By general massage we mean the treatment applied to the whole body, with the exception of the head.

The operator begins with the foot, stroking with one hand or kneading with the thumbs. Then he proceeds with the legs, the arms, the chest, the abdomen, and finally the back. All the manipulations may be used, and special attention should be given to the hacking. Some authors advise to first take the extremities, then the back, and finally the neck and abdomen (Kleen and others). With this treatment we generally combine a few passive rotations or flexions, similar to those recommended for anemia. The patient must be lying in bed, well covered on those parts not operated upon. It is of advantage for the operator to begin with the left foot and leg, and then have the patient turn over to the other side of the bed, where the balance of the treatment may be conveniently performed.

In regard to the time necessary to spend in giving general massage, I would advise the operator to begin with thirty minutes, and gradually increase the time so that one hour is consumed at the end of the first week. The length and the severity of the treatment should always be regulated by the patient's condition. General massage should not be employed until two hours have elapsed after meals. As soon as a part is operated upon it should be covered up at once.