Pressure as a Means of Deadening Pain
While an attempt has been made to classify the various pains and types of relieving pressure, and to divide the body into zones, under the theory that pressure anywhere within the zone would relieve pain within that zone, the theory of this therapy has not been definitely established. There is no complete explanation of the relation between tbe various types of pressure and the cessation of pain. It may be that the attention is merely withdrawn from the seat of pain or injury and centered, for the time, upon the point where pressure or stimulation is being given. Pain is further reduced, perhaps, by what has been called “nerve block,” a condition in which the nerves affected become less capable of forwarding the impulse of pain to the headquarters of sensation. While some pathological conditions seem to be reduced by zone-therapy, it is generally impossible to secure more than temporary relief unless the existing pathological condition is removed, whether it be tumor, or some abnormal pressure or irritation, caused by pus accumulations, gas, impactions, etc.