| The rule we shall follow in this section is to briefly state the definitions of the various types of treatment, and their specialties, then to give the clinical diagnosis of diseased conditions, then indicate briefly the types of treatment that have long been accepted and practiced by the physical and manipulative physician. Naturally all methods cannot be given here because new ones are continually coming forth. Neither can those indicated in this book be gone into exhaustively, but ample references are supplied for those who wish to make a special study of the specialties mentioned. We do not make any claims to originality for any of the specialties,
neither do we agree that there is anything original in any form
of the healing arts, but rather an evolution of ideas from one age
to the other. We are in perfect accord with John Cornos, who in
a book review in the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin said, "Strictly
speaking, there is no such thing as originality. At best what we
term “originality in the arts is a new combination of existing factors
previously used in different combinations – plus the author's personality,
which co-ordinates them into a new form." Since the laws pertaining
to Drugless Therapy vary in each state, the writer must leave the
selection of techniques to the discretion of each individual physician.
He is satisfied there are some techniques that can be used by every
physician in all states, or wherever Drugless Therapy is practiced.
A BRIEF OUTLINE OF THE SPECIALTIES What is a Specialty? The best definition we have been able
to put together from many definitions we have read is as follows:
A specialty is that part of a physician’s practice in which he has
some special knowledge, and some special gift of exhibiting that
knowledge. If the physician gives all his time to the practice
of a specialty, he is known as a “Specialist.” The importance
of the specialist is waning with the increasing knowledge of the
specialties by the general practitioner, and this is a healthy trend
and will in the end raise the practitioner from the status of a
mechanic to that of a physician where he rightly belongs.
Briefly we shall outline the best known specialties in Drugless
Therapy. VACUUM AND PNEUMATIC THERAPY Vacuum and Pneumatic Therapy is the application of suction cups or tubes to the spine, or any part of the body, for creating a stimulation of the circulation and for inhibition of pain centers. The above is the writer’s definition, from long experience in the use of this method of treatment. The history of the development of this form of treatment goes back to antiquity. Various forms of suction have been used since the beginning of time. But it was not until 1878 when Junod published in Paris his “Haemospasia” that it became a part of the Healing Arts. Junod termed it the “Equalizing Treatment” because the treatment stimulated the circulation. The writer considers this form of therapy as one of the greatest contributions ever made to the Healing Art professions. Professor H. N. D. Parker was known as the Father of Vacuum Therapy in America. He developed some new theories and invented some new instruments. This writer was privileged to sit as a student before this great teacher and physician, and to hear him expound his philosophy, and demonstrate his self-made vacuum outfit. And from that time to this day, there has always been a set of vacuum cups and a pump in his office. The results with the cups have grown amazingly with the passing years’ experiences in the use of them. From a review of notes made while sitting in Dr. Parker’s classes we glean the following philosophy. Notes for May 1917. Professor Parker said, “We must recognize that the circulation and the content of the blood is the controlling influence in health and disease, and that variations from the normal spells disease. Pain is the result of sluggish circulation, nerve starvation and accumulation of waste in the system. The vacuum treatment agitates the cells, speeds up circulation, bringing nutrition for nerves, organs and tissues, easing pain and exercising a soothing effect upon the nervous system generally. A good rule is to apply the cups wherever there is pain. The cups can be applied anywhere on the body they can grip, but at first should be applied mildly, changing positions every two minutes until all pain has ceased.” After that brief preface Dr. Parker demonstrated how the cups were used on the spine and any part of the back, legs, neck and arms. Abdominal and visceral applications of the cups came later. The writer began to use them over the viscera in 1922, and found them par-excellent for hard counter irritations, and also for adhesion adjustments. Treatment of ptosis, hernia and appendicitis, and some other conditions whch will be mentioned under “Treatment.” For the principles of Counter Irritation in the treatment of prostatic conditions see Pain Control Section, “The Treatment of Prostatitis.” Here we will give one example. If there is an acute or chronic inflammation of the appendix, the cup is put in the exact location on the opposite side of the body, allowed to remain there for at least three minutes then it is released until the hyperemia recedes somewhat, then applied for three minutes more to the same spot. While the cup is in position on the left side, a cold or hot wet cloth can be put directly over the appendix, and kept there as long as the cup is on the left side. When the cup is removed from the left side, it is then placed directly over the appendical region and very mildly applied little by little according to the resistance of the patient. By this time proper circulation having been established, the congestion removed, pain should cease. It requires but a little experience with the cups to develop worthwhile individual technique. But a technique that is a very useful addition to any physician’s office. The treatment is generally applied to the whole spinal column from
atlas to coccyx. Specifically it is applied to any particular
area for pain and congestions. The patient’s feelings can
be used as a guide as to how hard the cups should be applied.
