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In giving the treatment for spinal curvature, always treat at the beginning of, or ending of the curve, and make the adjustments at these places, gradually liberating impinged nerves, and freeing the irritation to the muscles which pull on the concave side of the curvature. In the treatment of spinal curvature at the eleventh and twelfth and first and second lumbar vertebrae, it should be remembered that there is danger of producing an inflammation in the psoas muscles, and producing psoas abscess, if the treatment is to harsh - severe. The reasons are that the muscles originate about this point, and are easily irritated; so it is necessary to be mild iii the adjustments of curvature in this locality, for cautious and careful treatment is better than rough treatment, even if it takes longer to get results. In all of the adjustments of the spine it should be remembered that every move means a great deal; for here we have the leashes of nerves which end in and control the larger part of the body. In the cervical area we have influences started which affect all the nerves involved where these nerves end, and that it matters much with the patient how treatment is made; for here we influence the brain, the spleen, stomach, liver, heart, diaphragm, lungs, and a large percent of chest muscles, through the nerves emerging from the foramina in the cervix. It should be a matter of profound study and earnest consideration in our treatment in every instance, and in all cases and conditions; for we start forces by relieving impinged nerves which end in and control the muscular system and secretions in large areas; and the nerves are so widely and variously distributed that one with a meager knowledge of the distribution of the nervous system has but a faint conception of the influence produced by a simple adjustment along the spine. This is not a system of "punching in the back" merely; but if one in any degree comprehends the far-reaching influence of the adjustments we have endeavored to teach, there will be a disannulling of the idea of just a "punch in the back" to cure. It is not a haphazard business, for the intelligent understanding of the application of it answers the purpose to relieve pain and arrest diseased conditions with the certainty that does not characterize any other method now known. Whilst there is, in the spinal adjustment, a union of the two great forces which control all conditions in the body, there are in the several localities, effects peculiarly characteristic of the functions of each and every nerve filament. For instance, if the lungs are affected, the area of the upper dorsal will be the region which should receive attention; and if the internal viscera are involved in any way whatever, the splanchnic area, from the fourth to the tenth dorsal, will be the area of special importance to consider, and especially in cases of typhoid fever, the adjustment will be required at the fourth dorsal, and down to the eighth; for in this area we have nerve filaments which superintend and influence, as well as control, the abdominal viscera, so that the liver, stomach and intestinal canal are affected by the adjustments anywhere in the splanchnic area. At the eleventh dorsal, the female organs are affected, and on down to the second lumbar vertebra, so that to know how to adjust the spine for given conditions the nervous system should be carefully studied. The twelfth dorsal area is of the most importance when there are kidney troubles; for it is from this area that nerves emanate which control the functions of the kidneys; and when the proper adjustments are made in this region, much good results, and many diseased conditions of these organs yield with surprising quickness and most satisfactory results. About the first lumbar we get results from chronic constipated conditions with marvelous rapidity, and the proper treatment there is better than a physic, for it is generally lasting. Then we pass on to the second, and there we influence the genital organs for good, often relieving chronic ailments which have stood the fire of medication without response for years; so that we mean something by this spinal adjustment treatment, and no one is properly a scientific manipulator who does not understand how to adjust the spine, even if all taught by Osteopaths has been applied; for there is nothing comparable in osteopathic manipulations which so effectually accomplishes the purpose as this does; for no one in Osteopathy has ever known how to apply these treatments but those who have taken special instructions therein. And the science was never explained in a rational manner before so as to be understood. Any one who will carefully study the nervous system which emerges from the spine, beginning at the base of the skull, and follow the terminal nerve filaments to their endings, and see what their special, individual and general functions are, can not help but be imbued with the importance of their place in the human economy, and their relationship to functional control of the various parts to which they go, and in which they terminate (for be it understood that nerve influence is observed only at the beginnings and endings); so that a special consideration of their perfect freedom is of the first and greatest importance to consider. Whilst the "life of man is in the blood," the control of every element in the blood inheres in the nervous system; for the nerves are the media through which mind controls, they being so arranged and distributed that every molecule in the body is, in some way, connected with nerve endings, and every capillary and every pore in the walls of all the capillaries are in direct contact with the endings of these nerve footlets, and through these all direction is made as regards execution of function in every part of the body. So we see that Nature has not been remiss in caring for this body of ours, intelligently and constantly, from the very incipiency of vitality to maturity and the decline of old age, constantly superintending every department of the great house in which we live, and seeing to it that every detail is carried out with the most unerring precision. The influences which control this body may be indexed by any one who cares to study the anatomy of the nervous system and trace its filaments to their various endings. This constitutes the kind of intelligence necessary to be adept in the application of this science. It adds to one’s ability in Osteopathy as well, and places one in a position to relieve suffering humanity under any and all circumstances, and qualifies the individual to understandingly ameliorate suffering. Those who simply guess at causes, and guess at remedies,
are acting unworthy any profession. There will never be a time when this
science will not be in demand; for it applies to all conditions where the
nervous system is involved, and when intelligently applied, will do good.
We earnestly suggest that every one who claims to be a physician in any
sense be posted in the knowledge of the anatomy and functions of the nervous
system, so that success may stand out and be achieved, and all who receive
this treatment may be absolutely benefited thereby. Many who practice medicine,
and fail to give relief, would do well to consider this science.
