The weapon which has given us best results in attacking lumbago and kindred affections is a common, dull-pointed aluminum comb, such as may be procured in most bird stores for dog-combing purposes. The teeth of this are pressed firmly on the palms of the hands and on the palmar surface of the thumb, first, second and third fingers. In order to get the best results the pressures should be continued for from ten to twenty minutes. Occasionally it may be necessary to work also on the “web” between the thumb and first finger, and also between the first and second finger.
Some zone therapy enthusiasts prefer to begin operations on the tips of the thumb, first, second and third fingers—gradually working up the palms of the hands and spending five minutes—for good measure—on the wrists.
Remember always that the palmar surfaces of the hands and fingers are to be attacked for pains anywhere on the back, and the top or (back) surfaces of the hands and fingers for any trouble on the front of the body, arms or legs. This may seem rather confusing at first, but a little thought will make clear why, what are commonly known as the back of the hands are really the front or top, and correspond with the front or top of the feet. The palms of the hands correspond with the soles of the feet.
It is also interesting to note that frequently there are found areas which are extra sensitive to the pressures of the comb.
These areas correspond to the most painful zones in other sections of the body. For instance, if firm pressure on palmar surfaces of right hand elicits more pain through the third zone in the hand, if the patient has already complained of pain in his back, such pain will usually be found in the third zone, and this holds good where pain is concerned throughout the body.
If these sensitive areas are found, by commencing gently and gradually increasing the force of the pressure, toleration can be established. In developing this toleration, the lumbago is usually relieved.
Some perfectly amazing results have been reported from the comb method of treatment, particularly in lumbago. One case, a minister who, for weeks, had been unable even to turn in bed without assistance, was, after a twenty-minute treatment, able to arise and walk unaided. He was entirely relieved of pain and discomfort within a few hours, and the next day was “up and around.” Relief almost always follows the first treatment, apparently irrespective as to the cause of the lumbago. I recall a recent case which had persisted for more than three months. This gentleman had taken practically every form of treatment that could be recommended by the most able specialists, had even been to Hot Springs, without any except transient benefit. He was bent almost double, and for many weeks had not been able to stand erect. This patient was given two aluminum combs and told to squeeze them for ten or fifteen minutes, while waiting in the ante-room. After being brought into the office, his hands were thoroly “combed” by pressure, from finger tip to wrist.
He straightened out completely after this first treatment, and expressed himself as entirely relieved from pain. He received a similar treatment the following day—after which he went his way rejoicing.
These results are practically uniform. I know of many scores of patients thus cured with a comb.
Sometimes equally good results follow from fastening hollowed-out spring clothespins on the tips of the fingers (Fig. [13]), corresponding to the zones in which the lumbago holds forth. Or even from binding heavy bands around these fingers (Fig. [5])—leaving these in position five or ten minutes at a time—unless the finger becomes badly discolored sooner, in which case the pressure must be temporarily removed.