LXXI.—Constipation.
This complaint is always relieved, and if sufficient time is devoted to the treatment, finally overcome by Hydropathy; space forbids my going into details, or numerous cases might be given in proof of this assertion. The reader’s attention may however be called to the [letter] addressed to a newspaper, and signed by upwards of one hundred patients, giving the case of the son of Prince Leichtenstein, who was cured in a few days of Constipation, which had endured twenty-eight days in defiance of all medical aid. To effect a permanent cure, the treatment must be persevered in for a long time, very often a twelvemonth.
In a recent case. Rubbing-sheets until feverish heat ceases: sometimes four or three suffice; at others the number must be increased to sixteen or twenty, to be immediately followed by a clyster. Then take a walk, and on returning, a sitz-bath fifteen to twenty minutes, the abdomen to be well rubbed the whole time.
Body bandage to be worn always and often changed. This treatment to be resorted to twice a day. Great exercise to be used, and cold light food to be partaken of.
A delicate lady who had suffered from this complaint for upwards of twenty years, was relieved in a fortnight, and had no return of it during her stay at Gräfenberg. Her principal treatment was:—
Packing-sheet and bath twice a day. Rubbing-sheet and sitz-bath at noon.
A second case, which came under my observation, was that of a Russian, who for many years had only been relieved by medicine or enemas. He went to an establishment at Moscow for six months, where he derived great benefit, though he still used enemas. At Gräfenberg he abandoned the latter, his bowels were relaxed and have continued so ever since.