Cathartic: definition

DEFINITION

The word “cathartic” refers to a process of releasing emotions and feelings. It can be a situation, an activity or a treatment. Catharsis is a therapeutic technique that uses negative emotions to purge them and thus relieve the person. It can be beneficial for individuals suffering from stress, anxiety or depression.

Definition of cathartic: how to define this term?

Cathartic refers to a process or action that releases accumulated tension or negative emotions. The goal is to relieve the person and help them feel better. We often talk about catharsis about art and theater because they can allow people to release their emotions and feel better afterwards.

Catharsis can be an effective therapeutic process because it allows people to become aware of their emotions and express them in healthy ways. It can help prevent bigger problems such as depression or anxiety. Many therapies use catharsis as a tool, for example play therapy or laughter therapy.

In some cases, catharsis can happen unconsciously. For example, when a person plays sports or listens to music, they can release their emotions without even realizing it. This can be very helpful for people who have difficulty expressing their emotions.

There are different ways to achieve catharsis, and everyone must find the one that suits them best. Some prefer to talk about it with a therapist, others prefer to express their emotions through art or sport. Catharsis can be a very useful tool for those suffering from stress, anxiety or depression.

The history of cathartic: when and how was it born?

There are several possible etymologies for the word cathartic. The oldest dates its use back to Aristotle, who used it to designate a purgative process. Others believe the word comes from the Greek katharsis, meaning purification. Regardless, cathartic is a therapeutic technique that has been used since ancient times.

It is believed that cathartic purification was already practiced in ancient Greece. In his treatise on Mental Illnesses, Hippocrates (5th century BC) mentions purification through the ingestion of a fatty substance. This technique was also known to the Romans, as evidenced by the famous physician Galen (2nd century AD).

The cathartic technique enjoyed new popularity in the Middle Ages. Indeed, at that time, it was believed that humors (blood, lymph, bile and phlegm) were responsible for diseases. It was believed that if the humors were in balance, one enjoyed good health, but if they were out of balance, one fell ill. The cathartic was therefore used to evacuate excess humors.

In the 16th century, the French physician Paré described several types of cathartics, including senna, mercury, and olive oil. In the 18th century, the British physician Samuel Thomas SoameGA reported the use of magnesium sulfate as a cathartic.

Cathartic has long been considered an effective treatment for mental illness. Indeed, it was thought that excess humors were responsible for madness. Thus, the cathartic was supposed to evacuate excess humors and allow the patient to regain sanity. This belief lasted until the 19th century. The cathartic was then used as part of hydrotherapy, a therapy which consisted of making the patient ingest large quantities of water.

Cathartic therapy is a proven therapeutic technique that is still used today. Although it is no longer believed that excess moods are responsible for madness, we do know that cathartics can be effective in the treatment of certain mental illnesses, such as depression or anxiety. Additionally, the cathartic can be used to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

The use of cathartic: why and how to use it?

Cathartic is a substance which has the effect of accelerating intestinal transit and relieving constipation. It is generally used in the form of a suppository, laxative or enclyster.

Cathartic is often used to relieve symptoms of constipation, but it can also be used to treat other health conditions such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and irritable bowel syndrome.

The cathartic works by stimulating intestinal contractions and increasing the volume of fluid in the colon. This helps relieve constipation by making it easier to pass stools.

The cathartic can be used occasionally or regularly, depending on the needs. If you use a cathartic on a regular basis, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and not overdo it, as they can cause side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and rectal pain. .

In case of constipation, it is recommended to use an herbal laxative or suppository before resorting to the cathartic. Herbal laxatives are generally less irritating to the digestive system and can be used long term without the risk of side effects.

Suppositories are generally used when constipation is associated with rectal or anal pain. They act by lubricating the stools and making them easier to pass through.

Clysters are generally used when constipation is due to a blockage in the colon or difficulty passing stools. The clyster is inserted into the anus and the liquid contained in the bag is injected into the colon. This helps dilute the stools and make them easier to pass.

Cathartic is a term for a purgative remedy intended to induce bowel movements. It originated in the Middle Ages and has been used to treat various diseases since then.