Sometimes the skin will turn black after a hard treatment, but this
is nothing to be concerned about. It is a reversal of the
diseased condition. It is a changing of the diseased condition
of the underlying internal tissues coming to the surface where they
are not dangerous. But it is best to tell the patient all
about it when hard treatments are to be given. The pump apparatus
can consist of a motor-driven suction or a bycicle pump put in reverse
action. The cups can be purchased in many shapes and sizes,
or can be made by the physician himself. ORIFICIAL THERAPY Orificial Therapy can be defined as the treatment of abnormalities
that occur in or around the orifices of the body. Plate 11. VACUUM CUPS ON THE SPINE, ONE FORM OF APPLICATION. Courtesy of Royal Health Institute, New York. Under the heading of Orificial Therapy should be listed Gynecology,
Proctology and Endo-Nasal Therapy. But, only the first two
will be covered under this heading because Endo-Nasal Therapy covers
not only the orifices but also the functioning of oxygen, and all
the circulations of the body, so the types of abnormalities in the
female and male orifices and the treatment will come under their
proper headings, but the treatment of the nose, ears and mouth will
be listed under Endo-Nasal, Aural and Allied Techniques. ENDO-NASAL THERAPY Endo-Nasal Therapy is that method whereby obstructions are removed from all parts of the respiratory system that interfere with the intake, transport, and utilization of Oxygen. For a complete outline of the above examination and treatment see
the writer’s book on “Endo-Nasal, Aural and Allied Techniques.”
Conditions warranting Endo-Nasal treatment will be indicated, with
the techniques explained. SPONDYLOTHERAPY AND CONCUSSION SPONDYLOTHERAPY -- A medical term for spinal treatment. A specific symptomatic, mechanical treatment for the purpose of increasing or inhibiting nerve reflexes. An endeavor to accomplish by spinal concussion and mechanical pressure the effects produced by certain drugs. Spondylotherapy and Concussion were once two separate terms but now are recognized as synonymous. At one time spondylotherapy was considered to be a method of pressure treatment, and concussion a striking of a blow. They both can be defined as an extra stimulation or inhibition of any particular segment or segments of the spine. The thought is that after all structural interferences have been removed by the physician’s method of treatment and further stimulation or inhibition, or vaso-dilation or vaso-constriction are needed that spondylotherapy and concussion can be employed. But, experience has demonstrated that sometimes the concussion treatment was necessary before the physician gave any other treatment. In rapid and palpitations of the heart, in acute asthma, diarrhoea,
intestinal spasms and in all forms of hysteria it can be used with
great sedative effect. But, generally it is used for extra
inhibition or stimulation. The spinal segments of Neuropathy
are adequate to meet all the requirements of this type of therapy.
Spondylotherapy and Concussion are produced by striking soft or
hard blows by the use of the fingers or closed fist. Also by what
are known as concussors, electrically operated. Formerly it
was performed with a mallet and applicator, but this proved to be
too crude an instrument for the public, who, not understanding the
principles, subjected the process to much ridicule. In spite
of the evidence, it was effective. MODES OF APPLICATION The hand and finger method is as follows: The left hand of the
physician is spread flat over the segmental area to be treated,
with the tips of the fingers of his right hand he taps lightly or
heavily on his left hand. If the physician desires heavier
lows, he can use his closed fist. The electrically operated
types of concussors give a very even blow and can be regulated either
to slow or rapid movement. The pressure portion of Spondylotherapy
was a part of the Neuropathic Technique. THE PRINCIPLES AND RATE OF APPLICATION Riley “A general rule is that slow strokes are soothing in nature, while the rapid are exciting and more stimulating. If, therefore, some center is to be concussed for sedative effects make the strokes slow and in an interrupted manner. If the center is to be stimulated let the strokes be rapid and interrupted at proper periods.” Johnson states: “The practitioner should remember that rapid concussion usually has an exciting or stimulating effect upon that part of the body related to the vertebral segment. Concussion of short duration augments the excitability of the nerves, but when prolonged the excitability is diminished or abolished.” The rate of vibration and time required to establish the proper reflex can be judged best by experience. Example -- Take a rapid heart, or palpitations of the heart. Listen carefully with the stethoscope, then count the pulse beats. Having established firmly in the mind the sounds of the heart and the count of the pulse beats, the physician then concusses the 7th and 8th cervicals, slowly, for half a minute, then rests for half a minute. This is continued for three minutes, then the heart and pulse beats are tested. If not restored to normal, then another three minutes more of the treatment is given. Abrams recommends an interrupted concussion process of about ten minutes. The pressure finger method is very effective in the majority of cases, but there are times when the more vigorous methods mentioned above are absolutely necessary. The rule for finger pressure of Neuropathic Spondylotherapy is
that if the gutter of the spine is painful and tight it needs relaxation.
