The Secrets of Specialists/Chapter 4

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Ever since the sun's rays have been shining upon the face of the earth we have been in possession of the oldest and one of the greatest natural healing agencies, and although all animal life has recognized the influence of light and heat Image missing from instinct, as a therapeutic measure, it has only been within the last few years that the scientific principles of the therapeutics of light have been investigated and utilized to any great extent by the medical profession. It was in the year 1895 that Roentgen announced the results of his investigation of the X-ray, and, in the same year, Finsen treated and cured his first case of lupus by the ultra-violet rays. If we would visit the grounds of the All-Denmark Hospital in Copenhagen, we would see erected a national monument to the memory of Nils Finsen, whose investigation into the effect of light upon the human body has brought hope and relief to thousands of suffering humanity. His discovery has marked a definite step forward in medical science, and in this beautiful memorial (see cut) entitled "Towards the Light" is produced three figures straining toward the light to regain their health.

​Finsen's investigations were followed by Arloing d'Arsonval DuBoise, Geisler, Graber, Bert and others; today the utility of light is recognized as one of the indispensable physiologic means of treating and curing disease.

One of the most important requisites to conduct light treatments, is a well-constructed lamp. The Finsen light which is so well and favorably known is too elaborate and ​expensive for the general practitioner; we will, therefore, only consider the incandescent and are lights, which are easy to operate and uncomplicated in their technique. The lamp for all general purposes should be capable of producing light energy, which will be equivalent to from 300 to 500 candlepower, and ninety per cent. of the lamps in use are of the stronger light power. The volume of light and heat should be easily regulated to suit the requirements for different diseases, and also economize in the operation of your lamp. The lamp should also be capable of adjustment to any angle that the patient may receive treatments in either the sitting or recumbent position. Colored screens should also be provided for those who desire to test some of the claims made for colored light in therapeutic work; with these few considerations you will have a light to conduct your work which will be satisfactory at all times. I am personally impartial to all lamps, but my experience has been confined to the leucodescent lamp, manufactured by Spear-Marshall Co., Chicago, and the solar therapeutic are lamp, manufactured by the Good Health Publishing Co., Battle Creek, Mich.

If we would observe the colors of the rainbow, or take a prism (cut diamond) and bring its reflection against a screen, we would see the seven primary colors which constitute the spectrum—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet—although in reality there are an enormous if not an indefinite number of colors in the spectrum but for convenience of classification and therapeutic purposes they have been divided and subdivided into the following classes:

​ ​It will thus be seen that all the rays of light except the infra-red and ultra-violet are within the visible spectrum.

Finsen's original theory was that the curative value of light was greatest at the ultra-violet end of the spectrum; although he did not entirely ignore the value of the remaining rays in certain indications. The Pinson apparatus for light treatment, however, is designed with a view of producing light with the greatest possible number of ultra violet rays, and the elimination, largely, of the remaining rays of the spectrum; this is the reason the blue, indigo, violet and ultra-violet rays are often referred to as the Finsen rays.

The chemical or actinic rays the luminous and thermic or heat rays, each, apparently, have their individual therapeutic action but their value is not destroyed when used as a unity. In classifying the therapeutic value of the light rays there has been some diversity of opinion.

Freund has gone so far as to exclude the thermic rays from the therapeutic field, which is a great omission, as heat combined with light is indispensable in the treatment of many conditions; that each color of the spectrum bears an important therapeutic value is beyond question and has the endorsement of the most constant observers.

In resuming the utility of light as a healing agent, the light rays have been classified as follows:

Chemical or Actinic Rays find their greatest field of use fulness in the destruction of bacteria and their antiseptic effect; when used alone they are superficial in effect, and will not penetrate below the skin's surface, hence various devices have been used to increase their penetration. The blood in the tissues absorbs the penetrating power, and when this is forced out by pressure, and other means, their influence is more active; these rays are depended upon for their bacteriacidal influence in all forms of superficial septic and supporative diseases; lupus, acne vulgaris, eczema, epitheloma and kindred affections, and when combined with other light rays reinforces their action in the treatment of more deeply seated diseases.

