EFFECTS OF HOT SPRING ON THE FUNCTIONS OF SOME DIGESTIVE ORGANS

Abstract

This is a summary of a series of experiments we have carried out and are carrying out at Narugo Spa on the effects of hot spring on the functions of digestive organs. Particular attention has been paid to the functions of the stomach and the liver, and studies have been made of the fundamental factors in individual persons which would give rise to the changes in these functions.
In looking over the results obtained from our experiments, what draws our attention is the fact that the reaction to hot spring will be different with each individual, no matter how strictly uniform the conditions under which hot spring stimulations were given, that is, each individual does not always respond with the same kind of reaction to the same degree of hot spring stimulation.
This is true not only of the results we obtained, but also of the results obtained by our predecessors in various countries. For this reason, it is not seldom that we find in literature conclusions contradictory to one another.
Even in the case of the action of hot spring on the functions of the digestive organs, we are obliged to discover some important factors in individuals on whom the action of hot spring works. The question is still unsolved as to what the factors in individuals responsive to the action are, but it has been made clear by our experiments as well as by various experiments performed by our predecessors that they are closely associated with the function of the autonomic nervous system. As to the probable relation between the hot spring bathing and the process of changes in the functions of the autonomic nervous system, there have been discussions either for or against the Hoff's, theory and from our experiment it does not necessary follow that each indibidual responds uniformly in accordance with the process suggested by Hoff. our experiments show that in the early stage of the hot spring bathing the autonomic nervous system shows in most cases what may be called unstable state, but with the lapse of time of bathing, each indibidual tends to return to somewhat stable condition on his own accord. It may be understandable from facts mentioned above when we say that nothing definite can be found in the changes caused by single bathing, and that something like a definite effect can be observed only by successive bathing or so-called “bathing cure”.
In short, the foundation of the changes in the functions of various digestive organs caused by successive hot spring bathing is probably the changes in the autonomic nervous system in each indibidual, but as to the process of its changes, it is not necessary to follow Hoff's theory. It is quite natural that there should be considerable difference in the process of changes in the autonomic nervous system between each indibidual because of the difference in the sensibilities of each indibidual to the hot spring, but what is most important is not the process of changes, but the point to which they come. I think a consideration made in this sort of lightd will lead to an easy solution of the effect of hot spring bathing, or so-called bathing cure.