Health from mud

Mud has several medical properties that can cure various kinds
of diseases, says M. J. Raju

Naturopaths advocate the use of different kinds of mud to treat a number of skin disorders Photo: MF

Mud therapy is regarded as a 5000-year-old traditional Indian ayurvedic medicine in which different layers of mud paste are applied on the body against diseases. Basically, Indian rural and tribal people believe that mud has many medical properties for all kinds of diseases. They smear mud on the inner and outer layers in their houses to keep them cool during summer and warm during winter, and most importantly, to keep diseases and germs outside the houses.

Mud therapy, as enunciated by ayurveda, is based on the principal of two elements — prithvi (earth) and vayu (air). Mud from various places has different medical properties, like soil of the northern hills are very good for arthritis, spondylitis, sciatica and paralysis; mud of the desert is good for viral infection. The mud of South India has the most effective properties against many diseases, as it is rich in minerals. It is believed that the concept of mud therapy originated from South India, and I think this therapy is deeply connected with the Sidha medicine system because Sidha is essentially mineral-based Indian traditional medicine system.

Since ancient times, mud`A0has been used in the treatment of a wide range of health problems; however, a number of people still shudder at the thought of having themselves smeared with mud. While many animals are known to roll about in the mud to get rid of external parasitic infestations, very few humans are willing to experiment with the same. This is largely because mud`A0is strongly associated with dirt and filth, worms and bugs.

Walking barefooted on dry mud`A0is supposed to stimulate the acupressure points of the soles, and consequently, boost the body’s defences. On the other hand, sleeping on earth is supposed to replenish your energy levels and literally bring you down to earth, so that your body and mind heal through the positive vibrations and electromagnetic forces of our blessed planet. In another peculiar form of treatment that is practised in many parts of the India, the patient is buried in the earth up to his or her neck for a fixed number of hours regularly till the person heals.

The mud that is used for mud`A0packs and mud baths is acquired by digging to a depth of at least six inches below the surface of the earth. Care is taken to ensure that this mud is devoid of impurities and animal excreta. Warm water is slowly added to the mud and is stirred into a paste. This is then directly applied over the body. It is, indeed, amazing to see how something as simple as mud can bring about marked improvement in conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and even vitiligo.

Mud pack: This mode of treatment is adopted along with a proper scheme of dietary and other natural therapies. As the mud retains moisture for a long time, the most important benefit of the mudpacks is the retention of moisture and coolness for long periods.

Mud bath : Mud or clay bath is applied in the same way as packs, but to cover the entire body. In this therapy, mud`A0or clay is made into a smooth paste, after mixing with hot water. This paste is spread on a sheet, which is wrapped around the body. A blanket is wrapped over this. The treatment is followed with a cleansing warm water bath and a cold shower. The mud bath is found to tone up the skin by increasing the circulation and energising the superficial tissues.

The effects of mud are refreshing, invigorating and vitalising. For wounds and skin diseases, application of mud is the only true bandage. Mud therapy is used for giving coolness to the body. It dilutes and absorbs the toxic substances of the body and ultimately eliminates. Mud is used successfully in different diseases like constipation, headache due to tension, high blood pressure, skin diseases etc. Gandhiji used to take mud pack to get rid of constipation Mud therapy is meant for reliving pains from the body and adding lost youth. It does not cure acute diseases. Generally, mud therapy is done by mud therapists. Even naturopaths make use of`A0 mud thearpy in their treatment.

Mud therapy is the safest of all therapies of all other kinds of holistic therapies as it does not have any side effects. Some people might be allergic to mud therapy; so a patch test is done before any kind of mud therapy is given. One mud therapy can take from half an hour to a couple of hours. Generally, the time duration is told before the treatment starts. — MF