​The Luminous Rays bear their greatest influence upon nutritional centers, increasing the number of red blood corpuscles; they also increase the percentage of nerve force, valuable in all diseases where there is a wasting of tissue. The central rays of the spectrum are sedative to nerve tissues.

Dr. Schlanger has demonstrated that green and blue light would quiet maniacs when other means would fail; he therefore provided a room with green and blue windows for this sedative effect. Anæmia chlorosis and other deficiencies of the blood and tissues are greatly benefited by the luminous rays.

The Thermic or Heat Rays.—It is the penetrating qualities of the vibratory energy of the red and infra-red rays, used in conjunction with other rays that assist their therapeutic action in deep-seated affections, if combined with heat, and the unity of the other rays of the spectrum with the therapeutic lamp. Radiant heat rays' greatest influence is as an anodyne and analgesic and to obtund pain it is therefore the therapeutic agent used.

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Light and heat have always been symbolical of life, while cold and darkness have been emblematic of decay and death; we find the highest forms of animal and vegetable life thriving under the influence of heat and light and, usually, the lowest forms existing in cold and darkness. The effect of light, therefore, seems to vitalize all tissues and functions of the body; nearly all observers agree that the following histological changes occur in the tissues exposed to the light, viz., it increases the activity of all tissue cells, and produces a pronounced dilatation of the superficial and deep cutaneous blood vessels; the migration of the leucocytes and swelling of collagen hyperplasia of the epidermis and thickening of the rete mucosum. The influence of light upon blood vessels and circulation tends to increase the circulation and remove effete material, and bears the same relation as a mustard plaster or hot fomentation and chemical irritants. The cutaneous glands are stimulated and profuse perspiration ensues, likewise encouraging the eliminative process. That combined light and heat is more active than heat alone is exemplified in the electric light bath, which is nearly twice as active in producing perspiration, although the electric light cabinet may be at a lower temperature than the hot air or vapor bath cabinet.

Metabolism is also greatly stimulated by the effect of light rays impinging upon the nerve endings of the skin, oxidation is greatly increased through the influence of light and the hemoglobin of the red cells is enriched by its absorption. When we realize the rapidity in which the blood circulates and the comparatively short time required for the entire volume of blood to pass through a given surface, exposed by a therapeutic lamp, we can appreciate the value of light in destroying phagocytic bacteria and the elimination of waste and discased material.

​The chemical rays of lights are more germicidal in their action than many drugs. They will destroy tetanus germs more rapidly than a one to one thousand bichloride of mercury solution. Koch and Kitasato have proven that tubercle and plague bacillus perish on exposure to the sun and the same is true regarding the destruction of bacillus of other diseases. There is a difference of opinion as to how the bacteria is destroyed; some claim it is due to the changes in the tissues, caused by the light, and others that it is the direct influence of the ultra-violet rays.

In the application of light as a therapeutic agent, it is absolutely necessary that the rays of light should be applied directly to the bare skin, as any covering, however thin it may be, will retard the influence of the light rays. Any surrounding surface not requiring the influence of light should be covered with dark cloth. After adjusting the lamp so that the ​rays will fall directly upon the surface to be treated, the current is increased to reach the degree of light desired, and each treatment timed to meet the requirements of individual cases. Blondes are more susceptible to the influence of light than brunettes, owing to the lack of pigment in their skin, and it is well to explain to all new patients that erythema will be a possible consequence. The first few applications should therefore, be of short duration; from two to five minutes will generally produce a slight reddening of the skin. As each patient progresses the duration of the seance may be prolonged until from fifteen to thirty minutes is required to produce the desired effect; there will be sufficient pigment matter formed to protect the tissues and prevent injury. For all general purposes the full unmodified rays of light are employed, as we thus receive the derivative effect of all the rays, if we wish to eliminate the chemical rays and increase the thermic rays the red screen is used and likewise the blue screen is used to somewhat eliminate the thermic rays, and increase the chemical rays.