The patient is placed on the side position with the physician standing
in front of the patient and deep pressure is made in the affected
segments in the gutter of the spine nearest him. This pressure
is maintained for about four minutes or until the muscles of the
spine relax under the fingers. If the muscles in the gutter
are soft and ropy, denoting visceral perversions, the fingers are
held in the gutter of the spine for ten minutes or until the muscles
assume normal elasticity and smoothness. The pressure used,
3 and 8 pounds respectively. There are claims that the sine
wave, high frequency, ultra violet ray bulbs, and vibrators can
give the required stimulation and inhibition of spondylotherapy.
The writer’s experience has not justified that claim, therefore,
they are not included here. ZONE THERAPY AND COUNTER IRRITATION Fitzgerald and Bowers, founders, and Riley as the chief exponent of this form of therapy do not actually give a definition. But, rather, go directly into the claims of what Zone Therapy is applicable for and the physiological process by which the good is accomplished. The principle of the therapy is that the body be divided into one-half, then each half of the body is divided into five zones with imaginary lines from the toes to the top of the head. The zone numbers one to five begin with the big toe and the thumb. On the head the numbers begin from the middle of the head outward. Each side of the body is outlined in the same manner The tongue is in all zones. Zone Therapy philosophy is akin to what is known as Counter Irritation for pain control, with this exception, that the proponents of Zone Therapy make claim to healing qualities while Counter Irritation makes no such claim. The zone therapy concept is that practically all reflexes are in a straight line, straight down the body, and arms to the hands. Fitzgerald defending the system remarks, “It may appear that so arbitrary a division of the body could have only an imaginary relation to the fingers of the hand, but we must remember that the body as a whole is a single organism, whose every organ is interdependent with the others and what will invigorate, or devitalize one, will similarly affect all. The plexus of the nervous system telegraphs vibrations, irritations, and manipulations, from one part of the body to any other part, and suggestions of this kind are invariably obeyed within the limits of the reactive powers of the system.” While Riley, writing about the results, remarks that “it is all so simple, but that the results are very surprising and bewildering.” Counter Irritation Therapy, on the other hand, is that the body
circulations and nerve control are in a circle, and the control
of pain on one side of the body is by pressure on the exact opposite
side. That is, if there is pain in the left hand, it is controlled
by pressure on the right hand. These systems are very effective
in many conditions, and will be pointed out when applicable, and
what instrument to use. TAMPONAGE AND DILATORS A tampon is a plug usually of lint or cotton for closing a wound or cavity to absorb secretions or to hold back hemorrahage. A dilator is to enlarge the orifice. Certain types of tampons can be used for the latter purpose. Simpson’s tampons can be effectively used for nasal bleeding and as a dilator. Rectal tamponade of Mukulicz is one of the best known as a capillary drain, and consists of a square piece of iodoform gauze of requisite size, placed in a cavity and filled with narrow strips of plain gauze until the requisite degree of compression is secured. Used where there is parenchymatous oozing. Serves as a tampon to arrest bleeding and also acts as a capillary drain. Rectal tampon made of piece of rubber tubing, size of thumb, 12 inches in length covered with iodoform gauze. Into this tube is inserted a glass cylinder 3 inches in length, over which the rubber tubing should extend two inches An umbrella of iodoform gauze 12 x 12 inches is fastened to the tube by tying a silk ligature over it at a point corresponding with the glass cylinder. Strips of sterilized gauze are used in packing the space between the tube and umbrella or mantle of gauze after the tube has been inserted into rectum. Young’s dilators for enlarging the rectal orifice are among the best known. The Ross method of dilation has come into great favor. There
is also the finger method. This consists of the physician
inserting a finger, and stretching in the four directions that are
possible. PSYCHIATRY Psychiatry is not the teaching or practice of Psychology or any form of so-called Mental Healing. The only ones qualified to practice Psychiatry are those well versed in Neurology, Symptomatology and Diagnosis of both the body and mind. It is axiomatic that all forms of psychoneurosis and psychosis have their beginning in mild nervousness, which is progressive unless the cause is found. It requires the services of a physician to determine whether the nervousness is from purely physical conditions or from complex mechanisms of the patient to avoid the responsibilities of life, by proper adjustment to reality or the environment. The physician understanding the functions of the Id, Libido, Ego and Super Ego will be able to determine by conversational psychoanalysis what mechanisms the patient is using in the attempted flight from reality and also aid the patient to adjust himself by sublimation, and orientation to his environment, at the same time overcome all physical conditions. The processes of diagnosis, sublimation and orientation can be briefly outlined as follows: Thorough physical examination. Mental examination by question analysis to discover the complex and the resultant mechanism of escape from reality. The treatment, by removing all physical causes if possible.
Then, by the exercise of auto-suggestions, hobbies, good humor,
mental hygiene training, better employment conditions, shock treatments,
adaptation to social relations and in many other ways the physician
can help the patient. See “Fundamentals of Applied Psychiatry”--Lake.
