I do not see that Dr. A. W. Hall, who claims in his health pamphlet to be the father of the process, and whose name bears the titles of Ph.D. and LL.D., and consequently deserving of the respect of an educated man, makes out a clear case in defense of his “New Hygienic Treatment” as a life-giving principle, either in health or disease.
His argument is certainly unphysiological, and we are left to infer that nature has been derelict in the construction of man, which he has been instrumental in supplementing. If he were to confine himself to disease alone, his reasoning would appear more plausible; but he claims that people enjoying good health, with no physical ailment whatever, should wash out the colon.
Fig. 31.—Flushing the Colon.
No doubt Dr. Hall has been greatly benefited by flushings of the colon, as also have many others, which offers some apology for the enthusiasm and interest he manifests in the “new revelation;” but we shall be compelled to look to others for the pathological conditions in which it will be found of greatest service.
Respecting the colon itself, there are two very diverse conditions, with their concomitant symptoms, in which flushing will be found of great benefit. The one a diseased condition of the mucous membrane, of a chronic dysenteric or an ulcerative character. The other, a sluggishness or torpidity of the bowel belonging to a constipated habit.
The most easy, simple and efficient manner of practicing the flushings, according to my experience, is by assuming the position shown in the cut. A piece of oil-cloth, rubber-cloth, or a newspaper may be used to protect the carpet. One or both feet are allowed to rest on the floor, and the hips can be raised by the slightest exertion for a few moments, any time it is desirable to hold and hasten the water down the incline.
Beginners should use a common bulb syringe, with water rather hot, varying in quantity as they become accustomed to the process, from a quart to a gallon or more, and a bulb-full squeezed out slowly, with intervals between, giving it time to pass out of the rectum into the colon. On regaining the erect posture, if the rectum be loaded with feces or distended with water, the desire to expel its contents may be irresistible, especially if air has passed through the syringe; although a little practice will enable any one to exert great control over his or herself in this respect.
Dr. F. H. Etheridge (Trans. Chicago Med. Soc.) gives a number of cases of impacted colon, where daily flushings, extending over a period of from one to three months in each case, were followed by the most grateful results. This, too, after the persistent use of drugs had almost hopelessly failed to even afford temporary relief.