The reason this science may be relied upon is that it proves itself by its results. The means instituted to accomplish the purposes intended are in accord with the demand. The necessities in each case are met with a certainty never before attempted by anything in the healing art, unless it be surgery, and that is often unsatisfactory in more ways than one - sometimes ends in death, and sometimes fails in purpose, and does harm by change or a loss of tissue. This science cannot possibly do harm, properly applied, in any instance. Medicines are uncertain and dangerous in many instances, and doubtful in all conditions. The trials and changes in kinds and sizes of doses are evidence of a lack of confidence as well as of reliability in their effects, and there is no relationship between causes of disease and the remedies taken as medicines, to the cure of the affection, hence unphilosophic and irrational to say the least; and their known uncertainty and harmfulness, in so many cases where used is prima facie evidence that they are not the thing to use, and being a foreign substance renders them incompatible in all cases and conditions. It is not so with this science, for, when the nerve waste is stopped and the pressure is removed from the vessels involved, we know that the thing is done that ought to have been done. Inasmuch as there can be no disease when the nervous system is unimpinged and the elements of the nervous system are in their proper proportion, it is evidence incontrovertible that when the system is diseased in any way, and its functions are disturbed, all we are required to do to adjust everything to rights is to take off the strain or pressure which caused the difficulty, and harmony is established and nature performs her normal function. There is no uncertainty in this method, and disease
need not be looked upon with dread when the causes are known and the means
of removing the causes are at hand to restore the harmony. The knowledge
of how to do the work qualifies the individual to do the work and to relieve
the strain and pressure, and that being all that is proper to do, there
can be no doubt about results; for when these conditions are righted, health
invariably, comes to the individual, provided always that the "limit angle"
has not passed where restoration is impossible; for it will be understood
that everything earthly has its limit angle. There is a limit to the power
of endurance even in things without life, and all things with life are
perpetuated by certain assimilable accretions or substances which contain
the elements of renewal, or the force or power exhausts, and that exhaustion
is in direct ratio to the deficit of supplies.
THE TENACITY OF ADVOCATES OF THEIR THEORIES It would be unnatural to expect that anyone who has a thought of his own, would concede that his theory is inferior to anyone else's theory; hence, systems should not be discarded because someone else is either favorable to or absolutely averse thereto. Merit is the only rightful standard, and when any system will not bear investigation, and stand the criticism and the severest test, it should be set down according to real merit. Simply to ignore another's thoughts along certain lines, is unfair, when one considers that all human standards are simply human, and have no right to become a standard unless absolute proof of superiority inheres in the trial to which they are subjected. To say that Christian Science, as it is called, although there be no such a thing, in fact (yet some assume there is), Mental Science, Magnetism, Suggestion, Dieting, Hygiene, the Hydropathic, Osteopathic, Faith Cure, or any other means, is wrong, and to be condemned, because we are not enamored therewith, is not manly. That each science has some good in it should not
be questioned; for evidence proves that fact. As long as there is no higher
opinion than man to govern mankind, or any part of them, one's opinion
is as good as another's of equal intelligence, along the same line. None
but God can make a standard worthy of adoption and as a rule of life to
all. Ignoring Divine law has brought on humanity all his woes, calamities
and death. Consider!
SCIENCE IS KNOWLEDGE REDUCED TO ORDER Science means to know, hence what is not known is not science. No theory can lay any claim to science, for theories are simply suppositions - the vagaries of the imagination, unsupported by actual demonstration. The whole catalogue of theories of the various so-called medical sciences, are certainly unreliable, and are not founded on actual facts, nor is any theory or so-called system of medicine to be depended upon in any case of disease. The idea of a foreign substance, taken into the system, being a cure for an special condition, is preposterous, per se! The only possible benefit derivable therefrom is when it stimulates the nerve centers, increasing the flow of the fluids of the body: thereby hastening such chemical changes in the blood as are needed through the oxygenation it receives as it flows through the lungs. Medicines, under the ban of curatives, have produced more misery and premature death than Famine, Pestilence and Sword combined; and yet the legislatures have catered to a set of men called doctors, and made laws which foist upon every community, in almost every state, regulations so arbitrary, so diabolically proscriptive, that men of intelligence dare not even suggest a remedy, be it never so harmless, for an afflicted mortal, without a permit from some medical Examining Board of Doctors, regarded as mandatory regulators of a Pseudo science! Instead of allowing the people the right of choice as to whom they desire to employ, they are compelled to accept the services of one licensed by the aforesaid board, regardless of qualification or ability of one they might desire to attend them. So-called sciences, founded upon opinions and thrust upon the masses by law, has the semblance of assumption unwarrantable - an usurpation of the rights of others. If all the "pathies" on earth were combined into one system they would not constitute a science which any rational hypothesis could intelligently accept or endorse as being worthy of confidence. Whilst some good inheres in most all of them, yet there is a lack of science which condemns them as inefficient. Then why assume the prerogative of asserting, through law, the supreme right to practice, and proscribe all others except those dubbed with the name designated in the law? These state medical boards even deny a man the right of reciprocity, but compel submission, mandatory at that, to their rules, or he cannot practice; not even in the state where he passed the curriculum of examination before the best qualified men of the best colleges in the state. He must pass the Examining Board or play mum, and keep himself aloof from using his constitutional rights - and even the courts pander to these unconstitutional enactments - under the plea that each state has the right to make its own laws to govern its own people. This is awfully strange logic. We enter our solemn protest against such usurpations, and hope the time will come when men will have the right to practice whatever they may choose, in any way to ameliorate the condition of the afflicted; making every man responsible for his acts, but give every one the right to choose his own doctor. We recommend the registration of every individual who practices any method of treatment in the county in which he or she may practice, so as to give the community ample opportunity to know who are practicing, that they may have opportunity to investigate the qualifications of those which they may want to attend them when needed. Proficiency will then be the watchword, and inefficient ones will be read out, and they will soon retire from the field, and only those qualified will be employed, because of their proficiency to be of service to the afflicted. Qualifications will be the standard and not legal enactments. What would any community think of a law to restrict the divine services on Lord's Days to those who taught a special creed, and compelled all people to accept their dogmas, irrespective of Bible, reason, or even common sense - a set of mountebanks, sanctioned by law? The more the people become enlightened in regard
to divine and human and natural laws, the more freedom they will have,
and the better for all concerned.