MASSAGE Massage may be defined as a systematic manipulation of the body tissues for therapeutic effects. It is divided into several types of manipulations. Stroking or effleurage, consisting of superficial and deep stroking. In this form of massage the passage of one hand over the other quickly with the palmar side of the hand conforming to the contour of the part treated. In superficial stroking the movements are light, even and rhythmatical, and produce a reflex sedative action. Deep stroking is given with heavy pressure and is stimulative to lymph and venous flow. The second move is known as Petrissage. It is a combination of grasping, lifting and squeezing movements. The part of the area treated is grasped, lifted up, held for a second, squeezed and then released. The above action is rhythmatic, not haphazard. If superficial, only the skin and outer fascia are grasped. If deep, the whole muscle is manipulated. The next move is Kneading. This is a combination of pressing and rolling of the tissus over the bony structures. It consists of two parts, wringing for the limbs, where the operator grasps the limb of the patient with the two hands opposite each other, and uses a twisting movement, either in the same or opposite direction. In the rolling movement, the hands with the fingers extended on opposite sides of the area to be treated, and a to and fro movement is instituted with enough pressure to keep the hands from slipping. The next moves we mention are Tapotement and Vibration. Tapotement can be said to be a form of percussion applied with the palmar surfaces of the cupped hand, cupping the tissues, or by the wrist joints of the hands in a sort of chopping tissues, or by patting the body tissues with the fingers of the hand straight out. This clapping, hacking, spatting, must be done rhythmically with both hands to be most effective. Vibration is given by placing the hands in contact with the part
to be treated and a mild or heavy shaking given to the part.
Electrical vibrations give a more even vibration than do the hands.
STRAPPING Strapping is largely for the purposes of support, immobilization and pain. The strapping of wounds is not discussed here. It is too varied a subject, and would take up too much space. For ordinary office practice three types can be suggested as almost sufficient for the majority of cases. The common variety of adhesive tape, Elastoplast and Gelocast. When strapping with adhesive it is always best to arrange the strapping in such a manner that the general circulation is not impeded. The “U” shape strapping for the heel, ankles and foot is considered by the writer to be more effective than the circular strapping. In dislocations the circular strapping may be necessary at times. The “U” form of strapping is done in two ways. A two-inch wide piece of adhesive, long enough to come up over the ankles, is cut. Measurement is made so that it will go under the heel and be even at both sides of the leg. For the foot, if there is not a serious ptosis of the foot, one or two pieces of adhesive can be applied, first underneath the foot, then wrapped around, leaving a half-inch space open in the middle at top of foot, so the scaphoid can work its way back into proper position. For severe ptosis of the foot, Gelocast can be used as a firm cast to hold the foot, or any part very steady, and firmly. Gelocast is ready for use, and can be applied quickly. Elastoplast on the other hand has elastic adhesive quality, stretching enough to control the degree of compression, yet providing firm support. Elastoplast is of especial value in varicose conditions. For this purpose the Elastoplast is wrapped around the affected area in such a manner that it will overlap for about a quarter of an inch. In this way the tissues cannot bulge through, but be held even over the whole area covered. If the varicose are evident near the ankle it is best to start the wrapping underneath the foot, then around until the whole affected area is covered. Sometimes this strapping can be allowed to remain for two full weeks, but in hot weather it is best to have the patient take it off in a week, carefully rolling, so that it can be applied again in three days. The Elastoplast can be used three or four times if care is taken in applying and removing. The “X” plus strapping for the lower back is to take a two-inch wide strip, starting at the crest of the ilium, then go across the back to the point of the lower back ribs. This being done on both sides. Then over this part put at least four or more pieces of two-inch adhesive cross-wise. Half circular strapping can be used for support and pain in the side. For illustration, pain in liver area. Two pieces of two-inch adhesive can be placed over the painful area and cut long enough to reach the spine. Shoulder straps are sometimes very valuable in controlling pain
in neuritis. Practice and experience are the best training,
and lead to great proficiency in very little time. COLON THERAPY This is a rather well-known subject, and there are many types of apparatus. We would be foolhardy to mention any one as being superior to the other. It would bring an avalanche of protests from all directions. All recognize the necessity of an enema, or high colonic or purgative under certain special conditions. The battle goes on between two schools of thought. One school maintains that all purgatives are only poison to the intestines and only irritate the tissues into spasms, and it is by that process that the contents of the bowels are washed out. The other school states that enemas and colonics not only wash out the contents of the bowel, but also the secretions that give the bowel its life and elasticity. Both claim that the other method destroys the natural functioning of the bowel, and enemas, colonics or purgatives become a lifetime habit. There is much truth in both sides of the argument. But a conservative physician can use the following test to determine which to prescribe. The tuning fork or percussion by the hand and fingers will reveal the following: If there is a dull sound in the left iliac fossa in line with the
descending colon, that portion of the intestine is full of feces
and an enema is indicated. If the sound in the left iliac
fossa is clear and tympanitic, and in the right fossa, and ascending
colon is dull, then a high colonic or purgative by mouth are indicated.
