Mud Therapy

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 it was discovered to have remarkable effects to refresh, invigorate and vitalize the human body; especially during the night. It was believed that for wounds and skin diseases, application of clay or moistened earth was the only true natural bandage. Thus, the sleeping or lying on the earth at night became customary in the curing of diseases. By doing this, 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 faeces from the intestines, and receive a sensation of new health, new life and new vigour and strength. Mud Therapy includes Mud bath, Mud pack and others.

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 by going bare footed as often as possible, especially on the bare ground. However, in rooms with painted floors it is better to wear slippers, since the painted floor affects the body adversely if one walks on it with bare soles. The importance of earth has become prominent around the world today. People believe that healing power is strong in leaves and herbs, powerful in the air, but very powerful indeed in the earth. People practising the earth cure bury themselves in the earth upto their necks, leave them there for some hours, and then remove them. It is presumed that the body draws unto itself the healing minerals and some of the earth`s magnetism. Let us understand the uses of the Mud therapy as a natural healing power:
1. Mud Pack: The nature cure practitioners at present are making increasing use of moistened earth in the treatment of diseases. This mode of treatment is normally adopted in conjunction with a proper scheme of dietary and other natural therapies. The most important benefit of the mudpacks is the retention of moisture and coolness for longer periods than cold-water pack or compresses. The cold moisture in the mudpacks 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.

A mudpack is prepared 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 cm x 10cm x 2.5cm 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.

The Mud pack is 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 mudpack 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.
2. 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, is followed with a cleansing warm water bath and a short cold shower 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 energizing the skin tissues. 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.