DIRECTIONS ON HOW TO PREPARE FOR TREATMENT AND TO TREAT The spinal treatment is easily made if the following conditions and directions are observed: Do not attempt to treat the spine without some protection in the way of pillows or comforts or cushions placed under the upper part of the chest and under the upper part of the thighs - so as to raise the abdomen up from the table - giving room for the abdomen to spring down without touching the table during the sudden movement recommended in the treatment of the spine. It is necessary that there be some solidity of the chest as well as the lower part of the pelvis - and by placing the pillows as directed above, the adjustment may be made quite strongly without any pain. Pillows may be all along under the chest and abdomen for that matter - so as not to knock the ribs against the hard table. See to it that you improvise these pads or pillows if you treat patients at their homes. The pads may be placed on the floor and the treatment made as easily as in one's own office. A soft spring bed is not good to treat the patient on and should not be used. Small children may be treated while lying across the knees of another person but always remember that the force used must be in the ratio of the effect to be accomplished and according to the strength and necessity of the individual receiving the treatment. The patient being in position and ready for treatment, the operator should remember to place his hand or hands in such a position on the body, near the spinal processes and at about the lower edge of the bones called scapulae, holding them against the body, one hand on either side of the spinal processes, with the balls of the thumbs near together, and in this position he presses gently, but suddenly, against the body without any other motion, holding his hands in this position; now stiffening both arms at elbows, and holding them rigid, with a sudden movement downward against the spine of the patient, on sides of the spine, he makes a sudden advance with both hands, limiting his force to a short, quick movement, and the treatment in that place is accomplished. There will be, ordinarily, a "clicking" sound heard, but not always. If this is not heard at the first movement, it is better to repeat the movement with a little stronger force. This may be done,
as stated above, with both hands or with one hand directly over the spinous
processes at the fourth or fifth dorsal vertebra, as this is the area from
whence the splanchnic nervous system emerges from the spine, and is, that
part of the nervous system which controls, by its contact with the pneumogastric
system in the stomach, the two forces; and whether there be an excessive
amount of acid or alkaline secretion anywhere in the body, this movement,
by uniting the footlets of the two nervous systems involved, which manufacture
the secretions called acid and alkaline, neutralizes the effects of both
and establishes the current, and harmony at once is the result. After the
application of the treatment at the fourth dorsal, which should almost
invariably be the first of all treatments under all circumstances, making
no difference what the trouble is anywhere else ' this movement resulting,
as it does, in neutralizing the effects of either one of the secretions
involved, our next procedure should be to apply our treatment along the
spine where the nerves are involved which affect and control the conditions
we find in that part of the body from whence the nerves emanate from the
spine (control, or should control, in a normal condition), and to remove
that pressure from that particular part or locality where the nerves are
involved. To make it specific, and with a certainty of understanding, we
insist upon the student or manipulator that he first find out the difficulty
complained of by the patient, and treat the spine at the place where the
nerves emanate which end in the parts affected.
TENDERNESS OF NERVE ENDINGS Generally, and in fact in the large majority of cases, we find a tenderness along the spine, over the nerves which emanate from the foramina which lead to the spot diseased. This tenderness demands our special attention, and the treatment should be applied there, with sufficient force to, if possible, secure the clicking sound, as this clicking sound is the result of the separating of the facets of the bones which are drawn together by the contraction of the muscular fibers irritated by the nerves ending in said muscular fiber, and as soon as the separating of the facets takes place, the sound is produced, and relaxation of the muscular fiber results, which takes off the pressure from the nerves involved. It should not always be expected to find a tenderness at the spot diseased, but, as a rule, it is found there. The student or
manipulator should understand that the tenderness along the spine is almost
always a sure sign of some difficulty at the ends of the leashes of nerves
emanating from that particular foramen at the place where the tenderness
is; but sometimes there will not be found this tenderness, and this lack
of tenderness is in cases where the deep fibers of the leash are not involved
at all which end in the part affected, but the physician or manipulator
should understand when an organ is affected where the nerves emanate from
the spine which control that particular part of the body, and to be certain
to manipulate the spine whether there be soreness at that place or not.
