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Chapter X: Other Valuable Methods.2155
Chapter X: Other Valuable Methods.
In addition to the use and application of water along the lines of the
several methods and principles of application mentioned in the previous
chapters, there are a number of other valuable Hindu methods adapted
for use in special cases to which we wish to direct your attention. We shall
endeavor to give you the cream of the methods in a consise form leaving
out the non-essentials and an extended discussion concerning these several
forms of treatment.
Fomentations. A Fomentation is a warm or hot application to a part
of the body, for the purpose of relieving pain, relaxing muscles, relieving
spasms, gripings, headaches, etc. They are generally given in the shape of
cloths soaked in hot water—as hot as can be borne by the patient—wrung
nearly dry, and then placed in a handkerchief or thin cloth and applied so
that the part may be steamed. Hot Fomentations are wonderfully efficacious
when applied locally to relieve severe pains. They act, not as does the pack
by drawing to the surface the waste matter to be eliminated; but, on the
contrary, by drawing an extra supply of blood to the surface, thus raising
the local temperature of the part and relieving a congested condition, thus
dispersing the abnormal condition causing the pain, and also acting as a
sedative and relaxant.