Natural cure for rupture : a rational, natural means of permanently curing rupture

Preface

Rupture curable !

Many will no doubt think this an astounding statement, especially when the cure is effected by simple means without the aid of surgery. I have known for many years that rupture can be avoided by merely strengthening the cords, muscles and other tissues in the abdominal region, but it is only recently; that is, within the last three years, that I have given any particular attention to the study of natural means of curing this defect. I can truly say that, after giving the matter considerable attention, the apparent simplicity and reasonableness of a cure by these means astounded me, and I believe it will appeal in a similar way to every one who will carefully

PREFACE.

consider the conclusions set forth in this book.

I know that in a number of cases the trouble is of such serious nature that the chances of recovery will be extremely small. Where the rupture has existed for a long time, and the opening allowed to increase to a large size, a cure car rarely be effected. But I firmly believe that the average person suffering from this trouble, where the opening is not too large, can be cured absolutely in from three to six months by following out the instructions found in this book.

Of course, the theories advanced herein were very firmly believed in for some time before I had an opportunity to test their value.

In March, 1901, during the time we opened our Health Home, Mr. Alexander Axelson, the free consumptive patient we accepted and cured, was suffering from a

PREFACE.

double inguinal hernia. I saw that here was a chance to test the theories that I long held for the cure of this trouble, and to show how effectively his case was cured I will quote a few words of his letter, received about five months after treatment was begun :

The rupture has been entirely cured now, and have worn no support for some time.

I would advise even very serious cases to give the treatment found herein a trial, as it will at least build increased physical health, even should it fail to effect an entire cure.

The ruptured man or woman is a cripple. Not only crippled physically, but this defect, to a certain extent, influences one’s mental condition. To be compelled to continually wear a truss is

PREFACE.

not only inconvenient, but in many cases is it extremely painful ; and furthermore, one is constantly worried by the fear not only that the rupture may come down, but that it will grow more serious in character. Of course, I must say at the very outset that the method here advanced is not easy. You will have to work hard for a cure. You will have to deny yourself food — will have to go hungry. In many cases you may feel that 3:011 are being half starved, but the cure, I am satisfied, will be considered worth a thousand times the sacrifices necessar}: in bringing it about.

Chapter I. Different Kinds And Signs Of Rupture

The importance of being able to distinguish accurately the symptoms of rupture can hardly be overestimated. Though this book is written more particularly for those who are attempting to cure a trouble of this nature, a brief description of the symptoms of the various kinds of rupture are herewith given.

The classification of hernias by medical and surgical writers is extensive. They recognize various kinds of hernia. The reader, however, may have a comprehensive knowledge of these varieties, through the following subdivisions, in which the hernias are classified according to location and character.

Classified according to location, there

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are five kinds of hernia, viz.: Inguinal.

Scrotal, Femoral, Umbilical and Ventral hernia.

In Inguinal hernia the protrusion of bowel or other matter, is through the internal abdominal ring, into the inguinal canal in the groin, and in its course it follows the spermatic cord in males, or the round ligament of the womb in females. It prevails more among males than females, and occurs oftener in the right side than the left.

Scrotal hernia : Inguinal hernia, after a time forces itself into the scrotum of the male, often distending it to enormous size.

It is dangerous when it reaches this stage, as it is then generally all but impossible to return the hernia to the bowel cavity without surgical assistance.

Femoral hernia: This is a form of hernia in which the protusion passes through a very small opening at the front

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of the abdominal wall; it is confined genreally to women, and if taken in time is easily reducible, and may be completely overcome by proper systematic exercising.

bilical hernia occurs at the navel, or umbilicus, and is encountered more frecpiently among women than among men. It is liable especially to attack elderljq corpulent ladies, or those who have borne many children, and have weakened the abdominal walls by corset wearing, or other unhygienic method of clothing. It also occurs frequently among new born infants, where there is defective or weakened condition of the abdominal walls ; and violent coughing, sneezing or wying will suffice to produce it. It generally appears not larger than the tip of the finger, but if neglected will speedily develop until it becomes very large and pendulous.

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It is necessary for the reader here to be made familiar with the three varieties of hernia, as distinguished from each other by their character. Under these three heads all hernias are classified. They are known as reducible, irreducible and strangulated.

A hernia is reducible, when with a little care in manipulation the tumor may be forced back into the abdominal cavity through the orifice by which it descended.

It is irreducible when the mass of protruding bowel, etc., cannot be returned to the abdominal cavity through the opening it escaped b}’. This condition is encountered where a hernia has long been neglected.