In the application of this treatment we should be very careful not to
over-do nor under-do the work. When we shall have accomplished the
purpose at a particular time, needed at a particular place in the spine,
we should not, at that treatment, repeat the manipulation. Let the patient
alone until the next day, or at some subsequent time, when occasion may
demand a repetition of the treatment.
HOW OFTEN TO GIVE TREATMENTS In cases of chronic disease, so-called, it will be often enough to treat the patient every day, or better, in some cases, every other day, and in rare cases at longer intervals. In all cases of acute disease, of whatever name or nature, the adjustment of the two forces at the fourth dorsal, and a treatment at the place along the spine, either in the cervical area, the brachial, the dorsal or the lumbar, should be looked after according to the nature of the disease and the place from whence the nerves emanate which are involved, in the conditions found to be involved. If we have throat troubles, our adjustments must be made in the upper cervical area, from the atlas to the fourth cervical vertebra, and be it understood that the manipulator should understand the difference between an increased, a decreased and a normal circulation. Any pulsation over seventy-two (72) per minute is recognized as any unnatural increase of circulation. Anything below that is regarded as an unnatural decrease of the circulation of the blood, and denotes in the former an excited condition of the system, and in the latter a depression. If we have inflammation anywhere in the abdominal cavity, or chest cavity, we must treat the spine in the area from whence the nerves emanate which end in the part affected, whether that be pneumonia, pleurisy, heart trouble, liver, stomach, spleen, pancreas, kidneys or intestinal canal, at any part of it. This rule carried out prevents us from falling into the idea of treating disease, rather than conditions. The conditions being changed, through the nervous system, effects invariably cease. Our success in the application of this science depends entirely upon our knowledge of the nervous system, and the how to apply our treatment, and not upon the knowledge of the names of disease, nor outside supposed causes; for all the causes, of all the diseases of humanity, are found to be in pressure of the nervous system or over-use of the nerves involved. In addition to this peculiar spinal treatment, it should be remembered that due regard should be paid to the conditions indicated, in every patient treated. If, for instance, after our treatment has been instituted, we find that some conditions remain unchanged, it would be due to a lack of elements in the body, or to the habits of the patient; these should be looked after intelligently, it being the duty of the physician to remove all causes producing the disease complained of. The individual should remember that all the organs of the body are refreshed and renewed by the kind of food eaten, sufficient air received into the lungs, and to a due regard to nature's calls in the habits of the body, and to keeping the surface or skin free from all impediments, such as the closure from filth or deficiency of the natural elements that supply the skin with sufficient moisture to perform its function as an element; hence, the surface of the body should be bathed as often as necessary to keep it clean and to open the pores of the skin, and keep them open, in all cases of fever or toughness of skin. The most natural element to produce a normal effect is the sulphate of magnesia, a solution of which, in the proportion of one ounce to a pint or even a quart of water, applied to the surface by the use of a sponge, going over the body once or twice at a sitting, and this daily for a few days, will be sufficient to prepare the skin to perform its function. In all conditions
of rough skin and an anemic condition of the body this should be carefully
attended to, and used, as this is one of the principal natural elements
needed at all times in the body, and is rendered deficient by the habits
of eating white bread, potatoes and starchy food.
THE KNACK OF ADJUSTMENT If the physician or the one who applies this science, will be particular as to how the treatment is done, and that it does not take a hard and heavy application to get results, and that different patients require different force applied, the results will be generally satisfactory. Be it remembered that when the individual is at perfect ease, muscles all relaxed and in a state of non-resistance, the treatment will be less painful and decidedly more easily done, and more certainly effectual in results. The strong, as well as the weak, can apply this treatment without fear of failure, for, after the adjustment is made at the fourth dorsal, which unites the two forces, the other adjustments along the spine will be readily made, for they are to be applied in the same manner, and whenever there is tenderness along the spine, or the spinous processes seem to be drawn to either side, or even where curvature exists. The application is all to be done on the same general principles; only that where special parts or organs in the body are affected, the treatment should be made where the nerves, which supply the parts affected, emerge from the spine, in order to secure the results desired. It should always
be remembered that when the two forces are united the general effect
over the entire body - that of neutralizing the excess of the one or the
other, or both of the secretions, acid or alkaline - is accomplished; and
if no more than this is accomplished, it will be found to be of immense
value to the patient in any and all conditions. Sometimes, and very frequently,
this will be all that is, or may be, necessary to do.
