Maintaining Health (Formerly Health and Efficiency)Alsaker, Rasmus Larssen
Science
Maintaining Health (Formerly Health and Efficiency)
Alsaker, Rasmus Larssen
Diet; Hygiene
Even though there be no thirst or desire for water, some should be
taken. If it can be taken by mouth give at least a glassful every two
hours, not necessarily all at once. Some are so sensitive that one-half
of a glass of water is all they can tolerate. If the stomach objects to
water, give it by rectum. Always do this in cases of much nausea. After
a few days the water intake may be reduced.
Take a quick sponge bath every day and if there is any inclination
toward chilliness, the water should be tepid or warm. Follow with a few
minutes of dry towel friction. People who are overweight, with good
heart and kidney action, can take prolonged hot baths, if they wish. An
olive oil rub immediately after the bath, about twice a week, is
grateful. However, this is not necessary.
The colon is to be washed out every day. No definite amount of water can
be prescribed. Occasionally enemas are taken under difficulties, for
some cramp when water is introduced into the bowel. Those who are not
accustomed to enemas should use water about 100 degrees Fahrenheit. One
quart is a small enema. Two quarts make a fairly large one. Introduce
the water, lie still for a few minutes and then allow it to pass out. If
the bowels are very foul, use two or three washings. If there is much
fermentation, use some soda in the water. Salt, about a tablespoonful to
two quarts of water, stimulates the bowels, but its disadvantage is that
it draws water from the intestinal walls, thus robbing the blood of a
part of its fluid. The same is true of glycerin. Perhaps the least
harmful ingredient that can be put into the water to stimulate action is
enough pure castile soap to render the water opaque. The soap, however,
has a tendency to wash away too much of the mucus which lubricates the
bowel. On the whole, nothing is better than plain water. If it gives
good results use nothing else.
Those who are very sensitive and weak often find that the expulsion of
water from the bowel not only further weakens them, but causes pain. In
such cases Dr. Hazzard recommends a rectal tube (not a colon tube),
which is very good, for it allows the emptying of the bowel without any
cramping. The tube is to be inserted about six inches.
To take the enema, assume either the knee-chest position (kneeling with
the shoulders close to the floor) or lie on the right side with the hips
elevated. These positions allow water to flow into colon by aid of
gravity.
When it is necessary to supply liquid to the body by rectum, simply
introduce a pint or less of plain water, moderately warm. Repeat as
often as necessary to keep away thirst, which will rarely be more than
every three hours.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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