_Negative_ affections, as a general rule, are best treated with the
_upward-running_ current--the positive pole being placed at a lower
point than the negative. _Inflammatory_ affections, and other _plus_
conditions, for the most part, should be treated with the down-running
current, keeping the negative pole at a lower point than the positive.
But these rules admit of frequent exceptions, which every practitioner's
experience will soon reveal.
The _downward_ current, running _with_ the downward and outward course
of the nerves, tends to _depletion_ and _weakness_, for the reason that
it _runs off_ from the system the electro-vital fluid. The _upward_
current, on the other hand, running _against_ the nerves, inward towards
their source, feeds the system with fresh electricity, and gives a
_tonic_ effect. Yet for this purpose, it must not be too long continued,
nor of too severe strength, lest it overtask and irritate the
nerve-sheaths.
In treating a _paralyzed_ organ, the current should commonly be run from
a _healthy_ part, whether that require it to be directed downwards or
upwards. For example: In treating a paralyzed foot or leg, the positive
pole should be upon the lower part of the spine--at the coccyx--or even
under the sole of the opposite foot. It is best to alternate between
these positions. So in treating a paralyzed hand or arm, let the current
be run from the upper part of the spine, and frequently also from the
opposite hand. With the _negative_ electrode, treat all over the
paralyzed parts. Yet it is well, in these cases, often to _reverse_ the
direction of the current for a brief period at the close of the
sittings, say one to two minutes, for the purpose of rousing the nervous
susceptibility, and to prevent exhaustion from too continuously running
off the electro-vital fluid.