The principal and most active qualities of light as a therapeutic agent may be found in its influence upon the blood and circulation, its tonic and vitalizing powers and its destruction of many pathogenic germs. If we would resume the diseased conditions in which this form of treatment is applicable, we would appreciate the large field of usefulness this agent is destined to fill in the treatment of disease. All superficial diseases are more rapidly influenced, owing to the direct action of this agent. Deep-seated disease often can only be influenced indirectly, or by reflex action. Pain and nerve pressure are relieved by inducing activity of the circulation, through the congested areas; therefore, all superficial inflammation and suppuration are greatly benefited. This has been demonstrated through the benefits and cures derived in longstanding cases of acne vulgaris, serofulous, abscesses, and nleerating lupus. By exposing these diseases to the influence of the powerful ultra-violet rays, as close as possible to the discased surface, for a definite period, we will observe that ​the influence of this agent will diminish, and in time, remove the inflammatory process by improving the circulation and destroying the suppurating process, through its chemical action and bacteriacidal power.

Axmann states that fresh and suppurating wounds behave under the influence of the actinic rays as if they had been bathed with a solution of peroxide of hydrogen. It will thus be seen what a large field of usefulness light has in the treatment of cutaneous and all ulcerative affections alone, although its usefulness is not limited to the skin, as the influence of light upon the deeper structures is almost unlimited. Its power to relieve high blood pressure exercises its potency in a variety of painful affections,—rheumatism, neuralgia, neuritis, pleurisy and allied diseases are treated with excellent. results.

While superficial affections depend upon the direct rays. of light for their therapeutic value, the deeply seated organs are influenced, in a remote way, through terminal nerve action, and the influence of the blood and the circulation. If we produce an erythema of the entire surface of the body, as we would by exposing the entire body to a sun, electric light, or full hot water bath, we are capable of drawing to the cutaneous surface one-half to two-thirds of all the blood in the body; we are, therefore, temporarily removing the blood supply and pressure from the internal organs, which will readily be seen to have its influence in eliminating inflammatory conditions of the liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs and other internal organs. This may be done more rapidly by the hot water bath, but the continued influence of the light and heat received by the electric light or sun bath treatments are most lasting in their results; to illustrate, we may relax a convulsion caused by a congested spine or brain more rapidly by placing the patient in a hot water bath, as this is an acute affection, but in an old, chronic affection of these organs, permanent relief could only be obtained by long exposure, resulting in actinic or solar erythema. On the other hand, we find certain surfaces of the ​skin are related to the blood supply of certain internal organs, and by applying light to these surfaces, we influence more directly the internal organs; in much the same way as the manipulation of the nerve centers in the spinal column bears its influence in treating internal organs by osteopathy and vibratory massage. For instance, the skin covering the loins is, collaterally related to the kidneys, through the renal branches of the lumbar arteries; therefore, by producing hyperemia of the skin, at this surface, we are inducing a collateral anæmia and relieving blood pressure upon the kidneys. The entire surface of the body is likewise collaterally related to different organs, and the relationship between the integument and internal organs is of the greatest importance in the therapeutics of light and are the landmarks used by the light therapeutist in the treatment of disease.

As a rule the skin covering the internal organs is reflexly related to the organs it covers, both anterially and posterially, although there are many exceptions to this rule. To illustrate the soles of the feet have a reflex action upon the brain, genito-urinary organs and bowels, while the dorsal area of the feet has a reaction upon the pelvic organs, brain and intestines, and the light area of the hands is directly related to the brain and lungs. This has been demonstrated by removing headache, also congestion of the brain and lungs, by applying hot applications to the hands and feet, by hot water baths, etc.

By referring to the accompanying translucent illustrations, it will be seen where the application of light, by the use of the therapeutic lamp, is applied to establish its direct influence, and collateral reflex action through the circulatory and nervons systems. The skin and spinal centers are used as a means of conveying therapeutic impressions through the direct and peripheral nerves, and controlling circulation by its influence upon the blood vessels. Every area of the cutaneous surface, and each nerve center in the spinal column is in special reflex relation with some internal organ. The following are the most important of these reflex relationships.

​ ​The circumscribed areas in these illustrations are the ones associated reflexly with the deep seated organs, and also illustrate the focusing surface, which the light could cover by its reflection of the direct rays; the intensity of the light may be either increased or decreased as desired, either by moving the reflector to or from the surface, or the more economical way of regulating the current by the rheostat.