But, in cases of real inflammation in any part of the intestinal
tract great caution must be exercised in the use of any of them.
ENDOCRINOLOGY Is the science of the endocrines or ductless glands and their functions. While we only mentioned ductless glands, it must be remembered that some of these have both an internal and an external secretion. Endocrines are: the pituitary (hypophysis), pineal (epiphysis), thyroid, parathyroid, thymus, adrenals, spleen, islands of Langerhans in the pancrease, and gonads. The ductless glands secrete one or more hormones which have a specific action upon the body, and for this reason they are sometimes called “Personality Glands.” An infectious fever such as those of childhood may later affect the personality or endocrine glands even in adult life, and personality diseases are often traced to diseases of childhood. Ductless glands are either acceleratory, stimulating the action of the sympathetic or autonomic system, or retarding, or (inhibiting) the action of the autonomic system. These two groups are antagonistic to each other. Some tissues may have internal secretions. These glands are richly supplied with afferent and efferent nerves, lymphatics and two systems of blood supply. One to nourish the gland and the other in general circulation with which the lymphatics absorb the secretions. In this way the hormones stimulate or inhibit as necessary every cell of the body in health, continually revitalizing all the tissues of the body and mind, as well as regulating the carbohydrate, protein and water metabolisms. All this also has a profound effect upon the personality. For the personality of the individual is grounded in his biological make-up. If, for practical purposes, the personality is considered from the viewpoint of intelligence, temperament, ego, impulse and character, then an integral part of the individual’s make-up is the endocrine system. Endocrine disorders have a profound effect on the metabolic processes and consequently on the whole nervous system. Intelligence being a component of the personality, it has been found that those of slow intelligence and feeble-minded have, particularly the last, a decided endocrine deficiency of the pituitary glands. The changes of temperament which occur in thyroid disfunction cases does sometimes result from a deficiency of thyroid extract. In many cases of parathyroid, tetany has been found to affect the whole personality due to a deficiency of calcium in the system. In the individual impulses, especially the sexual impulse, there are important relationships between the mental impulse, the gonads and the accomplishment of the act, as well as the ovarian deficiency. In all the above, hormones do have a psychological as well as a
physiological effect and deserve great interest and study by the
profession as an adjunct to their regular methods of practice.
For out of the proper functioning of the glands come much of the
elements that compose the normal personality exhibited in intelligence,
temperament, impulses, character and physical well-being.
Hormones will be described under their proper headings. DIETOTHERAPY Diet is an important factor in the healing arts. With many it is the only factor considered. We had a lecturer in town recently who kept shouting, “You are what you eat!” A listener in the audience must have been irritated for he sprang out of his seat and shouted, “If what you say is true, that you are what you eat, and you claim you have been a vegetarian all your life, then according to the natural scheme of things you should be by this time a horse or a cow.” The listener had taken the lecturer too literally, but the lecturer was to blame, he insisted on a balanced diet, but failed to mention how it could be attained. Physicians cannot afford to be dogmatic as to the habits of the people at large. Only as advice is sought, and as a part of the treatment, is the physician effective as a teacher and healer. Otherwise, he is considered to be nothing more than just a plain crank. Whereas, the real physician practices applied dietotherapy only as a fundamental part of his healing art. Following are a Low and a High Calorie Diet. The Low Calorie
Diet can be used as a cleansing diet for those who are obese, or,
in lieu of fasting. The High Calorie Diet can be used in anemias,
and for build-up purposes. They must be modified by the physician
to meet the necessities of each particular case. HIGH CALORIE DIET Diet No. 1 Length of Diet___Days Breakfast Luncheon Diet No. 2 Length of Diet___Days Breakfast Luncheon (Choice of No. 1 or No. 2) (1) (2) For acid and alkaline balance the following table of foods offers selections: ALKALINE FOODS Fruits: Applies, Apricots, Bananas, Berries, Cherries, Citron, Cranberries, Currants, Grapefruit, Grapes, Lemons, Limes, Melons, Oranges, Peaches, Pears, Persimmons, Pineapple, Prunes, Raisins, Tangerines, Tomatoes, Plums, Cataloupe. Vegetables: Almonds, Artichokes, Asparagus, Beans (dried lima), Beans (fresh green), Beets, Beet tops, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Corn (Sweet), Cucumbers, Endive, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Olives (ripe), Onions, Oyster plant, Parsley, Parsnips, Peas (fresh), Peas (dried), Peppers (sweet), Potatoes (unpeeled), Sauerkraut, Radishes, Spinach, Summersquash, Tomatoes (raw), Turnips. ACID FOODS Starches: Bran, Bread (white, rye, graham, whole wheat), Cereals, Corn (dried), Cornstarch, Crackers, Flour (white), Gravies (flour), Molasses, Oatmeal, Pastries, Peanuts, Popcorn, Potatoes (peeled), Preserves, Rice, Spaghetti, Squash, Soups (thick), Sugar, Tapioca. Proteins: Cheese, Clams, Crabs, Eggs (yolks), Eggs (whites), Fish, Meats (lean beef, chicken, lean pork), Oysters, Poultry, Shrimps, Lentils. NEUTRAL FOODS Fats: Bacon, Butter, Cotton seed, Cream, Lard, Milk, Olive Oil,
