Beauty Culture (Woodbury)/Chapter 24

For the prevention of corpulence and the reduction of superfluous fat, many expedients have been resorted to and numerous remedies recommended. It is impossible here to give the details of all of them, and besides it is unnecessary. They embrace such regimen as bleeding, blistering, purging, starving, beating, rolling, sweating, the use of different kinds of baths, and of innumerable drugs, yet none has been found to accomplish the desired effect in all cases.

The more successful plans of treatment have been based on systems of exercise and diet, the most notable ​being those of Banting, Ebstein, and Oertel. These systems have for their object the regulation of exercise in such a way that oxidation may proceed in a normal manner and the diet be so regulated that a less quantity than normal of the fat-producing elements is taken into the system. This object is attained in various ways:

In the method of Banting the total quantity of food is reduced, the liquids restricted, and the fats and carbohydrates excluded.

Ebstein's method permits the use of fats, but eliminates the carbohydrates.

Oertel's system is specially intended for individuals with cardiac complications, and consists of three parts:

1. Reduction of liquids, with promotion of perspiration by baths or other means.
2. Restriction of the diet largely to proteid substances.
3. Taking graduated exercises in walking uphill.

Some years ago Cathell proposed a method which was entirely independent of diet and exercise. This was the taking on alternate days of Kissingen and Vichy mineral waters, with the addition in obstinate cases of lemon juice to the Kissengen, and aromatic spirits of ammonia to the Vichy.

Thyroid extract enjoyed for a time a reputation as a fat reducer, but its tendency to interfere with the heart, which is apt to be weak in obese persons, makes it a somewhat dangerous drug.

Among other substances which have been used for the reduction of fat are iodine, bromine, mercury, lead, arsenic, lemon juice, sour wines, vinegar, phytolacca, gulfweed, and bladder-wrack. But many of these, while having an influence in reducing the fat, act as slow poisons, ​and damage the assimilative organs so that the ultimate effect of the intended remedy is injurious.

The drinking of vinegar was long popularly supposed to be a remedy for obesity. There is, however, no evidence that this liquid has any power to remove fat, while its pernicious effects upon the health when taken in large quantities are well known to medical men.

Banting's System. Some years ago William Banting of London addressed a letter on corpulence to the public in which he described the method by which he had reduced his own excessive weight by many pounds. After trying various methods then in vogue without success, he adopted a form of diet which consisted chiefly in the removal, as far as possible, of all saccharine, starchy, and fatty foods, and the substitution for these of meat or fish and fruit in moderate quantity at each meal, together with the reduction of the amount of liquids consumed, and the daily use of an antacid draught. Mr. Banting's published experience induced many to follow his example, and the effects in many instances were all that could be desired, but in some cases the diminution in weight was found to be attended with such a serious impairment of health as to render the carrying out of his system impossible.

It is probable that in some of these cases the unfavorable effects might have been avoided if the change in diet had been more gradually brought about.

"Banting's system," says the Encyclopædia Americana, "in reducing the consumption of starch, sugar, and fat to a point less than is necessary to maintain the heat and energy of the body made a draft on the stored-up fat of the body, thus using up the accumulated fat in the body. The main principles are the avoidance or sparing use of ​potatoes, white bread, rice, sago, tapioca, corn flour, sweet fruits, and sweet vegetables (like carrots, turnips, parsnips, beets), fat, butter, and cream, and the abstinence from sweet wines and ales. On the other hand, there are allowed all kinds of lean meats, lean fowl, and fish, eggs, game, green vegetables, succulent fruits, natural wines, bitter ale in small quantity, and spirits. Brown bread should be substituted for white. According to more modern methods the use is allowed of asparagus, spinach, and cabbage."

