XCV.—Piles.
Piles are caused by an accumulation of blood in the vessels which merge into the large intestines; they either discharge blood, or are confined to a swelling of the veins, in otherwise healthy subjects. Hydropathy effects a radical cure of this complaint, whilst medical remedies are only temporary, and often lead to serious consequences.
Treatment.—Morning, three rubbing-sheets and sitz-bath, twenty minutes; noon, the same; afternoon, the same, and an additional sitz-bath, making four sitz-baths during the day. At night, a rubbing-sheet but no sitz-bath, as it is too late to walk after it. Body bandage; much water to be drunk; douche four to eight minutes in the middle of the day, if possible.
Out of the general treatment, persons troubled with piles may take sitz-baths and wear a bandage on the part affected.
A patient having piles and sore eyes, was advised neither to take sitz-baths or eye-baths. When Priessnitz was asked the reason, he said, “Because you have too much bad matter in your system, which I am afraid of attracting to those parts.”
In a common attack of piles, two or three sitz-baths a-day, fifteen minutes each, and wearing a bandage upon the part at night, will afford relief.
Persons subject to piles should especially avoid all heating and stimulating drinks.