Peanut Oil. FOOT TECHNIQUES The writer has taken many Post Graduate Courses in foot treatments, and bony structure adjustments. Two of them seem to offer the largest selection of techniques and to be based on sound reason. Collins and Taplin. We here speak of adjustment of the bony structure not reflex zones. See Zone Therapy for the latter. This subject of the feet is too large and the number of techniques too many for full discussion here. The writer will just state what he has found to be practical in the majority of cases. The assumption here is that when the cuboid bone becomes displaced in any manner, all the bones of the foot fall and impingement of the nerve follows, giving pain and reflexly causing irritations far removed from the feet. It is a very good habit for physician to ask all patients, “Do you have any distress in your feet?” The short techniques are as follows: One -- Crack all the joints of the phalanges. Hold foot with left hand, across the middle. Put thumb of right hand over each joint, the remainder of right hand under the foot. Give a quick, upward jerk. If it is quick no pain is given. Two -- Bridge the foot with one hand, reaching almost to the scaphoid, with the other hand braced against the cuboid, give a quick recoil jerk with a round twist with the hand on the cuboid. Three -- One hand bridging the foot, grasp the heel with the other and give a sharp pull toward you. This technique is used in the majority of all types of foot troubles.
In the most severe cases the strapping “U” is applied. See
The above is only general, there are times when massage, kneeding,
vibrations, baths, the Taplin Block, and other forms of treatment
are needed. ELECTRO THERAPY The application of Electro Therapy to the human body for therapeutic effects is based on the theory of the human electro physiological mechanism. The human body cell is stated to have a proton, the nucleus and the electron or surrounding protoplasm. It is also stated that the nervous energy of the body is electrical, and subject to negative and positive controls. The theory and the applications of electricity are immense, and to be fully understood would take a lifetime study, and then the question still remains, what is this force called “Electricity?” But, the above is also true of all Nature’s Forces. An ultimate knowledge is lacking. They are only known by their manifestations, and from these certain rules or laws have been formulated and by practical utilization of these laws it is possible not only to regulate and measure the currents, but also have available from a single source several currents having different properties. Electricity has a very distinct and rather wide field of usefulness as a therapeutic agent, but one which can be successfully utilized only when its properties, physical as well as physiological, are well understood. Although the limits of this chapter prohibit a detailed presentation of the subject of electrophysics, certain fundamental considerations of this phase of the subject are required. Since no schools of the healing arts, medical or otherwise, have given any courses of study adequate to a clear understanding of the subject, the physician must depend on the manufacturer for the data on construction of his treating machine and the types of current used for therapeutic purposes. Too many physicians are buying expensive electrical apparatus without a full conception of the potentialities and as a result, are often at a loss what the machine can do and cannot do. Sometimes claims are made that are gross exaggerations, and the word “quack” is applied to all users of that particular type of machine. Sometimes salesmen have misled the physician in their eagerness to make sales and fill the physician with a false enthusiasm. The field of Electrotherapeutics has been so well explored, there is no excuse now for anyone to be led astray, if he will but insist that he be shown proof of possibilities, and have answered all doubtful questions truthfully. Within certain limits, the value of radiant light, Ultra irradiation, Sine waves, Chromotherapy, Galvanic, Diathermy, Short Wave and some forms of electronics have been established by long usage. For good reading on this subject the reader is referred to Johnson’s Principles and Practice of Drugless Therapeutics. In the treatments following, whenever, Electrotherapeutics are
indicated the types will be selected from those that have been established
from long experience. MANIPULATIVE MINOR, SURGERY Joshua Lake, N.D., D. O., Professor of Minor Surgery in the American College of Neuropathy, called the attention of the writer to this form of therapy in 1916. He used it as a part of the Neuropathic Traction Treatment. His method of discovering adhesions was patterned after Lyons who claimed that if an adhesion existed between two organs, and the stethoscope was placed over one organ and the tuning fork over the other, that the vibrations could be heard very distinctly even very tympanitic. If no adhesion existed, the vibrations were not of a distinct and clear nature. Lake not only used this method, but also claimed, that by massing the muscles of the abdomen, adhesions, and small masses of congestions could be felt with the fingers. It was the writer’s good fortune in his student days to spend many hours with Dr. Lake in his office and to be able to ascertain by experience the truth of his claim. As the years have gone by, there have been many exponents of this type of therapy, and there is much confusion. Among its exponents as to who originated it, and whose techniques are the best, please refer back to our conception of “Originality” found on Page 1 of this Second Book. This confusion has kept this specialty from approaching any degree of standardization and general acceptance, and in many cases led to ill will among many practitioners. This is unfortunate for the profession as a whole, because in the rivalry of the factions many claims as to the effectiveness of the techniques have been made that have not, or cannot be validated under the present conditions. Lake confined this technique to the minor surgery of breaking adhesions for better functioning of the viscera, the raising of the abdominal ptosis, the replacement of soft hernias and soft lumpy congestions, and the kneading of granulation tissue in the joints. (Dr. Joshua Lake is in no way related to the writer.) It is in that sphere we will confine the indicated treatments in the following pages. Since the writer was first taught the above techniques, there has come to his attention manipulative surgeries with the following names: Bloodless Surgery, Finger Bloodless Surgery, Manipulative Bloodless Surgery and Conservative Bloodless Surgery. In our travels throughout the Country, we can say, no other form of therapy has created so much doubt as this one. It should not be thus. This is a good therapy and if some uniformity could be attained it would be universally accepted and practiced. The first doubt arises from the word “Bloodless.” It is doubtful if tissue within or without can be broken, or an operation actually performed without an extravasation within or without the body of blood, and a consequent hyperemia of some duration on the periphery over the area of operation. There is much doubt in all sections of the Country to some claims
