There are three recognized methods of application.
First—Rubbing, to stimulate the skin to action.
Second—Rolling, and pinching gently, also a kneading movement, used principally to stimulate the stomach, bowels, and muscular tissues.
Third—Percussion, or tapping with the ends of the fingers, softly—most efficacious in stimulating the action of the lungs.
Rub the surface first with a little palm oil, or vaseline. Use the tapping movement for the chest and back, the rubbing movement for the stomach and bowels, and the pinching or kneading movement for the limbs. In dyspepsia and constipation, great benefit is derived from massage treatment of the stomach and colon—starting the movements in the right groin, where the colon commences, and following its course to its rectal extremity, (consult diagram). For rheumatism, sprains, etc., commence with hot oily applications.
Most people find massage treatment to have a gentle, soothing effect. Nearly all find their appetite increased.
THE STOMACH BATH.
The first method is simplicity itself, and consists in drinking from half to a pint of hot water, as hot as can be drank with comfort, in the morning after rising, or half an hour before breakfast. It loosens up the mucus in the stomach, and in half an hour it will have passed out.
The second consists in drinking tepid water until nauseated, then the stomach will throw it back, with its contents. This thoroughly empties and cleanses the stomach. From a pint to a quart is usually sufficient, although two quarts will do no harm. If the stomach does not reject it readily, thrust the forefinger down the throat to the end of the glottis.