This disease may proceed from either a _negative_ condition--a state of
_atony_ from lack of nutrition, or a _partial paralysis_ of the
bowels--or from a _positive_ condition--a state of _relaxation_ and
consequent weakness of the muscular tissues of the bowels. In either of
these cases, the peristaltic action of the intestines becomes enfeebled,
and constipation ensues.
In either case, use the A D current, of medium force. In the
first-mentioned case, place P. P. at back of neck, or in the mouth with
tongue instrument, and treat with N. P. over liver, stomach and bowels;
or place N. P. at the anus. Treat so five to eight minutes.
In the second-specified case, place N. P. at back of neck or on the
dorsal vertebrae, and treat with P. P. over the bowels five to eight
minutes.
In both cases, repeat the treatment daily until relief is afforded. Or,
if the case be _chronic_, treat daily for three or four days, and, after
that, three times a week. It is well also to give _general tonic
treatment_ as often as once a week. The patient should be urged to
retire and _invite_ an evacuation regularly, about the same hour daily,
whether success attend it or not.