In treating goitre by zone therapy a thin probe, (See Fig. [9]), the point of which is wrapped in cotton dipped in a little alcohol, spirits of camphor or camphor water (these seem to increase the “impulse”) is passed through the nostrils to the posterior or back wall of the pharynx. Pressure is made in various spots “low down” on this wall (a little practice will soon determine almost the exact “spot” to probe), until a definite sensation is felt in the region of the goitre. Sometimes this is “metallic”. Or it may be a sensation of cold, or tickling, or like an electric current, or else a mild pain.
Fig. 9.—Special type of nasal probe used for attacking the posterior wall of the nasopharynx.
Fig. 10.—Dr. White’s Uni-Polar Post-Nasal Electrode for Zone Therapy. May be used with or without electricity.
This pressure is held for several minutes—repeated three or four times daily. It can be done just as well by the patient himself, if he has the courage to hurt himself a trifle. In addition to the treatment on the pharyngeal wall, pressures may be made upon the joints of the thumb, first and second fingers, as shown in Figures [3] and [4]. Or, if the goitre is a very broad one, and extends over into the fourth zone, the ring finger must also be employed. A moderately tight rubber band, worn upon these fingers for ten or fifteen minutes, (see Fig. [5]), three or four times daily, will also help. Rubber bands may also be worn with benefit upon the toes governing the zones involved. But the treatment must be persistent. It must be the intent to keep the goitre zone “quieted,” never allowing it, except during sleep, to come completely out of the influence of the pressure. And even during sleep in aggravated cases, moderate pressure should be continued.
I would especially emphasize the importance of seeing that the teeth are put in a perfect condition before attempting the cure of any case of goitre. For there is no doubt that the evil influence of bad teeth is not, by any means, confined to the throat and tonsils, as many observers contend. Indeed, I do not recall having ever seen a goitre case in which there was not something wrong with the teeth. I therefore make a routine practice of sending all goitre patients to their dentists for a thorough overhauling of their teeth when commencing treatment.
Also, it may be interesting here to note that if the theory of eye strain causation of goitre is true—and it seems quite likely that, in many cases, it may be—pressure therapy may logically be looked for to give satisfactory results. For the effects of eye strain can undoubtedly be relieved by pressure exerted on the first and second fingers, as we shall show in the next chapter.