that hard uterine fibroids as big as a cocoanut or a watermelon
have been made to slough off, or fall away and be gone forever,
without any toxemia appearing. If there is any validity to
these claims, they need to be verified by an impartial group of
physicians who can study a number of cases preoperative and postoperative
-- preoperative observation and examination and postoperative observation
and examination for at least two months. Tumors of this nature
are easily identifiable, as one physician put it, “You can
feel ‘em when they are, and you can’t feel ‘em when they ain’t no
more.” These doubts should be dispelled, because this form
of treatment is of great value and the doubts keep many physicians
in such a state of prejudice they will not even look into the matter.
Testimonials by patients are not a sufficient guide to men of scientific
leanings. It is to be deplored that this form of therapy passed
from the minor to the major stage without the appraisement of an
impartial group, so that physicians in general would actually know
what cases to accept with prospects of good results, and not delay
too long before consultation with a major Surgeon. We have
seen cases where delay has been fruitful of some serious results.
VITAMINOTHERAPY This is a relatively new concept in the healing arts and the rapid increase in our knowledge of these accessory food factors and of the deficiency diseases to which they are related has stimulated much interest and enthusiasm for the clinical applications of that knowledge. At the same time it has been difficult to keep abreast of new developments and to transfer knowledge from the laboratory to practice while a multiplicity of units, doses, preparations, names, and mixtures has been the source of much confusion. As a result there has been an uncritical use of these necessary food factors as well as a failure to apply much of the knowledge which is available and applicable. But this can be said of these accessory food factors, that if not given in excessive doses in ignorance of the units required for any clinical case, there is very little danger of toxicity appearing. However, without full knowledge of the required excessive doses running into the hundred and more thousand units there is a great element of danger. A normal young man of 38 with a blood pressure of 135 was discharged as requiring no further treatments. In three months he was back in the physician’s office and his blood pressure was 201. Upon inquiry the physician learned that this young man had taken excessive doses of vitamin B. On the other hand Youman maintains that “an inadequate supply of them is inimical to the cell, an optimal supply favors optimal growth and function, while an excess is without effect and is eliminated without injury. This means that in general such substances are without pharmacologic action.” Vitaminotherapy has a large place in the healing art. For
the conclusion must be reached that the function and action of these
essential food factors is to maintain health of the tissues and
participate in the normal functions of the body. All we can
hope to do amidst the confusion of claims, is to relieve a deficiency
as it exists or prevent its occurrence. The use of vitamins
apart from the purpose so far developed is based on wishful thinking
and a waste of the patient’s time and money. Since very few
physicians compound their own Vitamins but depend on the old reliable
companies for their literature, supplies and dosage, we will but
give the following chart of the main indications. If we made
a classification here of usage, units and dosage, it probably would
not be of any value by the time this book is off the press, so rapid
are new discoveries made. B-1 B-6 C D E F G (B-2) K P-P ANESTHESIA Is that part of practice whereby there is produced a local partial or a complete relaxation of the patient, for the purpose of performing some special manipulations. It can also be used for sedation of hysterical patients apart from manipulative minor surgery. There are several methods used. The uses of lights and goggles are on the same principle of concentration, relaxation and soothing. Some use a blinker or flickering light. Others, a steady light. There are various ways that lights and goggles can be used for relaxation in any special work the physician wishes to do. One is to have a blue light about four feet above and a little in front of the patient’s head, and then have the patient look into the light until there is a drowsiness. The other is to have the blue light overhead, and a pair of adjustable goggles on the eyes of the patient with blue lenses about one-quarter inch thick. Allow to look in the light for ten minutes then insert a red lens over the left eye, and allow to remain five minutes. This will produce relaxation enough for the manipulation. Another method is by pressing gently over the carotid sinus until
some of the tissues of the brain are deprived of a certain amount
of blood, and a state of relaxation is induced. Another method
is to cuff the fingers under the ridge of the occipital bones and
press gently upward for five minutes, then to hold the thumb and
forefinger with very light pressure over the fronto nasal suture.
