7rcTIX1xP

The Hindu-Yogi System of Practical Water Cure2126
the rectum and colon, by means of the ordinary syringe of that day. The
amount injected was usually about a pint, but some of the more radical
ventured to use a quart of water, which was quite unusual on the part of
the medical profession and public generally, and which was regarded as a
“heroic treatment” frowned upon by the regular physicians. About 185O, or
perhaps a little earlier, one Dr. Joel Shew, in his little “Water Cure Manual,”
recommended the full injection. He said, among other things on the subject:
“By a thorough washing out of the lower bowels, the peristaltic or downward
action of the whole alimentary canal is promoted, and by the absorption
or transudation of water, its contents are moistened or diluted and the
whole of the abdominal circulation completely suffused by that blandest
and most soothing of all fluids—pure water.” And even before that time—
say about 1825, Dr. Priessnitz, the eminent “Water Cure” advocate and
practitioner, mentioned this among other subjects, as having produced the
most satisfactory results.
But, these earlier practictioners and writers do not seem to have
discovered the fundamental Hindu idea—the frequency and danger of the
Impacted Colon. Their methods were directed toward the lower end of the
Colon, particularly the Sigmoid Flexure, that peculiar curve or twist of the
Colon just before it terminates in the Rectum. (See Diagram.) And so their
methods, while excellent in so far as they went, did not reach the real source
of the trouble, except incidentally. Perhaps the first Western man who
really saw the value of the treatment and method was Dr. Wilford Hall, of
New York City, a clergyman and scientist, the author of numerous religious,
scientific, and philosophical works. Dr. Hall was broken down in health, and
in his desperate endeavors to regain strength and health he experimented
along many lines. Almost by accident his attention was directed toward the
Colon, and he soon discovered the source of his troubles. He began treating
himself, and the results amazed him—in a short time he was again hearty,
well, strong and vigorous. Then he tried his treatment on some friends and
acquaintances, with like results. Finally, feeling that such a discovery would