
d. In diseases affecting the digestive organs fasting
must be prolonged several days e. beyond cessation
of febrile symptoms.
f. Great care must be observed when breaking fast.
III. Water Treatment
a. Cooling sprays or sponge
baths whenever temperature rises.
b. Fever and inflammation must not be suppressed
by cold-water applications, but kept below the danger point.
c. Neither ice nor hot applications should be used.
d. Wet packs followed by cold ablutions for elimination
of systemic poisons.
e. Separate compresses over seat of inflammation,
also at nape of neck.
f. Kind and duration of pack to be determined by
condition of patient and object to be attained.
g. Injections of tepid water to relieve constipation
when necessary.
IV. Medications
a. No poisonous drugs, nor
any medicines or applications which may check or suppress the feverish,
inflammatory processes.
b. Homeopathic medicines, herb decoctions and specific
nutritional remedies when indicated.
V. Manipulative Treatment
Osteopathy, massage or magnetic treatment
when indicated and available.
VI. Mental Attitude
a. Courage, serenity and
presence of mind are important factors.
b. Fear and anxiety intensify disease conditions,
poison the secretions of the body and inhibit the action of the
healing forces.
c. Do not suppress acute inflammatory and feverish
processes by the power of the will.
d. The right mental and emotional attitude of relatives
and friends exerts a powerful influence upon the patient.