Section
6
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BLADDER PROBLEMS
HYDRO—Here are several hydrotherapy applications found in the author's book, Water Therapy Manual (see order sheet):
Bladder atony: Ascending Douche. This is a jet or spray directed upward, in this case, against the perineum (p. 159). Abdominal Douche (a spray to the front of the abdomen only (p. 165).
Bladder inflammation: Copious water drinking. Revulsive Sitz Bath, twice a day; Hot Leg Packs, followed by dry heat (Radiant Heat Bath) to legs; Neutral Bath 20-40 minutes, 2-3 times a week; Prolonged Neutral Sitz Bath; Cold Mitten Friction; Cold Towel Rub; Fomentation over bladder, Hot Enema; Hot Pelvic Pack; Aseptic Dietary (p. 180).
Irritable bladder: When inflammation is not present, give a Very Hot Sitz Bath for 5 minutes, followed by Neutral Sitz Bath for 10-20 minutes. Hot pack to pelvis, Heating Compress over perineum and genitals, Revulsive Sitz, and Hot Colonic (p. 180).
Bladder insufficiency: Spinal (Dorsal) Douche. This is a hand-held hosing of water to the dorsal (upper and central) part of the spine. The stream should be allowed to play rapidly up and down, extending 3-4 inches on either side of the spine. Give tepid water for irritability of the bladder (when of spinal origin). Give a Cold Spinal Douche for motor insufficiency of the bladder, resulting in urinary incontinence or retention (p. 160).
Bladder paresis (paralysis): Daily colonic. Cold Plantar Douche, that is, to bottom of feet (p. 219).
Bladder retention: Lumbar Revulsive Douche. This spray should be hot, and then very brief cold, and will help alleviate urinary retention, due to spasm in the neck of the bladder (p. 161).
ENCOURAGEMENT—As we cherish and obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit to obey God and help others, our hearts are enlarged to receive more and more of His power and to do more and better work. As we seek to help others, the angels work with us.
CYSTITIS—1 (Bladder and Urinary Tract Infection)
SYMPTOMS—Pain in the lower abdomen and back; frequent, urgent, and painful urination. Urine often has a strong, unpleasant odor and may appear cloudy (from pus). A desire to urinate even after the bladder has been emptied.
Children with this condition may experience a painful burning sensation when urinating.
CAUSES—Cystitis is an infection of the urinary bladder. It is the most frequent bacterial infection in women. About 10-15% of them have recurrent bladder infections.
The cause is generally bacteria which have ascended up from the urinary opening, but, less frequently, from infected urine sent down from the kidneys.
The usual cause is ascended bacteria, and cystitis most often occurs in females. The urinary outlet of the urethra is close to the vagina. Ways to avoid cross infection between the two are given in the concluding paragraph of this article.
Frequency, urgency, and burning urine are obvious symptoms of cystitis, but a home test can be also be done: Purchase "Dipstick" at a pharmacy and follow directions. A positive nitrate test will reveal the presence of a large quantity of white blood cells, indicating infection in the urinary tract.
Women who frequently have bladder infections often have enlarged bladders from having tried to retain their urine. In order to maintain good urinary tract health, it is important to drink water and urinate frequently.
In older men, the cause of the bladder problem might be kidney stones (which see).
Blood in the urine could indicate a more serious problem. Consult a physician. (Also see "Hematuria").
Bladder infection in men may signal prostate trouble.
Cyclamate (an artificial sweetener found in synthetic sugar) causes bladder tumors.
TREATMENT—
• Increase the fluid intake—lots of water, especially distilled, is best. Drink a half pint every 20 minutes for 3 hours, then one cup every hour. This is important.
• Also drink cranberry juice. When you have this problem, citrus juice is not as good, since it tends to make the urine more alkaline, encouraging bacterial growth.
• Eat a nourishing diet; avoid the wrong foods. See "Nephritis" (kidney infection) for much more information on the proper care and healing of the urinary tract. The bladder and kidneys are closely associated; whatever helps one helps the other.
• Acidify the urine by drinking 1-2 quarts of cranberry juice per day, for the first day, and 1 quart a day thereafter while the crisis continues.
• Helpful herbs include juniper, lovage, parsley, uva ursi, rupturewort, bearberry, birch, and prickly restharrow. Of course, do not add sweetener or milk to the tea.
• Drink tea made from 2-3 crushed or blended garlic bulbs several times a day.
• The use of aluminum cookware is another cause of cystic symptoms. Avoid zinc and iron supplements until this problem is healed.
• Potassium deficiencies can lead to renal (kidney) disorders.
• To relieve the pain and encourage healing, take hot sitz (sitting) baths twice a day, for 20 minutes. To one of those daily sitz baths, add 1 cup of vinegar. The next day, add 2 cloves crushed garlic or garlic juice to the water of one of the two baths.