Breakfast (between 8 and 9 A.M.):

Dinner (between 1 and 2 P.M.);

Tea (between 5 and 6 P.M.);

Supper (at 9 P.M.);

Schweninger's System. Dr. Schweninger of Munich won great repute by his cure of Count von Bismarck. His method was based on a careful analysis of each case and upon a study of each patient's previous ailments. In short, he recognized that corpulence is usually a result of various abnormal conditions which must be remedied as a preliminary to direct treatment. ​Dr. Schweninger's plan of noting the habits of each patient and prescribing accordingly seems most reasonable. Some fat people are very active, and a slight regulation and reduction of the diet accomplishes the desired result. Others are indolent and inactive, and need a bit more of some kind of exercise. In the majority of cases the intake of fat-forming food must be reduced, while the expenditure of energy must be increased.

One great help in the treatment of obesity is that the three classes of foodstuffs, the proteins, the carbohydrates, and the fats, can be substituted for one another. A fat person who has a desire for a large quantity of food can take it of the less fat-forming variety rather than starve in the generally accepted sense. For instance, we know that one ounce of butter is equivalent in heat- and energy-producing value to about nine ounces of potatoes.

Fat persons, with good appetites, then, may eat large quantities of some things without the increase in fat that would come from the eating of other things in the same quantity. They may take a reasonable allowance of lean fish, lean beef, mutton, lamb, chicken, game (sparingly), boiled or poached eggs, toast, stale bread, spinach, lettuce, celery, cresses, asparagus, cauliflower, cabbage, onions, tomatoes, radishes, olives, ripe fruits (acid kinds preferably), skimmed milk, buttermilk, tea or coffee without cream or sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, mineral water—a variety not to be despised.

The following should be avoided or taken sparingly: all fatty or greasy foods, thick soups, sugar, candy, pics, puddings and all sweets or syrups, white bread, butter, crackers, biscuits, dried peas or beans, dried fruits, cereals, macaroni, salmon, bluefish, mackerel, eels, salt fish, pork, veal, sausage, made dishes, carrots, turnips, par​snips, rice, beets, spices, malt or spirituous liquors, beers, sweet wines, champagne.

The following rules may be observed for a three weeks' course in reducing corpulence:

"Rise al 7 A.M.; rub the body well with coarse gloves; have a cold bath, and take a short run in the open air.

"Breakfast (alone) at 8 or 8:30 on the lean of beef or mutton (cutting off the fat and skin), dry toast, biscuit or oat-cake, water, or tea or coffee without milk or sugar, or made in the Russian way with a slice of lemon.

"Lunch at 1 P.M. on bread or biscuit, Dutch cheese, salad, water-cresses or toasted apples, lean beef, or anchovies or red-herring, or olives and similar relishes. After eating, drink unsweetened lemonade or plain water in moderation.

"Dine at any convenient hour. Avoid soup, fish or pastry, but eat plain meat of any sort, except pork, rejecting the fat and skin. Spinach, haricots, or any other green vegetables may be taken, but no potatoes, made dishes, or sweets—a jelly, or a lemon water-ice, or a roast apple must suffice in their place.

"Between meals, as a rule, exercise must always be taken to the extent of inducing perspiration. Running, when practicable, is the best form in which to take it.

"Seven or eight pounds are as much as it is prudent to lose during the three weeks. If this loss is arrived at sooner, or indeed, later, the severe parts of the treatment may be gradually omitted, but it is strongly recommended to modify the general habits in accordance with the principle of taking as small a quantity as possible of fat and sugar, or of substances which form fat and sugar, and of sustaining the respiratory function. By ​this means, the weight may be gradually reduced for a few months with safety."

Once the diet has been decided upon, the next step is to increase the expenditure of the energy of the body,

Any form of manual work, exercise, rapid walking and deep breathing, is a reliable means of increasing the output of energy. As was indicated before, stout persons arc liable to a weakness of the heart, so that no violent exercise should be undertaken except under a physician's advice.

Cold baths and douches are good. By the application of cold water, the surface of the body gets chilled, and, to warm it up, some body fat is burned up.

Hot baths and sweating are not now considered good; there is a loss of weight secured, but this is now thought to be merely a loss of water that is sweated out, which is soon replenished by the intake of water.