In making application to the chest there are two particular precautions which should be observed to protect the eyes from the powerful rays, by the use of colored glasses, or a dark cloth shield around them, and in very feeble patients, where the heart is affected, the entire surface of the heart should be covered with a damp, dark cloth, or other protection.

The application of light to the chest and abdominal surface is indispensable in a large number of diseases. All forms of pain will find relief; intercostal neuralgia, pleurisy, acute bronchitis and pneumonia will be greatly benefited by these applications, which should be of short duration but rather intense in character. In all chronic diseases the treatment should be prolonged for a greater period with a view of producing erythema. What is applicable to the chest is also useful in treating the epigastric, hepatic, and lower abdominal regions. Application of light varying from five to fifteen minutes will relieve pain and inflammation in the stomach, liver and bowels and by maintaining a continued hyperemia of the skin is one of the most beneficial factors in the treatment of all chronic affections of the diseased thoracic and abdominal organs.

Application of light to the spine, and spinal centers acts in both a direct and indirect way. It will bring relief to diseases within the cord or vertebrae, neuritis or Pott's disease or reflex pains from the internal organs. Gastritis, gall bladder disease, and the so-called preferred pains of the other viscera. A continued hyperemia of the areas given in the accompanying illustrations is one of the most effectual means of pain inhibition in the therapeutic field. These special ​ ​organs can be specifically treated by the following brief technique:

The Brain—The skin covering the entire scalp and face, and the back of neck, also the feet and hands are the areas used in treating this organ.

The Larynx and Pharynx are reflexly influenced by the skin in the front and back of the neck and upper cervical nerve centers in the spinal column.

The Lungs—The skin in front and back of these organs and the vertebral area from the first to the sixth dorsal vertebrae and also the skin on the inner surface of the thighs have special reflex relation with the lungs.

The Heart—The skin and area of the chest wall covering the heart in front and behind and also the first, second and third dorsal vertebrae are the centers influencing the heart.

The Liver—The integument lying over the organ and the area from the seventh to the tenth dorsal vertebrae.

The Stomach—Direct application of light to the skin covering the stomach and also the vaso-motor centers from the sixth to the ninth of the dorsal vertebrae.

The Spleen—The skin on the left side of the lower chest, and the nerve centers from the third to the eighth dorsal vertebrae are associated with this organ.

The Intestines are reflexly related to the skin which covers them and the vertebral area from the seventh dorsal to the first lumbar vertebrae.

The Kidneys—The skin at the lower part of the sternum and the area involved from the tenth dorsal to the second lumbar vertebrae.

Bladder, Uterus and Ovaries—The skin covering these organs and also the groins is directly related to the above organs in the female, and also to the prostate testis and epidermis of the male; their spinal centers are from the eleventh dorsal to the fifth lumbar vertebrae, inclusive.

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Regional application of light and heat can be brought in direct contact to every given area by means of the incandescent or are lamp, and these are the means used when a greater degree of intensity is desired.

In treating local or internal diseases by reflex action, after adjusting the lamp so the parallel rays will fall directly upon the diseased surface, the intensity of the light may be regulated, either by regulating the current, or the distance at which the lamp is placed from the patient. When a very small area is desired to be treated, such as lupus or small skin lesions, the lamp can also be focused in such a way as to concentrate the rays to a very small area or diameter. The first indication that we are receiving the benefits of the treatment is a very decided sensation of heat; this is followed, in a few minutes, by a reddening of the skin, and the beginning of perspiration, which indicates that the full benefit of the application has been secured. If the patient complains of the intense heat, the surface may be sponged with tepid water, alcohol or other liquids.

Solar erythema or light burn is a condition which occurs after continued use of the light treatments, and is due to the actinic rays of light, and denotes a complete dilatation of the cutaneous blood vessels; no great harm can be done with this treatment, as with X-ray, because the effect is only superficial. Continued treatments produce a discoloration of the pigmentary layer of the skin, which is analogous to sunburn and the tanning process from the sun's rays. This extreme light force is a condition frequently desired in the treatment of many deep-seated and obstinate cutaneous diseases; in gall stones, sclerosis of the liver and chronic gastric catarrh, appendicitis, all internal congestion and painful joint affections, sciatica, chronic acne, cezema, psoriasis, etc.

