The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1867-12-05
TWO WEEKS AT A WATER CURE.

l. Treatment is published in the 1slegral
ID by request. 1t furnishes concise hi
tory of this method of practice.-ED. TEL,
D Twenty years ago, hydropathy, or tt
!, water-cure, was not what it is now. TT
remedial agent remains the same, th
J clouds or limpid springs of soft water SUI
. plying the element for diseased systems {
g healthy condition, but the application {
: the fluid varies immensely from the meth
ODDS originally devised by Vincent Press
: nitz at Graefenburg The water.cure wa
then but in it's infancy, and either over O
: moderated, according to the prejudices Q
the individuals who investigated it, Mos
people, however, saw in it large proper
ton of common sense, Notwithstanding til,
criticisms of the biased, or the wit of Jest
ors. it gradually and surely grew into pub
lie favor. Its introduction into Americs
quietly led to q series Of practical expert
nents and vast improvements and
soon it began to rejoice in large number
of proselytes,
AS the time passed, it continued to gain
popularity and advance towards perfection
and to-day it challenges respect as the for
midable opponent of most of the established
systems Of pbysic. Everywhere scientific
and reputable ladies and gentlemen have
testified to it's ability and success, and the
numerous Water, Cures throughout the
world are constantly crowded with people
of both sexes, and of all ages, representing
the beauty and intellect of their respective
localities. t
The method practiced by Priessnitz in
volved use of cold water too freely ap-
piled externally, followed by course of
exercise of an inordinate harsh or rigid
character, the latter being rendered neces-
sary in order to create proper reaction in
| the system of the patient. 1t also required
the patient to itnbibe moderote quantities of
the cold fluid before partaking of breakfast
overlooking the stomach, and demanding
the most strenuous exertions to regain
normal degree of calorie throughout the
physical organization All this has been
changed The present methods of cure do
not ignore the use of warm water, nor re-
quire the patient to possess the constitution
of a buffalo in order to Withstand the re-
quired regiment being equally adapted
to the necessities Of the weakest, as well as
the strongest 1t is intended to benefit the
sick and feeble, and Is mode of treatment
by which the healthy may attain the 'wind''
and the muscle of prize,fghter. 1t in
wolves nothing worse than judicious ming
ling of rest and moderate exercise with
fresh air. social conversation, pleasant
walks, and course of diet that satisfies
both the palate and the stomach, without
mourning the risk of an after.dinner repen.
lance. In short, whether patient is suf-
fering with either an acute or chronic all
ment, the hydropathic ailment is calculated
to effect more than a temporary relief, and
it is to the credit Of the science that by far
the largest number of its votaries are sent
home perfectly cured.
In the summer of 1866, the writer visited |
one of these Institutions and whatever
opinions he may express in regard to the
hydropathic treatment of diseases are found |
ed upon his personal experience and obser-
walton, and represent his unbiased convic-
tions. He found in vogue no harsh, unbro-
ken routine of cold water baths and 'bran
bread diet, as has been sneer4ngly charged |
upon similar establishments by the ignorant
and prejudiced, but a collection of remedies |
as genial and as effectual as the most ardent
adinirer of loss moist process of cure could
devise .1h3 t.stt
The variety of baths daily introduced is
extensive. First in importance may be
classed the ''electro- thermal" which COM
bines the ordinary warm bath, with an
electric current permeating it, that diffuses
a healthy glow throughout the body and
limbs, bringing quietnde to irritated nerves,
the muscular Developments, and
restoring the necessary activity to all tor
pid organs Tumors and inflamations are,
by it's agency, reduced and removed with
out an unpleasant sensation ensuing. Chi
cago has the honor of perfecting 30 import.
ant aud successful hygieuie medium
The vapor bath, of which there are three
or more sorts, including the ''sudatory," af-
lords ready means Of inhaling remedies
for numerous pulmonary diseases, with the
happiest effects, or of relieving the system
by free perspiration
The use of the vapor bath, however, but
the way for three forms Of the cold
bath the ''douche" or hose pipe applica
ton, the 'pack' or wet sheet, and the
''dash,'' or water thrown fercibly in a mass
from pail. All these have been found Of
the utmost benefit in removing local affec-
tions, giving tone to the skin, and reducing
and feyers,
The 'ssitz" bath is not to be moderated
as a remedial agent for increasing the heal
thy action of the stomach and intestines, or
for restoring these organs to normal con-
dition when they suffer from arrangement.
1t is Immediately followed by the ''douche"
OF ''dash."
In this connection may be mentioned
those minor appliances the 'head" bath,
the "hand" bath and the foot bath, all
tending to the relief of each of the MEM
bers designated, or producing requisite
stimulation of other organs.
In order to give the patient the fullest
and mosr agreeable effects of those baths,
modern ingenuity has bestowed upou the
bathing rooms all Imaginable conveniences,
so that instead Of trouble attending the ap
plcation Of water-cure, it becomes pos
tive luxury. No sooner is the prescribed
bath at an end than the patient is subject
ed to vigorous manipulation, or rubbing |
down. at the hands of an attendant, which |
not only adds much to the remedial effect |
bestowed, but produces az exbilerating
glow throughout the system that leaves it
greatly refreshed and benefited. Ia fact, |
the relief afforded by two baths day, be-
fore and afternoon, partakes largely OF the
voluptuous. Any dread of cold water that
the patient may at first feel, soon passes
away beneath its constant application and
agreeable effects and 'bath time' is really
contemplated with delight.
Without a proper diet, the water-cure
would be incomplete, and, in great meas
ure, unsuccessful. TO this end, therefore,
system of plain and nourishing food is
recommended to all patients. The table,
IN consequence, exhibits the healthiest and
most nutritious fare-beef steak, boiled
meats, Gish, fowl, veal, mutton and beef,
@The Water-Cure at Kenosha, Wisconsin, |
fifty-f miles north Of Chicago, and Access
sble by lake steamers, and the Milwaukee
and the Western Union railroads. The To-
cation is admirably adapted for summer
sesort-pure air and water, groves, prair |
les and hills Astounding in It's immediate
vicinity. The hygienic arrangements,
grounds, etc, have recently been much en-
Iarged and improved, end the institution is