Basic HTML Version
162
The Ministry of Healing
the sickness and then go to work intelligently to remove the cause.
If the harmonious working of the system has become unbalanced
by overwork, overeating, or other irregularities, do not endeavor to
adjust the difficulties by adding a burden of poisonous medicines.
Intemperate eating is often the cause of sickness, and what nature
most needs is to be relieved of the undue burden that has been placed
upon her. In many cases of sickness, the very best remedy is for
the patient to fast for a meal or two, that the overworked organs
of digestion may have an opportunity to rest. A fruit diet for a
few days has often brought great relief to brain workers. Many
times a short period of entire abstinence from food, followed by
simple, moderate eating, has led to recovery through nature’s own
recuperative effort. An abstemious diet for a month or two would
convince many sufferers that the path of self-denial is the path to
health.
[236]
Rest as a Remedy
Some make themselves sick by overwork. For these, rest, free-
dom from care, and a spare diet, are essential to restoration of health.
To those who are brain weary and nervous because of continual
[237]
labor and close confinement, a visit to the country, where they can
live a simple, carefree life, coming in close contact with the things
of nature, will be most helpful. Roaming through the fields and the
woods, picking the flowers, listening to the songs of the birds, will
do far more that any other agency toward their recovery.
In health and in sickness, pure water is one of heaven’s choicest
blessings. Its proper use promotes health. It is the beverage which
God provided to quench the thirst of animals and man. Drunk freely,
it helps to supply the necessities of the system and assists nature to
resist disease. The external application of water is one of the easiest
and most satisfactory ways of regulating the circulation of the blood.
A cold or cool bath is an excellent tonic. Warm baths open the pores
and thus aid in the elimination of impurities. Both warm and neutral
baths soothe the nerves and equalize the circulation.
But many have never learned by experience the beneficial effects
of the proper use of water, and they are afraid of it. Water treatments
are not appreciated as they should be, and to apply them skillfully