RHEUMATISM.

Rodney and Otamatea Times, Waitemata and Kaipara Gazette, 23 June 1915, Page 2

RHEUMATISM.

Next to consumption and. lung troubles, rheumatism and its allied diseases is, perhaps, the most prevalent of all human ailments. Starting with a derangement of the liver and kidueys. induced, possibly, by disordered stomach, arising from exposure, improper food, or over-indulgence, a condition arises which for genuine discomfort and suffering is only excelled by acute nervous afflictions.

The primary or inciting cause of final difficulty is the failure of elimination of the uric acid, which, when allowed to accumulate, forms little granules which, as they carried in the circulation, 'find lodgment in the constricted portions of the veins in the neighbourhood of joints and under cartilaginous bands or ligaments.

One little grain comes along and stops just around a corner, or in a narrow place in the vein; another strikes it and, because of its viscid or sticky nature, adheres; then another, and another, until finally the accumulation is sufficient to press upon the, i little nerves that accompany the entire^ "*' venous circulation.

This pressure produces sensations which, when multiplied by the hundreds of similar disturbances in the same region, produce pain.

Nature, in trying to relieve the difficulty, sends forward increased quantities of nutrition, and this accumulation causes swelling, which is followed by more or less inflammation—thus giving rise to the different character-, istics of the disease.

The most effective treatment for rheumatism is scientific bathing and

massage.

Since the disturbing elements hare found their way to the localities where the disturbance is appreciated, through the veins, it stands to reason that the most logical method of treatment would be to remove the difficulty along the same channels in which they 'accumulated.

This is through the circulation. Immense relief may be obtained by taking a good hot bath.

To emphasise, this effect, wrap hot cloths wrung out of a hot solution of eqmil parts of cider, vinegar and water Ihen, if the pain is in the knee, for example, begin above the knee anS rub towards the body- this favours return circulation.

Make the strokes with the hand « ittle longer from time to time, until the hand passes entirely over the knee wjth a firm, positive, gentle stroke. Always rub lengthwise of the muscte. and m the direction of the heart Don't rub down-rub up; rub towards the heart.

For various reasons, rheumatism seems to he aggravate* by cold, damp, chilly atmosphere. Tho real fact is that cold produces contraction, and the effect is noticed, as a rule, where muscuar tesue is light and circulation restricted by contractions or cartilaginous bands. In many cases, however, the pams seem to be mostly in the large muscles; when this occurs it is solely °n account of poor circulation. Take more exercise.

Take a good dose of physic. Take three to five grain doses of 11 ac^. ever >' two hours during the day^ This, dissolves the uric aJd and facilitates elimination Don't take any more medicine thaa is absolutely necessary Keep up the hot bath and the ma* sage. m^ Go in for physical culture and U **1