Earth – A Natural Cure against Diseases
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 German born Emanuel Felke who was nicknamed the “Clay Pastor”. Felke found that the forces of earth have remarkable effects upon the human body, especially during night. These effects are described as refreshing, invigorating and vitalising. Felke believed that for wounds and skin diseases, application of clay or maistened earth was the only true natural bandage.
What are benefits of Earth ?
As per Adolf Just, 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.
Going barefooted all day long, except when it is very cold, is regarded as a valuable step towards achieving good health and true happiness. Men can draw vial energy and strength out of the earth through their feet.
American Indians 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 use of mud packs have 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 pack relaxes the pores of the skin, draws the blood into the surface, relieves inner congestion and pain, and promotes heat radiation and elimination of morbid matter.
How Mud Pack is Prepared ?
A mud pack is prepared with clay obtained from about 10 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 cm * 10 cm * 2.5 cm for adults. 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.
What are benefits of Mud Packs ?
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, stomach troubles, kidney and liver malfunctions, diphtheria, sexual disorders, headache, toothache and general aches and pains.
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.
Hot and cold applications are useful in relieving chronic pains, intestinal cramps and lumbago. It is also helpful in amoebiasis, colitis and other inflammatory conditions of bacterial origin.
Mud Bath
Mud or clay bath 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 around 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.
Benefits of Mud path
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 even leprosy.
This bath is also valuable in getting relief from rheumatic pain or pain in the joints caused by injuries. The duration of bath should be from 30 mins 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.
