HYDROTHERAPY 273 



because a temporary application causes at first a rise of the internal 

 temperature. Warm, moist applications also exert an antipyretic 

 effect, since under their influence blood is drawn from the centre 

 of the body to the periphery and gives off heat; cooperating with 

 this action is the influence upon the vasomotor and caloric nerve 

 centres. 



3. Inflammation of the limgs, pleura, peritoneum, brain and 

 spinal cord, stomach and intestines, kidneys, liver, and uterus. 

 The hydropathic effect of warm, moist applications consists of the 

 contraction of the dilated vessels in diseased internal organs and of 

 the derivation of the blood to the skin. 



4. (Edema of the lungs, brain, and glottis. The action is the 

 same. 



5. Muscular rheumatism. The warm, moist applications exert 

 a derivative and anodyne action. 



6. Colic and cough. The action is the same. 



7. Paralytic conditions of the nervous system (cerebral, spinal 

 and peripheral paralyses, weakness of the loins, parturient paresis, 

 poisonings, paresis of the gastric and intestinal musculature). 

 Cold or hot water (cutaneous irritation, counter-irritation) is 

 indicated in these conditions. 



8. Excited conditions of the nervous system (pains, spasms, 

 hyperaesthesia, increased reflex activity). Warm water (sedative 

 action) is employed in these conditions. 



9. Exudates (fluid and solid) in the internal organs. The 

 warm, moist applications promote the circulation, leucocytosis, 

 metabolism, and resorption. 



10. Kidney and liver diseases (stimulation of the secretion, 

 derivation). 



11. Catarrhs of the respiratory apparatus (mhalation of steam). 



12. Obesity (stimulation of metabolism). 



Forms of Application. — 1. Priessnitz's dressing. This is ap- 

 plied in the following manner: The skin is first covered with a 

 piece of linen or cotton cloth, or a bandage, which has been dipped 

 in cold water, and over this cold, wet dressing a dry, woollen cover- 

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