SPECIAL AND GENERAL CONDITIONS We have specific conditions that will come up in our practice that we ought to know. The question will be asked, Where shall I treat a patient for a particular disease, etc.? So that when you start out to treat a disease, remember we have certain conditions to overcome, and these conditions are the result of the two forces being separated - either the excess of one or the deficiency of the other. That set of nerves generating the acid secretion has been over-stimulated, and hence excess of acid, or else the other has been over-stimulated, and hence the excess of alkali, and in proportion to the excess we have our result; or else we have an excessive amount of secretion in the system where we have our work to do. These two secretions have to do with the diseased conditions of the body everywhere, and hence the importance of understanding these first principles, so as to meet the emergencies or contingencies of all diseases that flesh is heir to. Starting at the base of the brain, at the atlas, we regulate all the nervous system involved by our particular treatment in the adjustment of the atlas. This is done while the patient is lying down, on the side of the head, face or front side of the body turned toward the bench. Now, then, with the head turned from you, you place the hand with the fist closed and the little finger knuckle under the mastoid process, and with a sudden movement downward, right arm stiffened, we usually get the click in the neck. This must be with sufficient force to give the cervical region a spring. This separates the facets of the two bones - that is, the articulating surfaces - and lets the air in and gives the sound. Every known disease in the body is a result of nerve irritation, and this nerve irritation produces a contraction of muscular fiber and presses upon the vessels passing through the muscle, and interferes with the nervous and circulatory systems. All diseases of the face, head and neck, and many conditions of the abdominal cavity and chest, are affected by the cervical treatment mentioned at the atlas, and lower down, especially in the third cervical vertebra on the side of the neck. Our adjustment affects the pneumogastric nervous system, the phrenic nervous system, the circulation of blood, and regulates the heart's action, and thereby reduces all fever in every part of the body; it is essential that we know that the cervical area of nerves are freed from impingement, and that the muscular system in that particular area be in a normal, relaxed condition. Upper Cervical - The upper portion of the cervical region we denominate the vaso-motor area; hence our adjustments in that region regulate the circulation of the blood, not only the arterial, but the circulation of all the fluids in the body, as well. The nerve filaments from this particular area, ending in and around the heart, when normal, unimpinged, and not irritated, a normal action of the circulation is the result. Brachial. - The area below this we call the lower cervical plexus, and it embraces the brachial, or that plexus of the nervous system which supplies the anterior and posterior chest and arms, hands and fingers; and adjustment in this particular locality affects all the parts mentioned above, wherever the nerves of the brachial plexus end. Upper Dorsal. - Still further down, from the first to the fourth dorsal, we have influences, through the nervous system in that area, over the pyloric end of the stomach and lungs; and from the fourth to the twelfth dorsal, influences are carried to the pneumogastric nervous system in the abdominal viscera, and neutralizing excess of acid or alkaline secretion by the union of the footlets of the two systems of nerves in that area. Fourth Dorsal. - At the fourth dorsal we have the beginning of the splanchnic nervous system, and adjustment at this particular part of the spine unites the two forces which control the amount and kind of secretion which produces pain in that part of the body as well as breaking down of tissue in that or any part; and the adjustment at this particular place being properly made, by a sudden movement against the sides of the spinous processes or directly over the processes, the union of the two forces is made, and neutralizes the excess of secretion of either, or both kinds; and adjustments there should always be made first of all adjustments, in the treatment of all patients for all conditions. For Chills - Ague and malaria. - The chills may be arrested by the treatment at the seventh and eight dorsal vertebra. Treat the spine while patient is reclining on face, or by drawing the left arm upward very strongly, and press the fingers against the spine at that place in the side of the ribs at the junction of back bone, and then pushing the arm forcibly against the taut fingers. The treatment at the eighth dorsal relieves the torpid liver difficulties. Gastric Area. - At the seventh and eighth dorsal area we have emanating from the foramina, on either side of the spinous processes, nerves which control the gastric secretion of the stomach, as well as the secretion manufactured in the liver and pancreas, and these control these special organs, and if in excess, we have an alkaline secretion which breaks down tissue, and if a deficiency of action of these nerves emanating from this or these particular localities ensues, we always have a breaking down of the tissue or organ wherever these nerves end, and the treatment in that particular locality by the union of the pneumogastric nerve filaments neutralizes the excess of alkalinity and restores the parts to a normal condition. Kidneys - Still lower down at the twelfth dorsal we have what we call the renal splanchnic; that renal splanchnic ends in the kidneys and controls their action, and hence a disturbance by pressure upon these filaments interferes with the normal function of the kidneys. This is the area to treat the spine for all kidney diseases. Bowels - Still lower down we have, at the first lumbar, a set of nerves that control the peristalsis of the intestinal canal, including the colon, and thereby are instrumental in producing that condition called constipation, and adjustment at that particular part of the body relieves the difficulty. Genital Organs - At the second lumbar we have emanating from the spine the genito-crural nerves, whose function seems to be well established - the control of the genital organs of both sexes - and all the functions of said organs are performed by the influence of this set of filaments emanating from that particular area. The crural nerve, ending in the lower portion of the abdominal viscera and supplying that particular area, together with the upper part of the thighs, we find that adjustment at this second lumbar corrects all difficulties and diseases in the area where this set of nerves end, and any irregularities of the female, any unnatural condition of the organs in this region, are controlled and regulated by adjustment at that particular locality, whether they be tumors of the ovaries, prolapsus of the uterus, anteversion or retroversion, leucorrhea, dysmenorrhea, or any abnormal conditions known to both sexes, caused by nerve impingement. Still lower down in the lumbar area, including all the dorsal nerves in the lumbar region, by our