Mud Therapy

Mud corresponds to the Earth element of the five elements, which the universe is made up of. It has been in use since ages for curing many diseases. It is discovered that mud refreshes and rejuvenates the entire body, warding off lethargy. It is even considered very beneficial for healing wounds and skin diseases. Men can draw vital energy and strength by walking bare foot on the ground. Mud therapy includes mud pack and mud bath.

Mud Pack
Moistened mud is being widely used for the treatment of various diseases. The advantages of the mud pack include retention of moisture and the prolonged coolness as compared to other packs. The cool moisture of the pack relaxes the pores of the skin, draws the blood to the surface, relieves inner congestion, promotes heat radiation and eliminates morbid matter. The mud used for pack is obtained from a considerable depth below the earth surface, to ensure there are no impurities present in it, such as pebbles and compost.

Then a smooth paste of the clay is made with warm water. It is cooled and spread over a strip of cloth. This mud bandage is placed on the body and covered with protective material like flannel. It is kept for 10 to 30 minutes. The Mud pack is very effective in lessening the external heat, breaking up morbid matter, relieves from the inactivity of labor pain etc. However, before the application of mud pack, fomentation is done for five to ten minutes.

Mud Bath
Mud bath is another form of mud therapy. It is similar to mud pack, but applied to a large portion of the body. The clay is first grounded and then sifted to remove impurities and then made into a smooth paste with warm water. The paste is spread on a sheet and wrapped around the body. It is then covered with one or two blankets. The mud bath is followed by cleansing bath by a hot water shower and then a cold water shower.

The bath tones up the skin and reenergizes the skin tissues, by improving blood circulation. The duration of the bath lasts from 30 minutes to one hour. Mud baths are also considered vital for the natural beauty treatment. However, caution should be exercised while applying the mud bath, as the patient might catch cold. These baths are very beneficial as they enliven the body from within, providing it cool and relaxation.