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Use of Remedies
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baths soothe the nerves and equalize the circulation. But many have
never learned by experience the beneficial effects of the proper use
of water. Water treatments are not appreciated as they should be,
and to apply them skillfully requires work that many are unwilling
to perform.
But none should feel excused for ignorance or indifference on
this subject. There are many ways in which water can be applied to
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relieve pain and check disease. All should become intelligent in its
use in simple home treatments. Mothers, especially, should know
how to care for their families in both health and sickness.
The Benefits of Activity
Action is a law of our being. Every organ of the body has its
appointed work, upon the performance of which its development and
strength depend. The normal action of all the organs gives strength
and vigor, while the tendency of disuse is toward decay and death.
Bind up an arm, even for a few weeks, then free it from its bands,
and you will see that it is weaker than the arm you have been using
moderately during the same time. Inactivity produces the same
effect on the whole muscular system.
Inactivity is a fruitful cause of disease. Exercise quickens and
equalizes the circulation of the blood, but in idleness the blood
does not circulate freely, and the changes in it, so necessary to life
and health, do not take place. The skin, too, becomes inactive.
Impurities are not expelled as they would be if the circulation had
been quickened by vigorous exercise, the skin kept in a healthy
condition, and the lungs supplied with plenty of pure, fresh air. This
state of the system throws a double burden on the excretory organs,
and disease is the result.
Invalids should not be encouraged in inactivity. When there has
been serious overtaxation in any direction, entire rest for a time will
sometimes ward off serious illness, but in the case of confirmed
invalids it is seldom necessary to suspend all activity.
Those who have broken down from mental work should have
rest from wearing thought, but they should not be led to believe that
it is dangerous to use their mental powers at all. Many are inclined