When a hernia occurs, only the outer, muscular walls of the abdomen break, or split, and the pressure of the viscera forces the bowel through the opening, and along

with it, the peritoneum, or inside lining

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of the abdominal cavity, is stretched to the size and shape of the tumor. If allowed to remain long without reduction, this peritoneal sac grows fast to the walls of the skin, and reduction, without an operation becomes an impossibility.

Strangulated hernia is one in which the free circulation in the protruding bowel becomes impossible. It only occurs in irreducible hernias. When the opening is small, and there is a little local inflammation, the circulation is stopped in the protruding loop of intestine, and the gravest results are imminent, and if prompt relief is not afforded, it is almost certain to end fatally. As this is the gravest condition encountered in the treatment of hernia, one should carefully note the symptoms, and be prepared to act promptly when the condition becomes manifest. Pain and tenderness are experienced in the tumor, sometimes extend-

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mg even throughout the entire abdomen, and easily mistaken for symptoms of colic ; the bowels become constipated ; nausea and vomiting follow, the abdomen swells, and fever develops.

The symptoms of hernia are such that there is not much chance of being deceived as to its character. Generali}' the hernia is plainly visible at the groin or umbilicus.

Its appearance is accompanied by pain, soreness in and about the profusion, and, sometimes, nausea accompanies these symptoms. If the hernia is reducible upon the patient assuming a reclining position it can easily be pressed back into the abdomen. The few eases where hernia might be mistaken for varicocele or hydrocele hardly need specific notice here. A varicocele may easily be distinguished from a hernia by placing the patient on his back, pressing against the scrotum until the swelling is reduced,

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then, while pressure is directed firmly against the abdominal ring have the patient rise. If it is a hernia, the tumo? will not appear as long as the pressure is kept up ; but if a varicocele, the pressure prevents return of blood to the trunk, and the veins swell.

In this connection it is well for the patient to know how to properly care for the various forms of hernia that he may suffer from. This direction is intended in the way of a first aid, and the course of treatment set forth in the following pages should be taken up promptly and pursued thoroughly.

As soon as aware that a hernia exists, the first effort should be directed toward its reduction. The patient should at once visit an expert, but if this is impossible, he should place himself on his back, with feet slightly higher than head, and by pressing upon the tumor endeavor to get it

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back into the cavity. If it goes back easily, it should be secured there with a proper truss, and then the systematic body building set forth further on, entered upon.

If the hernia is in the groin, and it cannot be readily reduced by pressure applied by the hands, it may sometimes be done by the following method : Clasp the hands over the knee on the side the hernia is on, pull the thigh up firmly against the abdomen, and then pull it across the abdomen towards the opposite side. If this does not succeed, stop eating entirely for a few days, lie with feet higher than head, and apply cold wet compress to affected locality.

If the hernia has reached the strangulated form a physician should be immediately called. An absolute fast, hot water compress, followed by the manipulations described above, will in most cases be effective remedial agents.

Chapter II. Cause Of Rupture

Rupture, or hernia, is an unnatural protrusion of the bowels or their attachments from the bodju This protrusion may be through either natural or accidental openings in the internal muscular coverings, or walls, of the abdomen. It may occur in an}^ part of the abdominal region not covered by bone, though it usually appears in the region of the groin. Though the immediate cause of rupture may be some violent exercise, such as running, jumping, lifting, the weakened condition of the abdominal region is the condition that makes rupture possible. Sometimes this region becomes so debilitated that even coughing or sneezing will produce a rupture. The

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peritoneum, or inner covering of the abdominal region, is provided with various openings for the passage of the nerves and blood vessels, and these openings are naturally only large enough to allow their passage, but when adjacent parts of the body have been greatly weakened by disuse, a rupture can easily be produced, thus allowing part of the abdominal contents to protrude.

Surgery is frequently used as a means of remedying hernia. It is dangerous, however, and in many cases does not result in a permanent cure, because abdominal weakness, the original cause of rupture, still exists, and although that particular opening may have been closed, another is liable to be produced at any time if this weakened condition continues.

Owing to the fact that exercises of a more violent nature are taken by males than females, and to the difference in the

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construction of the abdominal parts, males are more subject to rupture than females.

There is less tendency to this trouble in children than there is in adults, for the particular reason that children are active in their habits, and the parts are so strengthened that the liability to rupture is reduced to a minimum.

