ng or displacement
of the womb pulls on the tubes and ovaries, often producing an
inflammation. This inflammation should not be allowed to continue, as it
may become serious, even extending to the peritoneum and producing
peritonitis. The nerves of the uterus are very closely connected with
the spinal nerves, therefore, any displacement reacts through them and
may produce headache and backache, which are the common accompaniments
of any uterine disorder.

[Illustration: KNEE-CHEST POSITION]

One of the most simple and yet efficacious treatments to correct a
displacement downward and backward is to assume the knee-chest position
for a few moments morning and evening after the clothing has been
removed. In the knee-chest position, the patient kneels on the bed, then
bends forward until her chest touches the bed; the back slopes down and
the thighs should be at right angles with the bed. This position allows
the various organs to fall forward and toward the upper part of the
body, the pressure on the uterus is relieved and it assumes its natural
position. This treatment, persisted in, will relieve nearly every case
which has not some other disorder connected with it. If every woman
would assume this position for a few minutes once or twice a week, just
before retiring, she would be greatly benefited; for the majority of
women have a slight falling of the womb, which then presses on the
rectal and other nerves causing various nervous symptoms.

The womb and ovaries are surrounded by a dense network of nerves and
blood vessels, making them very liable to congestion. Tight clothing or
improperly fitted clothing causes pressure and interferes with the
circulation. I believe that a large percentage of the objections to the
corset originated from women wearing improperly fitted corsets which
pushed the organs out of place. A corset fitted to the wearer is not
injurious and serves as a support. Overwork, catching cold and excesses
may produce a congestion which is one stage of inflammation. The most
common symptoms of inflammation of the womb are pain in the pelvic
region, a dull backache, especially across the hips, and a vaginal
discharge called leucorrhoea (whites). Any leucorrhoea shows a
disordered condition which should be corrected. It may be simply of a
catarrhal nature, due to pressure or cold, or it may indicate a more
serious condition, as the presence of one of the black plagues. Whenever
a woman notices a vaginal