In a message dated 97-04-14 22:40:25 EDT, you write:

<< If you introduce
 them as being a substitute to ice or cold compresses as they are comfortable
 and easy to use, we are more likely to keep a strong credibility as a group
 of allied health professionnals. >>

The problem with this explanation is that lettuce should work just as well,
and it doesn't.  And actually, ice alone (or iced diapers or bags of frozen
peas) doesn' work as well as cabbage.  And some practitioners have used
warmed cabbage (in the microwave) and it works well.  And there was one study
that compared the use of room temperature cabbage and cold cabbage and found
no difference in efficacy between the two.

I think there is magic in them thar cabbage leaves.  The Romans built a
temple to cabbage -- I'm thinking of putting one in my back yard.  <VBG>

And remember, cabbage works on cellulitis; swelling from sprains & strains --
in many ways other than than just engorgement.

And yes, overuse of cabbage can cause a decrease in supply -- and comfortably
too.  I'm reminded of a mom that needed to abruptly wean at about 7 months
and was having NO luck, particularly with multiple plugged ducts.  Her doc
put her on double doses of Parlodel (so, what did he know?).  This went on
for a couple of weeks.  She finally called me, (duh), and used cabbage for 24
hours.  Voila.  Problem -- including plugged ducts -- solved.  Coincidence?
 I don't think so.

Jan B