As nearly everybody insists on taking something to reduce the fat, here is one simple formula that has been found to give good results in many cases, and can do no harm:

Boil for a half-hour. Take a wineglassful after breakfast and another after dinner.

Where a person is of marked obesity and seems to grow, if anything, stouter under ordinary treatment, then more exact means must be applied. A diet is prescribed based on careful caloric calculation; that is, of the amount of food exactly necessary to maintain the person. That established, a prescribed proportion is daily omitted, and, if the patient is kept about his duties in his usual manner, some of the energy required must come from the fat already stored up.

​Summer the Best Time for Reduction. The midsummer is a good time to teach or train the stomach what to welcome and what to reject for the purpose of reduction.

A stout person who shrinks from cold baths can in the summer get accustomed to them, and, if taken daily, they will assist in forming muscle instead of fat in the body.

Lack of sleep is a good reducer, and as one needs less sleep in summer, then it is a good time to get used to spending an hour or two less in bed.

Out of door sports in summer make for lesser bulk, since perspiration takes off the fat, and the oxygen of the out-door air helps burn it up.

Walking. Long, brisk walks, at a five-mile-an-hour pace, will take down the flesh rapidly.

The safeguard for a stout person is an erect carriage, head up, chest up, abdomen in. This helps keep down the fleshy back; and makes for lightness of foot without loss of dignity. Keep the feet parallel, and let the legs swing out freely from the hip-joint. When a bit tired, change your gait.

Rolling. Rolling has many advocates, partly because of its simplicity. A sheet on the floor, and little or nothing on the body, is all the preparation needed. Take ten to twenty turns over the first time, and gradually increase to two hundred.

The first effect is to stir up a sluggish liver—a much more satisfactory way than with purgatives, since it makes the liver do its natural work well, and shows a quick clearing effect on the complexion.

Rolling acts more quickly and powerfully on the liver and stomach than any of the usual exercises that are ​possible outside of a gymnasium. By making the limbs lighter, it makes walking lighter and more graceful. It reduces the upper arm, and is especially good to make the hips smaller.

To get any lasting effect, the rolling must be done daily and systematically—it does no harm to roll once in it does a while, but to roll off the fat a lot of rolling must be done daily for weeks.

Heavy massage and pinching of the folds of flesh help to reduce the flesh.

Place the hands on the sides of the body under the arms and smooth the flesh downward in firm, long strokes, going over the lip line. If the hips are large, move the fingers from front to back, pushing the flesh away.

The following exercise comes from Japan. It is the pinching and nipping massage of that country, and if persistently given is most effective. With both hands pinch the flesh at the waist line between thumb and fingers. The vigorous treatment will first soften the flesh and gradually it will disappear,

Do not use creams or unguents of any kind on the hands for this massage, though the hands may be dipped in alcohol if there is need of something to moisten them.

The Zander Method. The Zander Method of mechanical massage is very effective for reducing flesh. It is simply a vigorous tapping with electrically driven leather-covered hammers. There is a variety of machines comprised in the Zander system for tapping, beating, rubbing, jiggling, and exercising almost every part of the body. The fingers of the pianist and the forearms ​and wrists of the racing automobilist, are made supple by special machines. By another machine the cushion of flesh on the back of the neck is heaten down, and by still another the tendons are loosened that give stiffness to the arms or limbs recovering from fractures.

These machines were devised by Gustave Zander of Stockholm some fifty years ago. They are in use in many hospitals, health resorts, and public institutions in Europe, and have been introduced into one of the big hospitals of Boston, where for a small fee treatment is given to many people a day.

In New York some years ago an establishment was equipped to carry on the work, but the high prices charged confined its use to the rich, who took it up only as a fad, and then dropped it, like other fads.

Fig. 151.REDUCING HIPS BY ZANDER APPARATUS

The mode of using one of the forms for reducing the hips is here illustrated (see Figure 151). The machine far surpasses the hand in manipulating power, giving as high as 450 manipulations a minute.

​Pendulous or Double Chin. Dashing cold water on the chin and neck and rubbing lumps of ice over them will tend to drive away deposits of fat.

