The method of aquapuncture consists in the introduction of water subcutaneously, or into the substance of muscles. A special instrument has been invented for this purpose, the advantage of which consists in its being armed with several needles, which permit the introduction of the water at various points simultaneously. Ordinarily, the hypodermatic syringe will suffice for the performance of this little operation, and, if patients object to repeated punctures, the sensibility of the skin may be obtunded by ether-spray.

When water is injected under the skin, more or less pain, accompanied by burning, is produced. A wheal is formed about the site of the puncture, and redness of the skin and elevation of the temperature at that point follow. It is a remarkable circumstance that aquapuncture has the power to relieve pain in a superficial nerve. So decided is this effect that there are physicians who hold that the curative effect of the hypodermatic injection of morphine is due, not to the morphine, but to the water! In order that aquapuncture shall relieve pain, it is necessary that the water be injected into the neighborhood of the painful nerve. Injection at a remote and indifferent point would certainly fail of any effect except that reflex effect which is produced by any counter-irritant. Aquapuncture, however, has unquestionable power as a counter-irritant.

The method of aquapuncture has been employed with success, which must be regarded as extraordinary, in neuralgiae, facial, sciatic, and lumbo-abdominal; in lumbago, irritability of the bladder, uterine colic, gastralgia, etc. The author has produced excellent effects from the injection of water into paralyzed and wasting muscles. It promotes the nutrition of muscles, and contributes to the regeneration of voluntary power. In the various cases to which this treatment is applicable, the quantity which should be injected will vary from thirty minims to a drachm. When the first injection does not relieve in two minutes, another should be practiced. It is insisted upon (Lafitte) that the water be injected at the painful points (points douloureux). There need be no limit to the number of the injections, if they afford relief; for, of course, no injury will result, unless it be the production of an abscess at the site of the injections, which is very rare.

Authorities referred to:

Anstie, Dr. F. E. On Neuralgia and the Diseases that resemble it, London and New York, 1871, p. 192, et seq.

Ibidem. The Practitioner. On the Theory of Counter-Irritation, vol. iv, p. 156.

Bennett, Dr. James Risdon. Remarks on Counter-Irritation. The Practitioner, vol. ii, p. 321.

Davies, Dr. Herbert. The Lancet, vol. ii, 1865

Dickinson, Dr. W. H. On the Practice of Counter-Irritation. The Practitioner, voL iii, p. 97.

Dieulafoy. Dr. Georges. Nouv. Dict. de Med. et de Chirurg. Prat., article Douleur.

Lafitte, Dr. Leopold. l''Union Médicale, October 5, 1875.

DÉlut, Dr. Ibid.

Ross, Dr. James. On Counter-Irritation. The Practitioner, vol. iv, p. 73.

Servajan, JoannÉs. De l'Aquapuncture, Paris, 1872, p. 56.