This is one of the most effectual means of obtunding pain in all diseases involving the sciatic and other nerve trunks; it ​is, therefore, indispensable in the treatment of sciatic rheumatism, neuritis, locomotor ataxia, etc.

This affords a very potent means of treating joint affections, whether due to injury or disease; sprained ankle, rheumatic joint affections, articular rheumatism, etc., yield very readily to this form of treatment.

Will prove valuable in the treatment of all chronic diseases of the stomach, gastralgia, dyspepsia, chronic gastric catarrh, duodenitis, cholangitis, etc. To produce marked results in these diseases, the epigastrum should be kept in a continued state of hyperemia of the skin.

This is one of the treatments par excellence in many longstanding diseases of the liver; the treatment should be continued until a permanent hyperemia exists, covering the entire surface of the liver, which will render valuable service in the treatment of gall stone disease, chronic congestion, jaundice, and cirrhosis of the organ. It creates activity of the portal circulation and induces the flow of bile.

The application of light to this region greatly influences nearly all diseases occurring within the abdominal cavity; relieves pain in intestinal colic, chronic colitis, chronic appendicitis, visceral neuralgia, and all inflammatory and non-inflammatory and painful conditions.

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By applying light directly to the renal region in the back, we derive a most direct influence upon the kidneys, and increase their activity and eliminative functions; this is, also, a very effective and therapeutic measure in the treatment of all acute and chronic diseases of these organs. Their attachment is so closely related to the external surface and spinal centers that the most active influence is derived from light in this region.

It is surprising to note the rapidity in which light treatments will remove "kinks" in the back; backache and lumbago will often disappear like magic with this treatment. Its reflex action, through the nerve trunks in this location, has a wide field of usefulness in the treatment of a variety of diseases, incorporating nearly all the abdominal and pelvic organs, and also diseases within the spinal cord; spinal ​cirrhosis, chronic myelitis, etc. It is also the region in which the greatest results are obtained in genito-urinary diseases, neuralgia, acute inflammation of the bladder; also neurasthenia in both sexes, amenorrhea, ovarian neuralgia, salpingitis, chronic metritis, and dysmenorrhoea and other pelvic and abdominal pains are generally relieved by this treatment.

Of all the different forms of photo and thermotheraphy, which have been devised, the electric light bath has the greatest field of usefulness, and no physician conducting an office practice or sanatarium armamentorium would be complete without an electric light bath cabinet, for this is the one means of giving the entire body the benefit of light and heat in its most potent, convenient and beneficial form. This bath was introduced by Dr. Kellogg, of the Battle Creek Sanitarium, about twenty years ago, and its general approval and scope of usefulness is apparently increasing every day, while extensive investigations have been conducted to obtain the physiologic effects of the procedure. This bath, as a rule, is not conducted with a view of treating any special organ, but for its general tonic and eliminative influence; in this, it has no superior. Its stimulative action upon the skin is nearly double that of the Turkish or Russian bath, as free perspiration will take place in three and one-half minutes, at a temperature of 80 degrees F., while it requires about six minutes in the Turkish and Russian bath at a temperature from 102 degrees F., to 128 degrees F. Another advantage over other baths is that the heat may be retained at any desired degree, by simply controlling the lights. The greatest value of this treatment is the easy way in which it induces perspiration as an eliminative process. Brain workers and confined office attendants are the ones who most need the best influences derived from both heat and light, as exemplified in the electric light bath. The influence of this treatment in the elimination of marked ​toxic accumulations far excels any other means, and will not only be found useful as a hygienic luxury, but a therapeutic necessity in treating many conditions. It is by far the best eliminative means of removing toxic influences from alcohol and the drug habit, and the toxemia of chronic dyspepsia, malarial cachexia, rheumatism, syphilis and other diseases of a kindred nature; while the light, combined with heat, reinforces its influence upon cell growth, and establishes new activity in the blood and circulatory system. It is the most potent therapeutic agent known to promote activity of the skin in the elimination of waste products.