Don't let the chin bury itself in the neck, but keep it high. This reduces the fat and smooths the neck wrinkles. Learn to sleep with the head on a small pillow. Massage is also beneficial:

Put fingers of cach hand on back of neck near base of brain with thumbs under the chin and palms up. Massage heavily by moving the thumbs with rotary movement over the rolls of flesh from the chin to each side toward the ears, at same time working the fingers on the muscles at back of the neck and under the ears, often throwing the head far back while working across the rolls of the chin.

To aid the fingers in this massage the following is good:

A longer formula, but one readily prepared is

Warm the rosewater in a cup set in hot water and dissolve the isinglass in this after blending the mutton tallow and glycerine by gentle heating. Mix with the rosewater and isinglass, and stir in the other ingredients to make a cream. This is an astringent that tightens the skin without allowing it to become flabby, which often happens in reducing a double chin.

Another exercise is as follows: Stand erect, military ​fashion; place the hands lightly on the hips, fingers forward; drop the chin slowly on the collar bone, then throw the head back with a quick, even movement that is not a jerk, but yet puts all the muscles into quick play. Repeat ten times. Then turn the head quickly till the chin is just over the right shoulder; then, facing forward, turn it back again. Repeat ten times. Then turn the head to the left in same way, repeating ten times. Do not tire the muscles over-much, but daily increase the number of exercises until you can practise each one fifty times without after discomfort.

A rubber bandage (sec Figure 152), placed under the chin and fastened on the side or on top of the head, not only holds the flesh in place, but, by causing free perspiration, gradually reduces the size. A thin, soft towel can be used if no rubber bandage is at hand, or even folds of cheese cloth.

Fig. 152.THROAT STRAP FOR CHIN REDUCTION

The rubber throat strap is sometimes used with similar bandages, one over the nose and cheeks, and one over the eyes, brow, and temples, for reducing the flesh of ​the entire face. The mode of wearing these is illustrated in Figure 153.

Fig. 153.FACE HARNESS

Before putting on these bandages, which are usually worn at night, it is well to wash the face thoroughly in warm soft water to which 10 to 20 drops of benzoin have been added. Once the fatness of the face and chin show signs of disappearing, it is well to discontinue the use of the face harness, and apply instead once or twice a day a towel soaked in alum, alcohol and water.

An alum-water bandage often gives good results in tightening the flabbiness of a double chin. Every woman who is nearing middle life dreads a stringy neck, and many a woman whose neck has begun to show flabbiness is down in the lowest depths of despair, for she somehow feels that all the vivacity has gone out of life when the firmness of the neck muscles vanishes. This particular treatment is a wash consisting of one dram of pulverized alum and one ounce each of alcohol and water, ​dissolved and applied to the chin on a towel saturated with the mixture twice daily.

The reduction of the fat of a double chin is readily accomplished, but the great problem is how to dispose of the folds of skin that are often left.

If the application of astringent lotions as described fails to produce the desired results, and exercise and holding the chin well up do not fully satisfy, recourse should then be had to the plastic surgeon who removes the superfluous skin much as a tailor would eliminate a wrinkled fulness in a coat. This method is described in the following chapter.

The Lips. If the lips are too thick or too prominent, they can be somewhat reduced by applying freely at night and before going out this pomade:

Or this milder astringent cream:

Or this very much simpler mixture may be all that is required:

To one ounce of any simple cold cream add one ounce each of pulverized tannin and alkanet chips. Let stand ​five hours, and strain through cheese cloth. Apply to lips frequently.

The plastic surgeon can very readily reduce the too thick lips by dissecting out an elliptical piece of the vermilion and bringing the edges carefully together and bandaging the mouth up around a tube so that liquid food can be taken without moving the lips for about three days.

The Nose. The nose can be changed in shape by the plastic surgeon as will be explained in the following chapter. Redness of the nose and kindred diseases have been treated in Part Four on the Skin. The one thing to be impressed here is that the nose should be cleansed daily preferably at the evening toilet. This is a simple matter, consisting in snuffing first up one nostril then up the other a mild solution of salt and water, the water being preferably lukewarm.

