SEA-WATER THERAPY, or THA LASSOTHERAPY. Sea water is used in the treatment of diseased or unhealthy conditions by two different methods, first ly by external bathing, secondly by injec tions into the tissues. The first is, of course, by far the most common. The tonic effects of sea-bathing, even upon the healthy, have long been recognized, but it has been found especially beneficial in the treatment of certain morbid condi tions. In some nervous disorders, and in the treatment of muscular rheumatism, arthritis and scrofula, considerable suc cess has been experienced. Those suffer ing from profuse perspiration may also derive benefit from it, and it seems to in crease the resistance of those unduly sub ject to colds. It is advisable, however, to exercise caution as regards the extent of indulgence in sea-bathing. In certain diseased conditions it should be avoided altogether. Those, for instance, suffering from heart disease or disease of the blood vessels, from organic affections of the nervous system, from epilepsy and from some other diseases, should not bathe in cold sea-water except under medical ad vice. Those whose constitutions are not
strong and in whom violent shivering fol lows immersion in cold water should not remain in the water for more than two to five minutes, and hot drinks should be taken to bring about a quick reaction. In some cases, where bathing in the open is inadvisable, beneficial effects can be pro duced by taking warm sea-water baths in the house. Those living at considerable nistances from the seashore can obtain the desired results by dissolving the nec essary quantity of sea-salts in fresh water.
Injections of sea-water into the tissues is looked upon with disfavor by American physicians, but in France much has been claimed for this method of application. The water is taken far out to sea and sterilized. Injections are made into the loose abdominal tissues or into the but tocks. It is claimed that good effects are produced in infantile diarrhoea.