One authority states that in children of one or two years, one out of thirty-one are afflicted. The affliction decreases in frequency up to the age of fifteen, when about one out of twenty-five are ruptured.

Then again increasing in frequency so that at the age of twenty-one, one out of about twenty-one. At the age of forty, one out of about nine. At the age of fifty, one out of about six. At the age of seventy, one out of every three. Thus, it is clearl}^ shown that rupture increases in the same ratio as the general use of the muscular system decreases.

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All authorities on rupture lay special stress upon the various direct causes of the trouble, and practically seem to entirely ignore the fact that abdominal weakness makes it possible. If the abdominal regions are strengthened as they should be, there is not the slightest danger of rupture, and all those who have so far escaped this trouble and are desirous of retaining their normal condition, must give especial attention to those means necessary in strengthening this important part of the body.

Chapter III. Theory Of Cure

Throughout the entire animal world there is no species outside of man wherein there occurs even rare cases of hernia or rupture. The active life which other animals are compelled to lead develops these parts of the body and so strengthens them that, regardless of conditions, it is almost impossible for a rupture to be produced. Severe falls of all kinds, in fact, accidents which anyone might suppose would cause rupture, were it within the bounds of possibility, seem to be incapable of producing it. It is perfectly right and natural that man, the higher animal, should possess similar strength of those parts. The weakness and general physical deficiency seen in the

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higher animal, man, is clearly the result of plain causes. Being an upright animal there is but little need for the muscles of the abdominal region unless active exercise is regularly indulged.

As a result, all those muscles gradually grow weaker after childhood, and in many cases they become mere ribbons, instead of assuming that thickness anc strength which nature clearly intended.

It is easy to understand how the ten dons, muscles, cartilages and other sup ports of the abdominal contents beconit so weakened under such circumstances that violent exercise of almost any kind is liable to produce rupture.

The slightest activity requires a certain amount of use of the abdominal region of nearly all lower animals, and this to a large extent accounts for the superior strength which they possess in those parts.

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Now, every one is aware that a weak arm can be developed and made stronger by proper use. I have person all}?- seen men from forty to fifty years of age add from one to two inches to the circumference of their upper arms in a short time, by diligent practice.

Now, the muscles, tendons, cartilages and other parts of the body in the abdominal region are susceptible to improvement in strength, vigor and size to a similar extent with the arm. I maintain with all possible emphasis, that not only can one, by certain special exercises of the muscles, so strengthen the abdominal region that rupture is practically impossible, but that rupture, if not of too long standing, and not too large, can, by the same means, be gradually remedied. As the supports of the abdominal contents, the muscles, tendons, etc., gradually grow in size, their improvement in strength vastly influences

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all adjacent parts to improve to a similar degree. The natural openings for the nerves, blood vessels, etc., from the abdominal region, become firmer and stronger. If rupture has actually lacerated the peritoneum and produced an opening in the lining of the abdomen it will make but little difference, for it is not this membrane which holds the abdominal contents. It is the muscles, tendons and other more vigorous parts, and if the abdominal contents are properly held by a truss, which will not tend to enlarge the opening, this gradual increase in the size of these various parts will slowly but surely fill m the part where the rupture has been produced, and if the strength is gradually increased and the exercises we recommended are continued, these defective parts will become so strong that there is no possible chance for a rupture to again appear.

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As previously explained, the use of these muscles, by accelerating the circulation, not only strengthens the muscles themselves, but it increases the strength, size and thickness of ever};' part of the adja= cent tissue.

Chapter IV. How To Begin Treatment

In remedying a trouble of this nature by natural means, one must prepare for hard work. It requires determination, persistence and close attention to every suggestion made herein. Remember that if the opening from which the bowels protrude is very large, but little hope can be given, though it would be well to give the treatment a trial, as under such circumstances a cure is far more desirable. Also remember that great weakness of these parts usually exists when the opening is large, and far greater caution in beginning the treatment is necessary.

The first step, as a means of enabling one to start the exercise, is to lessen the

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quantity of food taken. If you are in the habit of eating three meals, only eat two each day. If in the habit of eating two, lessen the quantity of food you have been eating. After you have reduced your abdominal measurements by thus reducing the quantity of food eaten, for from one to three inches you can then begin the exercises which will be found illustrated in the chapters that follow.

The moment these exercises are begun you should start preparing yourself for a long fast. You should begin this by fasting one day in three. After having passed through five separate fast days, then fast two days out of six, until you have passed through three fast periods. After having completed your last two-day fast, eat four days, then begin a three-day fast. After having completed the three-day fast eat for seven days, after which you are ready to begin the long fast.