The Ears. There is little that can be done to beautify the ears except to keep them clean and the wax from hardening. The plastic surgeon is successful in setting back as close as desired to the head ears that project. He can also reduce the size of the too large ear, and, if necessary, loosen the lobe that may he attached to the head. This is explained in the following chapter.

The Bust. To reduce the bust is very difficult, since the parts are entirely too delicate to permit of heavy massage, while the sweating down is very likely to leave them flabby.

Diet has here, as on the face, a quickly noticeable effect. Drink less liquids, give up sweet and starchy foods, wear a tight-fitting corset—cover and bathe the parts with cold water, to which add either 15 drops of benzoin or a half teaspoonful of alum.

​The following pomade will help if rubbed over the fatty parts twice a day:

Exercise, however, is the best means of bust reduction. Stand erect and try to make the elbows meet in the back, This is to remove the superfluous fat upon the back. Stretch the arms in front of the chest as far as possible, palms together. Raise them above the head, stretching well; carry them back of the body as far as possible, always with the elbows straight, gradually coming round to the front. This exercise must be done very slowly and with energy, but with evenness. Stand before a mirror and notice the play of the bust muscles. It is one of the most effective exercises for vitalizing the upper part of the body. It will eliminate superfluous fat and strengthen the muscular tissues, giving firmness to the flesh.

The Forearms. Many women who have paid little attention to their physical condition develop large and ungainly forearms. These forearms will have to be reduced to fit in with the hipless figure. Perhaps the best and at the same time the simplest exercise ever devised for this purpose is the following: Clench the fists as tight as possible and then revolve them slowly on the wrists until they ache. It will be found at first that this exercise is very tiring, but after a few days' practice it can be done with ease. In a very short time the size of the forearm may be thus reduced one or two inches.

The Hips and Abdomen. One of the easy ways—and it seems to be easy ways that all are looking for—to re​duce the hips and abdomen, is to wear a rubber bandage or corset, as it were, over the hips. This works automatically, even when you sleep, though its most effective results are the excessive and reducing perspiration of the parts covered while one is walking or otherwise exercising.

The following external application is effective in reducing the flesh. It is to be painted on the fleshy parts of the hips.

Simple exercises closely connected with daily life will aid in the good work. Not to speak of washing clothes and scrubbing floors, any exercise that causes a woman to bend downward from the waist is beneficial. Thus she may wash her hands and face in the morning from water in the bottom of the bath tub, or may button or lace her shoes with her feet on the floor.

Vigorous calisthenic exercise, however, is by far the best means of reducing the hips and the abdomen. The "sitting up" exercise used in the army is particularly effective. Start in a perfectly straight position, with heels together, toes out and palms to the sides. Then, keeping the back perfectly straight and bringing the arms up level with the shoulders as the knee movement is made, bend the knees so as to assume a squatting position. Then take the original position, bringing the arms down to the sides.

Other exercises that may be recommended are the following:

Free the hip muscles by giving them a good shaking. ​This is accomplished by placing the feet together. Bend first one knee and then the other, keeping the alternate knee straight. This exercise should be done as rapidly as possible, as though running, but without lifting the feet from the floor. After freeing the muscles give the hips a vigorous slapping with the back of a hair brush; also knead them well. Then give them the use they so much need, and so seldom receive because of stiff corsets and the present mode of dressing.

Place the heels together, raise the right arm high over the head and let the hand fall over the left ear. Bend the head and the body at the waist line to the left and stretch the left arm down as far as possible, the right arm still over the head. Do not bend the knees. Repeat to the right. Do this from five to thirty times every morning.

Feet together. Knees straight. Bend the body forward at the waist line, then slowly rotate it to the left, to the back, to the right, and again to the front. Do this five times and then repeat to the right. Gradually increase the number of rotations until it is done from twenty to thirty times twice each day.

