In the age of technology, there have been countless improvements in the world of health. What might have been termed a “death sentence” a century ago might now be a relatively managed health condition that can be controled with medication, diet and exercise.
We live in a world where we are more aware of our health, better informed and in a position to prevent poor health in some areas. If heart disease is a factor due to lifestyle or genetics, we try to control our cholesterol and submit ourselves to the testing prescribed by our medical doctors. Perhaps cancer is more prevalent in a family line and our awareness allows for early detection and management.
We have also grown up in an age where devastating conditions have been managed with vaccinations and habits that greatly enhance our lives. In my parents’ generation, polio, tuberculosis and the measles were common, but not so common today due to actions and preventions that have been deemed successful. Regardless of your stance on health, some of old health conditions are no longer common, but new conditions have certainly evolved.
During the mid-1800s, our ancestors were very aware of their health conditions, more than the generations before them. There was a movement for people living in the large cities such as Boston and New York City to send their families to places like New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont to enjoy a summer surrounded by fresh air and nature. Clean living was a trend that evolved over time and has lived to this very day with the likes of you and me. Some of the common diseases alive during the mid-1800s were managed in manners that we might consider “quackery” today while other conditions were managed over a century and a half ago in a logical manner, a method that we might consider as very relevant with much common sense.
There were countless fads and trends within the health system way back then, but today I visit one that was established here in our town and actually seemed to have a very large following. It was known as hydropathy and it involved the use of wet sheet packs, consuming lots of water and both hot and cold soaking in baths.
The water cure was introduced in Concord in 1850 by Dr. Timothy Haynes. It was established as a method to treat infirmity and disease. Dr. Haynes was associated with Dr. George H. Taylor, who was established in the study of hydropathy.
Together Dr. Haynes and Dr. Taylor purchased the house built by Porter Blanchard at the northwest corner of Main and Center streets in Concord. After purchasing the building, both doctors set about establishing their new Water Cure office quickly.
For several years, water hydropathy was a very desired and sought after treatment for a multitude of ailments. Both the positive and the negative thoughts surrounding this treatment with water were discussed at length during this period. Established physicians practicing traditional medicine during the mid-1800s were opposed to this treatment with water. The New Hampshire Medical Society actually disciplined Dr. Haynes for his connection to the water cure.
As the years proceeded the water cure faded into obscurity. Dr. Haynes and Dr. Taylor closed their practice and the thoughts surrounding the practice of treating ailments with water were no longer discussed here in Concord.
The water cure was indeed controversial to some people, but the environment surrounding the practice was perhaps a bit before the times. In addition to curing ailments with water the doctors supported a lifestyle that was stress reducing, peaceful and quaint. A walk in the forest or an early form of meditation was a welcome part of this overall treatment too.
Not unlike some of the activities we embrace today to stay healthy and centered with both our physical health and our mental health.
My lifestyle is one that supports long walks, less stress, adequate sleep and regular routine physicals with my primary care physician. I submit to the advice of my wonderful doctor in order to live a long and enjoyable life. I wear my Fitbit and try to accomplish my 10,000 steps each day and support a healthy diet. I read often to foster a positive thought process and try to avoid stress and stressful people. I write Vintage Views each and every weekend for the Concord Monitor because I enjoy writing about history, and I hope you enjoy reading about history too.
My lifestyle does not include hydropathy, but I’m sure both Dr. Haynes and Dr. Taylor would understand.