ly massage the internal organs,
and this means a great deal where there is any digestive weakness or
lack of activity in the bowels. What I term inner-strength exercises, or
as they may also be called, pressure movements, are also of considerable
value. An example of this type of exercise will be found in placing
the right forearm across the stomach, grasping the right wrist with the
left hand, and then with the strength of both arms pressing vigorously
inward upon the stomach for a moment. Now relax and repeat. Bringing up
the right knee and left knee alternately, with strong pressure, using
vigorously the strength of the arms against the abdominal region, is
also a good example of this type of exercise, which has proven very
effective in numerous cases. Other exercises of this kind ( see Chapter
XV) can be applied to all parts of the upper body with great advantage
to the inner organs, since such movements are of remarkable value in
stimulating alimentary activity.

In line with exercise of this kind, massage and percussion treatment of
the abdominal region is likewise effective. The massage should be deep
and may be administered by the closed fist. A wide circular movement is
advantageous for this purpose, the hand being moved in the direction of
the hands of a clock, that is to say, up the right side, across, down
the left side and continuing around in that manner. Rolling a
baseball around in the same manner, pressing deeply though without
strain, will afford an excellent form of massage for this particular
purpose. The percussion treatment that I have suggested consists in
alternate tapping or striking this region of the body with both
hands. A chopping movement, using the outside edge of the hands, is
very effective, and if you are very vigorous, the closed fist may be
used. Striking repeatedly and alternately with the two fists, go over
the entire region of the stomach and abdomen. This can be done gently or
vigorously, according to your condition, and it is an invaluable and
effective means of stimulating peristalsis and functional vigor.
Mechanical vibration may also be suggested.

Cathartics are always to be condemned. The ordinary cathartic or
laxative acts by reason of its irritating qualities. As a rule it
abstracts the water from the intestinal walls, and the adjacent tissues,
and the ultimate effect is to leave one in worse condition than
before. Those who have been acc