It may be of interest here to note also that one of the most effective ear-ache cures we possess is a spring clothespin fastened for five minutes or thereabouts on the tip of the ring finger. (See Fig. [13].) Any manipulation over this zone is effective, but hollowed-out spring clothespins and rubber bands have been particularly so.
Fig. 13.—Showing method of applying hollowed out spring clothespins for the relief of pain and to desensitize the teeth for dental operations.
To illustrate: During a recent medical convention in the West one of the physicians attending complained of a severe ear-ache. A physician present, well versed in zone therapy, requested permission to examine the ear-ache doctor’s fingers, alleging that by pressing intermittently on the finger nails, he could estimate the degree of blood pressure, and perhaps suggest a course of treatment which might permanently cure the ear trouble—if not caused by an abscess.
The doctor extended the hand on the side of the afflicted ear.
The zone therapy man squeezed the tip of the fourth finger, raised the finger nail, and let it settle back a dozen or more times, “to see how the circulation reacted,” as he said. After three or four minutes he said “By the way, Doctor, which ear did you say is giving you the trouble?”
The Doctor looked up in blank amazement, felt his ears, shook his head, and said, “You don’t mean to say that that darned foolishness cured my ear-ache, do you?”
It does seem silly, and yet it “works.” And anything that works is beneficent and helpful, and deserves encouragement. For deafness and ear troubles are common, and seem to be becoming more so.