treatment called adjustment, we regulate the action of all the region or regions where these nerves end, hence rupture of any kind is amenable to the treatment in the middle and lower area of the lumbar nerve area. Sciatica - In the treatment for sciatica, we begin our treatment at the twelfth dorsal, and continue down the lumbar area as far as the fifth lumbar, and then manipulate by vibration, either with the fingers (or vibrator) or hands on both sides of the spines of the sacrum, over nerve foramen and leashes, freeing from pressure the contraction of muscular fiber over and around the leash called the sciatic nervous system. All pains, aches and diseases of the lower limbs are amenable to the treatment in the lumbar region, hence ulceration, varicose veins, pains of any kind in the lower extremities are successfully relieved by adjustment in the lumbar area. It makes no difference what the name or nature of the disease is, whether acute or chronic, whenever the nervous system ending in the parts affected is freed from pressure, a normal action is at once established. If we have pneumonia, we must remember that the nerves ending in the bronchial tubes and air cells of the lungs must be freed before health is restored, hence we begin our treatment over the area from whence these nerves emanate from the spine which end in these particular localities where disease is found. If we have heart trouble, we go first to the upper cervical area. If we have trouble in the arms, of any kind, we go to the brachial plexus for treatment. If we have difficulty or disease in the digestive organs, we go to the spine in the area of the eighth dorsal. If we have kidney trouble, we go to the twelfth dorsal. Constipation at the first lumbar. Genito-urinal troubles and female troubles, we go to the second lumbar; always remembering, first, to unite the forces at the fourth dorsal. There are no special manipulations anywhere in the body which have for their sole object any specific effect at particular places as such, for no disease will succumb to any treatment made simply by relieving any one set of filaments as such, but relief is dependent, not only upon relief of pressure of said filaments, but because the forces are united and filaments freed which end where disease exists. In case of typhoid or puerperal fever, we have to adjust the area which first unites the forces, and then relieve the nerves which end in the parts affected. In puerperal, or child-bed fever, we universally afford relief by adjustment at the second and third lumbar. For bronchitis, we relieve it at the third cervical, the first dorsal and fourth dorsal area. Pneumonia we find yields quickest by adjustment at the third, fourth, fifth and sixth dorsal, and should be made in bad cases from four to six hours apart until absolute relief is obtained. It will be remembered that unnecessarily harsh treatment should be avoided under all circumstances. Simply sufficient force to unite the forces is all that is necessary. All conditions of irritability, excessive nervousness, may be avoided by first regulating the circulation of the blood in the vaso-motor area and at the fourth and eighth dorsal, for the reason that the first regulates the circulation of the fluids and lessens irritation, and the second unites the forces and equalizes the secretion, resulting in a normal or natural condition. The manipulator will understand he must study and know the nervous system involved in all conditions called disease, and that the freedom of these nerves along the line from their emergence from the spinal cord to their endings must receive special attention, and this course guarantees scientific success When we take hold of a patient, or treat him or her, the impression should be emphatic that relief can only be obtained by co-operation of their will with the will of the operator, in the application of this science, for be it understood once and forever that mind controls every tissue in the body through the nerve filaments emanating from the brain, at their endings, and that when the nerve filaments are in a normal condition, unimpinged, and have not been used in excess, they convey the direction for the control of the parts, in which they end, absolutely. For manipulation in the neck for disease emanating from the cervical area, have the patient lying on stomach and the face turned from the operator; place the heel of the hand, or outer edge, directly against the side of the neck, pressing at the third or middle of the upper portion of the cervical area. Place the other hand as in the other adjustments, on the top of that hand, and stiffen the arm at the elbow on the hand placed on the top of the other next to the neck; make the sudden movement, and generally there will be a response of a clicking at that particular locality. This may be done on either side of the neck at different times, but only once at a sitting. If there be trouble at the base of the brain and tightness of muscles originating from the mastoid processes, or posterior (upper part), sides of the neck, the treatment is made as follows: Place the outer knuckle of the wrist against the side of the neck, posterior portion of the mastoid processes, closing the fist tightly, and placing the other hand over the top of that wrist, and with that arm rigid, make the sudden pressure with the force directed over the part to be adjusted. This is called the "atlas adjustment," and is beneficial for all conditions of impingement of the nerves in the upper portion of the cervical area, and in parts wherever these nerves end. All adjustments of the spine should be made when the body is perfectly relaxed as nearly as possible; and with the sudden pressure over a single part at each sitting, once only, except in cases where a response is not obtained by the one adjustment, it is allowable to use stronger adjustment to ascertain whether response can be had at that time. These adjustments
may be made anywhere along the spine for any and all conditions found,
due to the pressure of nerves emanating from any locality, along the spinal
column.
HOW TO TREAT SPINAL CURVATURE SUCCESSFULLY Always unite the two forces as directed elsewhere, at the fourth dorsal vertebra; this being advised in all spinal, or any other condition called disease. In adjusting the spines which are out of line, a condition ,called spinal curvature, do the treatment either above or below the curve; gradually approaching from either side of the main curve - that is, the most prominent part of the curve, but not right on the main prominence. The treatments should be moderate, not too strong, at each adjustment, and these should be repeated daily or at longer intervals, as desired by patient or. what suits his convenience. The thumb placed alongside of the spinous processes, and the force applied with the other arm - hand against the thumb, will be a good way to reduce the prominent projection of the processes. The treatment
may be gradually toward - and even right on the curve - after several treatments
have been given at the sides, above or below, or both ends of the curve.
The nervous system ending in the muscles which are attached to the sides
of the bones cause the curve, and as soon as these nerves are free to act
naturally in the muscular tissue, the curvature will be cured.
