HOME REMEDIES FOR COMMON DISEASES 727 



bring into active play the muscles of the lower part of 

 the trunk, are essential in the treatment of many cases 

 of intestinal inactivity. Walking three to five miles 

 a day, especially a brisk walk before breakfast, is suf- 

 ficient to secure regularity of the bowels in many 

 persons. 



The exercises of the Ling system, known as Swe- 

 dish gymnastics, we have found of special value in the 

 treatment of this class of cases at the Battle Creek 

 Sanitarium during many years. Horseback-riding 

 and bicycle-riding are also of very great value. 



Various passive exercises are indispensable in 

 cases of feeble persons, such as massage of the bowels. 

 This is best taken lying upon the back with the shoul- 

 ders raised and the knees drawn up. Pains should be 

 taken to knead the bowels in the direction of the colon, 

 beginning low down on the right side. Kneading may 

 be done with the hands placed flat upon the abdomen 

 or with closed fists. The movement should be begun 

 at the lower right side of the abdomen, passing up 

 the right side, then across just beneath the ribs, then 

 down to the left groin, one hand following the other in 

 such a way as to force the contents of the colon along. 



A cannon ball weighing five or six pounds, cov- 

 ered with leather, rolled along the course of the colon 

 from right to left, is of service in many cases. 

 Weighted compresses, consisting of a quilted compress 

 containing shot of sufficient size to cover the whole 

 abdomen, are very useful. The patient should lie with 

 the compress upon the abdomen for half an hour; 

 kneading of the compress may be practiced at the same 

 time, or the cannon ball may be used outside the com- 

 press. Shot bags may be used in much the same way 

 as the cannon ball, and with equally good effect. The 