• A hot water bottle placed in direct contact to the urethral and vaginal openings may be extremely helpful in reducing pain. A heat lamp can also be used.
• Women should especially avoid bacterial infection ascending into the bladder: The urinary outlet of the urethra is close to the vagina. When sexual intercourse is not done with clean hands or too frequently, germs are more likely to enter the urethra. Wipe from front to back following bowel movements, urinate before and after intercourse, and wear cotton underclothing (it lets air through and absorbs moisture better). Avoid douches, hygiene sprays, bubble baths, soap in the bath water, and nylon clothing. Wash carefully during the monthly, to avoid bacteria from going up the urethra. Do not use tampons if there are frequent urinary tract infections. Rinse underwear well, to get all the soap out. Boil panties in plain water. Shower after bathing in a swimming pool. Dress to keep the extremities warm; cold extremities weaken the trunk organs, including the urinary tract. Birth control pills and spermaticides may cause cystitis.
—See "Cystitis—2."
ENCOURAGEMENT—Christ was lifted upon the cross of Calvary, to draw all men unto Himself. What shall we do then with Jesus? Shall we accept Him or reject Him? But more: How shall we treat His purchased possessions, those around us? Will we do all we can to help them?
CYSTITIS—2; and Irritable Bladder (J.H. Kellogg, M.D., Formulas)
INFLAMMATION—Copious water drinking; Revulsive Sitz Bath, twice a day; Hot Leg Packs followed by dry heat (Radiant Heat bath) to legs; Neutral Bath for 20-40 minutes, 2-3 times a week; prolonged Neutral Sitz Bath; Cold Mitten Friction; Cold Towel Rub; Fomentation over bladder; Hot Enema; Hot Pelvic Pack; Aseptic Dietary.
IRRITABLE BLADDER—With inflammation not present: Very Hot Sitz Bath for 5 minutes, followed by Neutral Sitz Bath for 10-20 minutes. Hot Pack to pelvis, Heating Compress over perineum and genitals, Revulsive Sitz, Hot Colonic.
CONTRAINDICATIONS—Do not apply Cold Sitz Bath, Cold Full Bath, Cold Douche, or Cold FootBath.
—See "Cystitis—1."
EDEMA (Dropsy)
SYMPTOMS—Swelling of the hands, ankles, feet, face, abdomen, or other areas of the body. Swelling is most often seen in the hands, in the feet, or around the eyes. The bloating or swelling causes muscle aches and pains.
CAUSES—Edema is a fluid accumulation in the body. It can be caused by poor kidney function, chronic kidney disease, congestive heart disease, varicose veins, phlebitis, protein or thiamine deficiency, sodium retention, or cancer.
Other causal factors include pregnancy, standing for long periods of time; premenstrual tension; the use of oral contraceptives; a confining injury, such as a sprain, allergic reactions, or a bee sting.
When the skin indents, forming little pits, when the skin of the feet or ankles is pressed by a finger, the situation is worsening. Contact a physician.
Fluid retention is sometimes caused by a food allergy. Hypothyroidism, anemia, adrenal malfunction, constipation, and lack of exercise can be causal factors, along with deficiencies of potassium, vitamin B complex, or vitamins B1, B3, or B6.
As soon as edema is found to exist, it is well to obtain a clear diagnosis. Once congestive heart disease, kidney disease, or liver disease are ruled out, more subtle causes can be dealt with more easily.
TREATMENT—
• If edema is caused by heart disease, then turn to that section. If it is caused by kidney failure or other causes, then read the following.
• If it is the result of protein or thiamine deficiency, the intake of either or both should be increased. Fluid can be retained in the belly cavity because the protein content of the blood is so low that fluid cannot be kept in the blood vessels.
• If excess salt in the diet is the problem, then a very restricted salt diet should be adhered to. (Too much salt retained by the body requires additional water to keep the salt diluted, so it will not damage living tissue.)
• Carry out a regular daily exercise program, out-of-doors. Poor circulation because of liver or heart disease is a common cause of edema. When at rest, elevate the legs. Avoid tight clothing, and do not cross the legs. Take hot baths twice a week. Avoid stress. Stop eating meat. Eat more fruits and vegetables, emphasizing the raw foods.
• Avoid processed and junk foods.
• Increasing the vitamin B6 intake will reduce the amount of fluid retention.
• Take the pulse test, to determine certain foods which do not agree with you. Then avoid those foods.
• A 1-3 day juice fast will be helpful. But if a protein deficiency is the problem, then nutrition is needed, not cleansing.
• Helpful herbs include corn silk, dandelion, Scotch broom, alfalfa, Canadian fleabane, garlic, English hawthorn, juniper berries, lily of the valley, parsley, nettle, marshmallow, pau d'arco, and prickly restharrow.
ENCOURAGEMENT—Every soul is precious, because it has been purchased by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Do all you can to be a help to others in your home and community. Everywhere are souls needing our help.
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