Some of the Most Striking Indications
Some of the most striking indications of existing disease are demonstrated by the
neck. By feeling the neck and carefully watching its external appearance, the
experienced scientist will obtain much valuable information that will aid in his
diagnosis, and give him additional knowledge as to the processes going on within
the body of the patient.
The significance of the formation of the
thorax
(
chest
) is well known, even to many
laymen. Flat chest, so-called chicken chest, indicates imperfect development of the
lungs, and when extreme, even tuberculosis.
A flabby abdomen indicates disposition to hernia and stagnation of the blood,
frequently causing hemorrhoids or inflammation of the prostate gland in men, and
all kinds of diseases—inflammatory or catarrhal—in women.
As to the legs, the so-called varicose veins are indications of weak blood-vessels
and intestinal hemorrhage, while inflamed nerves lead to the conclusion of gouty
diathesis and the danger of paralytic strokes.
The skin usually affords more indications that aid in forming a correct diagnosis
than is usually recognized.
If examination were made of the excreta through the pores of an individual during
24 hours, some conclusion might be definitely arrived at as to any germs of disease
present in the body and in course of expulsion in this way.
All bacteria incident to detrimental processes proceeding within the human
organism, are to be found in the perspiration.
Freckles indicate a certain predisposition inherent in the blood, while some forms
of eczema point to the conclusion that there are diseased processes in action within
the body.
It is most important under this system to determine the chemical condition of the
body in each individual case.
Acids or alkalines prevail. If the former, patients have bad teeth, a disposition to
gout, diabetes and cancer. The normal condition is the predominance of alkalines.
In such cases as the former, physiological chemistry will point to the counterbalancing of
the acids to establish a correct composition of the blood, and
thus to prevent the impending danger. The biological system of health which is
rapidly taking the place of all others, is equipped with so searching a knowledge of
the human organism that no disease, be it ever so adroitly concealed, can escape its
minute attention; not excepting even the disposition to disease.
The old adage is still true that "prevention is better than cure" and the intelligent
person will probably recognize the wisdom of so safe and sane a course and
endeavor to prevent the evils to which he may be exposed. Thus, for his own
satisfaction, if he be wise he will adopt these two simple precautions:
(1) Examination by an accredited hygienic-dietetic physician.
(2) Regulation of his mode of living in accordance with the course prescribed.
The words of the famous Moleschott ring true today, more than in the past, when
he said: "One of the principal questions a patient should ask his physician is, how
to make good, healthy blood." Experience shows that there is but one method to
attain good blood,—that priceless factor upon which our thinking, our feeling, our
power and our progeny depend, and that is by means of correct food and nutrition.
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