The question will be asked, if Neuropathy does what is claimed for it, why recommend Osteopathy and Ophthalmology? We wish it to be distinctly understood that the term neuropathy embraces and includes all means which aid in relieving the nervous system - whether it be through the means used by Osteopathy or Ophthalmology. The means recommended herein are the best known, and all combined make up a system of treatment which does the work in many conditions found to exist, and which are denominated disease, that either of the named methods of treatment may be inadequate of itself to remove. In such cases the essentiality of knowing how to use the others, either or all combined, to accomplish the purpose. Many times, simply osteopathic treatment answers the purpose - and the others are not needed; and other cases may require no other treatment but that is recommended in Neuropathy, while some cases will need the treatment recommended in the Ophthalmic department. Having familiarized one’s self with the nature of the conditions complained of, the disease existing in a given case, a knowledge of what course to pursue, and which department is applicable to use in the case to be treated, will be appreciated and properly applied. There are but few cases which will need all of the means recommended in the several departments at the same time. We have thus specified in order to leave the mind free to select, from either or all of the several departments, what is applicable to given conditions in the various and sundry complaints called upon to treat; for in this book will be found means to meet the indications in every condition of a functional character known to the human family. All that is necessary, to get favorable results, is to apply the science as directed, and results will be as stated, in almost every case - if not all cases; not so far advanced as to make a change an impossibility; that is, those not leaving gone beyond the limit of human possibility. In the Neuropathic department, the spinal adjustment is the main treatment, and in the Osteopathic department much is dependent upon physical manipulations, as shown in the various cuts; so that the operator will find ample instructions in that department to exercise all the muscles in the body, and for the various conditions named in explanation of the cuts. In Ophthalmology, the principal thing to be done is to take off the strain from the nerves, ending in and around the eyes, and how to prescribe the proper correction to arrest nerve-strain and the nerve-waste and cure all diseases dependent upon such strain and nerve-waste. These are as essential as anything else to be done. As these embrace the entire nervous system, we recommend them. They will be found absolutely sufficient and satisfactory to all. These will be sufficient, and may be confidently relied upon. Each and every department has been amply proven and demonstrated, and has stood the test of the severest criticism and trials. Every condition
denominated by chiropractors, as "luxation," being an impossibility in
the very nature of things, the question arises when the so-called adjustment
is made: What produces the clicking sound in the spine? The most reasonable
answer is in the contractility of the muscular fiber along the spine. In
the ratio of all other portions of the body there are more muscles to contract;
more contractions on account of more attachments to bones; more necessity
for ligamentous guy-ropes; because of more strength being needed along
the spine than anywhere else in the body. Provision seems to have been
necessary to protect the spinal cord from injury; then there should be
on all sides of the cord sufficient guard from all ordinary encroachment,
and inasmuch as all the body, normally, is governed by mind, through the
nerve filaments, and every part of the body being controlled thusly, we
see the necessity of a substantial provision being made for the protection
of the nervous structure as it emanates from the cord to be distributed
to the various parts of the body. Instead of the "clicking" being the result
of adjustment of a "supposed luxation," it is nothing more nor less than
a slight separatist of the facets of the bones or ribs under the places
where adjustments are made.
DEVIATION OF PROCESSES The question is
asked, Why the deviation in the processes of the spine at the places from
whence the nerves emanate from the cord through the foramen ending in the
part diseased? It has been shown in our previous remarks, that
the muscle fiber has but one function, and that is to contract.
From this fact the facets are strongly drawn together by the contraction
of the muscle fiber, and if the muscle fiber that contracts is attached
to the ends or sides of the spinous processes, the tendency is to incline
the bone in the direction of the contracted muscle and the sudden movement
in that particular locality relieves the contraction of
the muscle. The sudden separation of the facets takes
place, and the "clicking" sound is produced. The sudden movement
overcomes the muscular contractions and unites the forces at the
end-nerve-filaments, and equalizes the fluids by increasing the circulation
of the blood, changing the chemical constituents of it and producing an
entire change in the condition caused by the contraction of the muscular
fiber. The nerves emanating from the spine pass out through the foramina,
and passing through the various thicknesses of the muscular structure are
drawn down upon; this produces an interference in the function of the nerves
where they end in proportion to the degree of pressure, causing a neutrality
of action or a destruction of nerve influences. We have shown heretofore
that there are two forces in the physical organism, one denominated
the positive, and the other the negative; and that it is
the province of the spinal nervous system, as we have seen (from the fourth
to the twelfth dorsal), to generate alkaline secretions, and
that it is the province of the pneumogastric nervous system to generate
acid secretion. By our sudden movement against the spine, at the
fourth dorsal, we unite the rootlets of the two nervous systems, which
neutralize excess, of either one of these two elements, and immediately
harmony is instituted.