Place the left foot at right angles to the right instep, take a long step, back (right) leg straight. Bend the left knee and bend the body at the hip until it rests over the left thigh; then bend the body backward without changing the position of the legs or straightening the knee. Repeat several times and then come slowly to position. Place the right foot forward and bend the body over the right knee, etc. Begin with only a few times every morning, gradually increasing the number as the muscles become stronger.

Raise the left leg at the side of the body until on a level with the hips. Do this from ten to fifteen times, ​until there is a sense of fatigue in the muscles. Repeat with the right leg.

Swing the left leg in a circle as high as possible, slowly. Repeat with the right.

Stand firmly on the left foot, knee straight, Raise the right hand above the head and stretch. Bend the body at the hips until at right angles with the leg, arm still stretched above the head. Raise the right leg until the head, arm, body, and foot are all on a level and horizontal with the floor. Hold the position a few seconds and then come slowly to a vertical position. Repeat by standing on the right foot and raising the left hand and leg, etc.

Fig. 154.LEG EXERCISE TO REDUCE HIPS

Another exercise, illustrated in Figure 154, may be taken upon the bed, but it is better to take it upon the floor, since the bed yields with the body, while the solid floor offers resistance. Lie flat upon the back. Raise the right leg slowly until the leg forms a right angle ​with the trunk of the body. Imagine that the sole of the foot touches something. Press the foot with all your strength against that imaginary something. Repeat this a half dozen times. Then make the same movement with the left foot. Then alternate. Then repeat them together. There is no easier and scarcely a more valuable exercise for reducing the hips and abdomen.

The following exercises strengthen the abdominal and back muscles, reduce the size of the abdomen, and keep the body supple:

Stand firmly on the feet. Raise the arms high over the head, palms together. Fill the lungs, and then sway the body around in a circle, moving the body only at the waist. Then with the arms raised above the head, palms forward, take a deep breath; bend forward at the hips, and try to touch the floor with the finger tips, keeping the knees stiff. With hands on hips bend forward, swaying the upper body in a half circle; also, with hands on hips, bend from side to side as far as possible. Then, alternately raising the bands, bend from side to side.

Press the too large abdomen backward with the palms of the hands. Take a deep breath, holding in the abdomen. Repeat this several times; the chest should expand with every breath, but don't let the abdomen dilate.

Another exercise is leaning forward with hands clasped tightly upon the abdomen, drawing it in as far as possible. Then incline the body forward at the hips, draw a deep breath, and, while slowly raising the figure until erect, expel the air.

Deep breathing, especially during exercise, will help reduce the waist and enlarge the bust.

Again, standing erect, with hands on hips, raise and lower each knee. Draw up the right and then the left ​(see Figure 155). Repeat this until a general flexibility of the muscles is felt. The line at the side is lengthened by this "prancing" motion, and muscles become harder, while fat disappears.

Fig. 155.EXERCISE FOR REDUCING HIPS AND ABDOMEN

Still another exercise is to lie flat on the back on the floor or hard bed with the arms at the sides. Raise one leg and then the other straight from the floor as high as possible, keeping the legs stiff and unbent at the knees. Then, with legs still unbent, try to raise the body to an upright or sitting position. At first you may be able to raise only the head, but with a few efforts the shoulders will yield, and you will be able to raise the body and sit erect (see Figure 156).

Again, lie upon the stomach, and with body rigid raise yourself slowly by your arms alone to their full length (see Figure 157).

Fig. 156.EXERCISE FOR REDUCING HIPS AND ABDOMEN

Rolling is an effective way to reduce the hips and abdomen. This must be done at least once a day, twice is better, especially if the whole body is to be reduced as well as the hips.

Fig. 157.EXERCISE FOR REDUCING HIPS AND ABDOMEN

The Calves. The "sitting-up" exercise set forth on page 345 for the reduction of the thighs will accom​plish much for big calves. It may be supplemented by the following special exercise: Stand up straight and kick out with each foot in turn, bending the knee so as to draw the heel of the foot back as far as it will go. Repeat this exercise from fifteen to twenty times every day, and you will be surprised how soon the girth of your too fat calves will diminish.