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The object of this fasting is two-fold : First, to greatly lessen the contents of the abdominal viscera, and second, to gradually purify the blood and thus make it more capable of building strong tissues.

You must, of course, expect that the weight will decrease considerably in this process, if you are at all inclined towards stoutness, but that should not cause }^ou the slightest worry, as after your trouble has been remedied this weight can easily be regained. All surplus weight, when curing a disease of this nature, should in every case be discarded, and of course the fasting and dieting we advise will, in nearly every case, accomplish this object.

Let me here emphasize the special necessity for carrying out in detail the instructions in reference to fasting. This is really one of the most important parts ' of the instructions given here. Unless yoiir work is manual and very hard there

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should be no necessity of losing any time from your regular occupation while taking this treatment. Of course, during the long fast you may feel rather weak, but if your work is light it will be far easier for you to continue at your occupation, as your mind will be occupied and the fasting period will seem far shorter under these circumstances.

Immediately upon starting the one-day fasts you should begin the first system of exercises found in a chapter to follow, and adhere closely to the suggestions made in reference to them.

The first week they? should be taken once daily ; the second week, twice daily, and third week, three times daily’ ; on the fourth week the second system should be used, if you have gained sufficient strength, and on each occasion you can gradually^ increase the time occupied byr them. After finishing the two-day fast,

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or even before, if you feel sufficiently strong, 3'ou can take the exercises four times each day.

Deep breathing, long walks, and, in fact, every means that will tend to build up the general physical health, will of course be of vast assistance.

In eating, thorough mastication is especially essential, and by thorough mastication I mean that every mouthful of food must be actually chewed to a liquid before it is swallowed, and that my reader ma)r not misunderstand me, under such circumstances a mouthful of whole-wheat bread, for instance, will take about one hundred and twenty-five movements of the jaws in order to thoroughly masticate and prepare it for swallowing. I would advise every one taking this treatment to read my book “Strength from Eating," as special points of value will be found

along the lines of appetite, mastication

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and the value of different kinds of foods.

The diet should be confined mostly to vegetables and grains, but little meat should be eaten, and, as stated before, the extreme necessity for curtailing the quantity at each meal cannot be too strongly emphasized.

At all times great care should be taken to secure as nearly as possible perfectly pure air. The windows should be wide open in your sleeping room. Discard immediately any fear of taking cold, for after adopting the fasting, dieting and exercise advocated, there is practically no danger ot this.

CHAPTER V. First 75 Days

SYNOPSIS OF DAY’S WORK.

Immediately upon rising, with windows wide open, take the first system of exercises illustrated in a chapter to follow.

Use very great care in the beginning and under no circumstances take those particular exercises which require any great strain. Where they are particularly difficult merely attempt them. Gradually, day by day, you will find your strength increasing, and when sufficiently strong, these more difficult exercises can be performed.

Follow these exercises by a friction bath, securing two soft bristle brushes and rubbing the body all over, back and forth until the skin is pink from accelerated circulation brought to the surface.

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Follow this by a cold sitz bath of from one to five minutes, immersing the hips only in the water.

After this dash water all over the body and dry thoroughly with rough towels.

Take exercises the same on fast days as you do on other days. Hat breakfast only on the days after fast days. On such occasions a little fruit may be eaten.

Hat the first meal between ten and one o’clock, whenever convenient, and do not forget to thoroughly masticate }mur food.

Sometime during the middle of the forenoon, or the afternoon, if possible, take a long walk, with many deep breathing exercises.

After the first three or four days, if the soreness of the abdominal region caused by using those muscles, begins to disappear, exercises may be taken twice daily. They may be taken the second

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time in the middle of the afternoon, 01 just before retiring, whichever desired.

Toward the latter part of the fifteen days if the abdominal muscles seem to have secured sufficient strength, the exercises may be taken three times daily.

Next 18 Days Treatment.

SYNOPSIS OF THE DAY’S WORK.

The same routine can be followed during the next eighteen days of the treatment, during which time you are fasting two days out of six, and during which time you must increase the time you devote to the special, and other, exercises. After the first week of this eighteen days of treatment, the second system of exercise should be substituted for the first system. If you would increase the length of your walks and give more accurate attention to every possible

means of building up the muscular and

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general vigor of your entire body it would be of very great aid.

Next io Days.

SYNOPSIS OF THE DAY’S WORK.