WHERE TO UNITE THE FORCES At the fourth dorsal, where the greater splanchnic nerve energies, we begin our treatment or adjustment, in order to unite the forces, and neutralize excesses anywhere and everywhere in the body. At the lesser splanchnic, between the sixth and seventh, we adjust the spine for relieving all trouble at the ends of the nerves from these special foramina; and as these nerves control the action of the stomach and generate the secretion in the stomach, together with the pneumogastric nervous system - one generating the acid and the other the alkali - if we have pain in the stomach, our sudden movement arrests the pain or pathological conditions, found in the stomach itself, by neutralizing the excess of acid. Further down, at the eighth, we also have a leash of filaments from the spinal foramen, which end in that region of the abdomen, and control the action of the liver, pancreas and spleen. We adjust there to relieve these organs of excesses, either of a positive or a negative character. At the twelfth dorsal, where the nerves emanate from the spine, which control the action of the kidneys, and the secretion of those organs, we relieve the pressure from that set of nerves, by our treatment, and change the abnormal condition of the kidneys to one of health. We find also that all skin diseases are relieved by treatment of the spine from the fourth to twelfth dorsal vertebra. Our treatment at the first lumbar relieves torpid conditions of the intestinal canal, and especially the lower portion of the colon, and the outlets of the body. At the second
lumbar we relieve the nerves which control the genital organs, anterior
portion of the thighs, and lower portion of the abdomen, in the front.
All difficulties in the abdominal structure, including rupture, or weakness
of any of the fibers of the muscular system of the abdominal viscera, are
relieved by adjustment opposite the difficulty, along the spine.
LUXATION Every bone in the spinal column, called a vertebra, has a body, a spinous process, two laminae, and two facets, or articulations, on the posterior aspect of the body of the bone, articulating with the main body of the spinous process, and between these processes and the body of the bone, emerge leashes, or bundles, of spinal nerves. The bones are held together by ligamentous structure to which muscles are attached, and articulate on smooth surfaces where the facets join one another. Between the bodies of the bones, is a septum of a spongy nature, serving as a cushion, to prevent concussion from sudden contact with the feet on hard substances. The nervous system of the spine consists of what is termed the cerebro-spinal nervous system, as well as the sympathetic nervous system. This nervous system of the spine emerges in leashes along the sides of the spine, underneath the lamina, in thirty-one places, from the atlas to the coccyx. The bones are held together by ligamentous structure joining on from process to process, from lamina to lamina, together with the periosteum, on the posterior aspect, and laterally, with a fibrous cartilagenous substance on the inside of the bodies of all the vertebrae; and the muscle-tissue attaches to this cartilagenous, ligamentous structure, posteriorly, in five layers. These five layers of muscles are the levers of the spine. The contracting of this muscular structure is caused by irritation of the nervous system ending in the muscular structure; because, the only property of the muscular tissue is to contract, and never does contract, unless as a result of irritation. All movements of all the body, in all parts, are the result of nerve influence. Regarding ankylosis of bone - it never takes place except as a result of inflammation. False ankylosis results from permanent contraction of muscular fiber, and is not accompanied by inflammation. All inflammatory processes are the result of nervous irritation; always taking place at the ends of the nerves involved. The nervous system, as it emerges from the spine through the lamina on either side in leashes, distributes itself where functions are expressed. In other words, all action of the nervous system is at the ends of the filaments. Ankylosis can not possibly take place then, in the strictest meaning of the term, without inflammation first. False ankylosis takes place only as a result of nerve irritation in the muscular structure. Inasmuch as the nervous system controls the body everywhere, whenever the nerve filaments are undisturbed, and without any pressure from their origin to their terminus, we have a normal condition. All disease being the result of nerve irritation, it is important to free the nervous system from pressure or irritation everywhere along the line, in every part of the body. Now, as muscular contraction takes place from nerve irritation due to pressure upon the nerves which end in the part, it follows, in order to remove the effect, we must remove the pressure from the nervous system involved. Nerves emerging from the spine and passing through muscular fiber may pass through uninterrupted and perform their normal function where they end. If from any cause contraction of the muscular fiber through which the nervous system passes, around the nerve filaments, it influences the nerves at their ends, in proportion to the pressure along the line of the nerve. Now, inasmuch
as all nerves manifest their functions at their ends, all disease, so-called,
is the product of nerve influence everywhere in the body, and to that extent
the nerves are influenced.
THE REASONS FOR UNITING THE FORCES If, for instance, we have a set of nerves emerging from the fourth dorsal vertebra, ending in the posterior portion of the stomach, impinged, or pressed upon by the contraction of muscular fiber, which is always due to irritation of nerves ending in muscular fiber, we have an increase or decrease of secretion according to the function of the nerves or the glands in which the nerves end (the function of these leashes of nerves being especially to generate negative power); and the function of the nervous system, called the pneumogastric set of nerves, being to generate acid secretion, the union of the footlets of the two sets of nerves - the one emerging from the spine in the locality mentioned, and the other set filling all of the chest and abdominal cavity - must be effected, and are united at their footlets, when a normal condition exists in the body. Every, nerve in the body, remember, performs its function where it ends, and as all nerves end in footlets everywhere in the body, and mind being communicated through the nervous system, thought is transmitted through them and through the footlets, to other nerves, and function is performed there; and there being at least forty-two double centers, and all of these centers in the calvarium or brain cavity, every part of the system being supplied by nerve filaments ending everywhere in the body, they become the intelligence transmitters whenever a normal condition of the nervous system exists. A deviation from the normal condition of the nervous system is produced either, by pressure, or over-use of the nerves through which function is performed; exhausts nerve power, and interferes thereby, in the performance of the functions in proportion to their use or over-use. |