In peritonitis, which is a most fatal form of disease after it has progressed to a certain stage, the vapor bath should be promptly and perseveringly applied, besides giving Lobelia to relax the system and such remedies as Eckiuticca and Myrrh tc overcome the morbidity.
In inflammation of the lungs, liver, stomach and bowels, or any other of the internal organs the vapor bath will be found to relieve pain, assist the operation of medicine and shorten the course of the disease.
In "low fevers," as they are termed by the laity, where the heat and vitality of the sufferer are far reduced, there is a marked benefit from the use of these baths. A patient too weak to sit up or even raise his head, will bear steaming on a couch or mattress, provided proper attention be given to bathe the face and surface of the body occasionally with alcohol.
These baths form an important auxiliary in the treatment of rheumatism, gout, lumbago, palsy, hysteria, chlorosis, neuralgia, consumption, all fevers, scrofula, etc. Finally, the ap-
54 THOMSONIAN SYSTEM
plication of warmth to the body by means of steam aids the efforts of Nature to overcome every kind of disease that is curable.
The steam bath affords a protection to the system against the invasion of disease; and when applied in the early stage of many forms of disease will effectually prevent it becoming settled, by restoring the lost heat, promoting the secretions and removing obstructions.
If the efficacy and safety of the steam bath in midwifery were generally known, the practice of giving ergot and other agents of like nature, shortly would be abolished entirely. By means of the vapor bath and Lobelia the muscles may be more effectually relaxed than by any other means, and at the same time the secretions are promoted and nature assisted without the least possible degree of danger to the patient. For pain in the back and loins during pregnancy the steam bath may be used with great benefit.
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