| |
Earth
was used extensively for remedial purposes in ancient
times as well as the middle ages. IN modern times, it
again came into prominence as a valuable therapeutic
agent in the last century through the indefatigable
efforts of Emanuel Felke, a German-born Lutheran minister
who was nicknamed the "Clay Pastor."
Felke found that the forces of earth have remarkable
effects upon the human body, especially during the night.
These effects are described as refreshing, invigorating
and vitalising. Felke believed that for wounds and skin
diseases, application of clay or moistened earth was the
only true natural bondage. The body is thus repaired with
the element from which it is assumed to be made.
Adolf Just ( 1838 - 1936) , one of the pioneers of nature
cure in modern times, believed that all diseases, but
especially the serious nervous troubles of our age, would
lose their terrors, if only sleeping or lying on the
earth at night became customary in the curing of
diseases. According to him, by sleeping on the ground,
" the entire body is aroused from its lethargy to a
new manifestation of vital energy, so that it can now
effectively remove old morbid matter and masses of old
faces from the intestines, and receive a sensation of new
health, new life and new unthought -of vigour and
strength. "
Going barefooted all day long, except when it is very
cold, is also regarded as a valuable step towards
achieving good health and true happiness. Men can draw
vital energy and strength out of the earth through their
feet. Jesus Christ also attached a great deal of
importance to the practice of going barefooted. He
himself was barefooted and commanded his disciples
likewise. It is advisable to go entirely barefooted as
often as possible, especially on the bare ground but in
rooms with painted floors it is better to wear chappals,
since the painted floor affects the body adversely if one
walks on it with bare soles.
The American Indians lay great stress on earth treatment.
They believe that healing power is strong in leaves and
herbs, powerful in the air, but very powerful indeed in
the earth. They have a custom to bury sufferers from all
kinds of disease in the earth upto their necks, leave
them there for some hours, and then remove them. They
believe that many of them are cured. Presumably the body
draws unto itself the healing minerals and some of the
earth’s magnetism.MUD PACKS
The nature cure practitioners at present are
making increasing use of moistened earth in the treatment
of diseases. The use of mud packs has been found highly
beneficial and effective in the treatment of chronic
inflammation caused by internal diseases, bruises,
sprains, boils and wounds. This mode of treatment is
normally adopted in conjunction with a proper scheme of
dietary and other natural therapies.
The advantage of mud treatment is that it is able to
retain moisture and coolness for longer periods than cold
water packs or compresses. The cold moisture in the mud
packs relaxes the pores of the skin, draws the blood into
the surface, relieves inner congestion and pain, promotes
heat radiation and elimination of morbid matter.
A mud pack isprepared with clay obtained from about ten
cms. below the surface of the earth, after ensuring that
it does not contain any impurities such as compost or
pebbles. The clay is then made into a smooth paste with
warm water. This is allowed to cool and then spread on a
strip of cloth, the size of which may vary according to
requirements. The dimensions of the pack meant for
application on the abdomen are generally 20 cms. X 10
cm.X 2.5 cm. for adults.
Mud packs have been found to be a valuable treatment of
diseases relating to general weakness or nervous
disorders. It can also bring down fever and is beneficial
in the treatment of scarlet fever, measles and influenza.
The mud pack is prescribed for swellings, eye and ear
troubles, gout, rheumatism, stomach troubles, kidney and
liver malfunctions, diptheria, neuralgia, sexual
disorders, headache, toothache and general aches and
pains. The mud bandage, after being placed on the body,
should be covered with flannel or other protective
material. The pack is applied for 10 to 30 minutes.
As the abdomen is the seat of most diseases, mud pack
applied to this part of the body can cure many disorders
including all forms of indigestion affecting the stomach
and bowels. It is most effective in decreasing the
external heat and breaking up the morbid matter. It also
aids the inactivity of labour pains and for this purpose,
the pack may be renewed every hour or two.
The mud pack is also helpful as an alternate treatment.
The area under treatment is first given fomentation for
five to 10 minutes until it is well heated. Mud is then
applied directly to the skin for five to 15 minutes,
depending upon the reaction required.
Hot and cold applications are useful in relieving chronic
pains, intestinal cramps and lumbago. Alternate
application helps to relieve discomfort caused by
flatulence and intestinal obstructions. It is also
helpful in amoebiasis, colitis, enteritis and other
inflammatory conditions of bacterial origin.
MUD BATH
Mud or clay bath is another mode of treatment. It
is applied in the same way as packs, but only on a larger
scale on the entire body. In this, mud or clay is first
ground and sifted to remove all impurities, and then made
into a smooth paste mixed with hot water. The paste is
then spread on a sheet which in turn is wrapped round the
body. One or two blankets are then wrapped over this,
depending on the temperature of the room and that of the
pack. A mud bath is followed with a cleansing warm water
bath and a short cold shower.
The mud bath is found to tone up the skin by increasing
the circulation and energising the skin tissues. Frequent
mud baths help to improve the complexion, clear spots and
patches on the skin following skin disorders or due to
smallpox. It is very beneficial in the treatment of skin
diseases like psoriasis, leucoderma and every leprosy.
This bath is also valuable in getting relief from
rheumatic pain or pain in the joints caused by injuries.
The duration of the bath should be from 30 minutes to one
hour. Care should also be taken to avoid the patient
catching a chill during the bath. Mud applications also
form a vital part of natural beauty treatment.
[index]
|