During the next ten days of the treatment, the first three being devoted to a fast, the same daily routine can be followed. You can break the three days’ fast on a little fruit which may be enjoyable, though special care must be taken to avoid overeating after this fast. At no meal should }-rou eat more than about half the quantity you feel you really desire.

Chapter VI. Long Fast

After having passed though the instructions previously given, you are now prepared for one of the most difficult parts of the treatment, namely, the long fast. It has taken some little determination to go through what has alread}' been advised, and just a little more determination now should cany you through the most difficult part, and then the cure should not be far off.

I11 a previous part of the book I have called 3’our attention to the necessit3^ for having those around you in full sympathy with this theory of the cure. If your friends and relatives are continually endeavoring to lessen your faith and break down your determination to continue, it

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vastly increases the difficulty of properly carrying out the process of cure. A fast of any kind is not a particularly easy method of treatment. It revolutionizes one’s habits so thoroughly that all possible determination is needed, and when the influences of all those with whom you come in contact are against a continuation of this fasting process, your will power will have to be of great strength in order to carry out the fast successfully.

The object of this fast is to thoroughly cleanse the system of all foreign, impure matter, and thoroughly empty the bowels, thus taking away their tendency to press upon the ruptured part.

Please remember that by fasting I mean absolute fast. No liquid food of any kind is allowed under these circumstances. You may drink water freely whenever the same is desired. It is not at all an infrequent occurrence for one

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to become dizzy, and feel so weak that walking even is difficult. In a fast of this duration this feeling is abnormal.

In nearly every case, a few steps, deep-breathing exercises, or any means that will tend to accelerate the circulation will quickly remedy this unpleasant symptom.

The tongue will frequently be thickly coated, showing that the process of recovery is being hastened to the greatest possible degree. The breath is sometimes foul during a fast of this character, denoting that the impurities are being eliminated through the lungs.

Occasionally there is great difficulty experienced in sleeping. This should cause no worry, for when no strength is required for the digestion far less rest is needed. The work required of the nervous system is greatly lessened, and

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to a corresponding degree less recuperation is required in sleep.

During this long fast you can take the regular exercises advised previously, up to the third or fourth day, or during the entire fast, if you feel sufficiently strong.

If at any time they become too difficult or seem to require too much of an effort you may omit the more difficult exercises until you begin to take regular nourishment.

A great many fear that there may be danger of death from want of nourishment during the fast. This is practically of no importance. I have never heard of but one individual dying during a fast, and strange to relate those who have made a reputation for long fasts live to remarkably old age.

Dr. Tanner, who we remember as fasting forty days, twenty to twenty -five years ago, is still alive, hale and hearty. The

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celebrated Frenchman who has a record of fasting sixty days, thinks nothing of fasting forty days merely for pleasure.

Fasts of ten days or two weeks at my experimental Health Home were considered of no particular importance. Over half the patients who came to us would voluntarily fast a week. Therefore the fast of seven to fourteen days that I am asking you to take in this instance is of no great importance so far as the danger of death is concerned.

Where a fast has continued so long that there is danger of death the heart action will usually fall to twenty or thirty per minute and will be very faint. It has not been definitely proven that there is danger even at this point, but under circumstances of this nature I would of course not advise that the fast be continued. As a rule in a fast of from seven to fourteen days the pulse will not fall

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below forty, and frequently not below fifty or sixty. I had one patient at the experimental Health Home whose pulse fell to twenty and was so faint that it could hardly be felt after a fast of three weeks. It quickly rose after the patient took some nourishment.

Chapter VII. How To Break Fasts

After you have concluded that your fast has continued a sufficient length of time, remembering distinctly my suggestion that it continue for at least seven days, it is very important that you give especial attention to the necessity for extreme care in eating the proper kind and proportion of food.

I would advise that the first meal consist of two or three oranges, or of some other watery fruit which is relished.

This must be masticated very thoroughly, even if it is only orange juice.

Three or four hours afterward you might eat a banana or some fruit of a similar nature, though very great care must be used in selecting fruit of a

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proper degree of ripeness, neither too ripe nor too green.

Four or five hours after this a similar meal can be eaten and a very small quantity of nuts of some kind or some green vegetables like tomatoes can be added to it.

The next day you should begin on a two-meal-per-day plan, consisting entirely of fruit, nuts, or any raw vegetable such as lettuce, celery, radishes, that you may relish. At first you may not relish this extremely limited raw diet, though after a time it should be enjoyed almost to a similar degree with cooked food.