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Curative Powers of Earth

Beneficial Effects

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 bandage. 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 faeces from the intestines, and receive a sensation of new health, new life and renewed vigour and strength."

Earth Treatment

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 diseases in the earth upto their necks, leave them there for some hours, and then remove them. They believe that many of them are cured by this method. 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 mudpacks has been found highly beneficial and effective in the treatment of chronic inflammations 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 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.

Method of Preparation

A mudpack 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 than 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 applications on the abdomen are generally 20 cm. x 10 cm. x 2.5 cm for adults.

Benefits of Mud Treatment

Mudpacks 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, diphtheria, 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, mudpack 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 removed every hour or two.

The mudpack is also helpful as an alternative treatment. The area under treatment is first given fomentation for 5 to 10 minutes until it is well heated. Mud is then applied directly to the skin for 5 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 resulting from skin disorders or smallpox. It is very beneficial in the treatment of skin diseases. It is also valuable in getting relief from rheumatic pain or pain in the joints caused by injuries. The duration of the bath should be 30 minutes to one hour. Care should also be taken to avoid the patient catching a chill during the bath.

-- The author is based in Mumbai and writes on health issues

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