Spondylotherapy over the whole spine for ten minutes is an excellent
method. HYDROTHERAPY Hydrotherapy is defined as the scientific application of water in various temperatures to the body for curative effects of the bodily ills. Cold is a depressant to functional activity, while heat is a stimulant to functional activity. Increased temperatures mean increased metabolism by increasing cell life and growth. Cold is the reverse. Neutral baths or alternate applications of hot and cold do not change the temperature, but favor elimination and bring about nutritive changes. The same action can be obtained from heat as can be obtained from cold, but the degree of heat would be so high that it would cause destruction of the skin. Hence the use of cold. To every action there is a reaction. With hydrotherapy it is possible to prolong the action or reaction. This is a direct method of treatment, easy of application, and quick, favorable results can be obtained with little discomfort. Much of the old-time techniques of hydrotherapy have been discarded by the development of diathermy and short wave. But there is still a large field of usefulness for some of the techniques. Not many physicians outside of sanitariums make much use of hydrotherapy in their offices. But there is a large field of usefulness for it, in the home by the patient himself under the instruction of the physician, and it is this phase of it that we will lay the emphasis on here. The terminology of the effects of hydrotherapy is divided into
five main divisions: So much for the principles of hydrotherapy. To give all the
outline of techniques here would require a large book in itself.
Whenever a disease is encountered that requires any of the above
hydrotherapy principles, the outline of procedure will be given.
NATUROPATHY Many times this writer has tried to find a definition that would put into a short sentence a survey of what the Naturopath stands for. But each attempt has only resulted in a long drawn out list of things it doesn’t mean, or a long list of what it does mean. The earliest recorded one is found as follows: “A misnomer, literally meaning nature disease, but accepted to mean cure of disease through natural methods. It recognizes as the cause of disease interference with natural law and natural operation and as the cure the removal of obstruction and the elimination of the cause by natural healing reactions. In the process of cure, it makes use of all systems and methods that are in agreement with natural law and physiological operations. Its system of hygiene and prophylaxis is based on natural living and clean, wholesome habits of body and mind.” -- From the Naturopathic Directory. James Montgomery Irving, M.D., N.D., writing in the Naturopathic Directory, page 793, states that “The term Naturopathy covers everything.” This was the early concept and from reading of bills introduced into Legislatures this is still the concept today. Naturopathy is the oldest of the healing arts and the hardest to define. Recently some new efforts at definition have been made and two are given below. Early American Manual Therapy The first appeared in The Maryland Naturopathic Digest, issue of February 1946. It is written by Henry Krause, N.D.: “Naturopathy may be defined as a science, philosophy and practice, following definite physical, chemical, biological and mental laws for the restoration and maintenance of health and for the correction of bodily disorders, without the use of drugs and surgery. Naturopathy is known to be a distinct system of the healing art--not a fad, cult or cure-all, as some people may imagine. The naturopathic practitioner must be capable and willing, to serve his patients as a personal counsellor, he must have analytical insight and intelligent sympathy.” The second is quoted from The Naturopathic Journal of Texas, issue of February 1946: “Naturopathy is a therapeutic system embracing a complete physianthropy employing Nature’s agencies, forces, processes and products, except major surgery.” The writer was Dean of the Philadelphia College of Neuropathy and Naturopathy from 1922 to 1938 when the college became a Post Graduate Institution and is now Dean of the Post Graduate School. For teaching purposes it was necessary to have a starting point in the form of a brief definition, and the writer coined the following: “Naturopathy is a science of the healing art, eclectic in practice, by which abnormal conditions of the human body are restored to normal through selection of the healing agencies that are fundamental to nature.” Twenty years ago that definition was submitted to a group of older Naturopaths but the discussion went on and on until every one was tired out and went home without making a decision of any kind. Naturopathy can be called “The Mother” of all the healing arts.
Surely it deserves a better dressing up, by definition, philosophy
and practice than it has received in the past. However, because
Naturopathy is eclectic and selective the Naturopath should find
this book helpful. CHIROPRACTIC Chiropractic. Literally, “done by the hand.” A system of spinal adjustment. Treatment applied to the spinal column or special vertebrae thereof for the purpose of restoring normal position to malimposed vertebrae, the theory of such practice being that subluxations or malpositions of vertebrae cause disease manifestations through pressure on the spinal nerves. Chiropractic has gone far beyond the original concept, for the majority have added most if not all of the methods and modalities of other professions. X-ray-physiotherapy in all of its forms, hydrotherapy, vitaminotherapy, etc. This is all to the credit of Chiropractic, for it reflects a serious research for the greater usefulness of the profession. |