MUD THERAPY

Mud represents prithvi (earth), one of the five elements among panchamahabhutas. It is one of the ancient techniques used in curing sickness and for rejuvenation of the body. In Mud therapy moistened earth is applied over body parts, in a proper manner, so as to benefit the body from within.

Mud therapy is very effective and simple treatment technique. The mud used for the therapy should be clean and taken from 3 to 4 feet depth from the surface of the ground. The mud should be free from any form of contamination of stone pieces or chemical manures etc. So, before using mud, it should be dried, powdered and then sieved to separate grass particles, stones and other impurities.

The minerals present in mud differ from place to place, as the rock formation and constitution varies in different places. Medical mud can be divided into following types depending on physical and chemical properties:

• Black mud
• Moor mud
• Silt sulphide mud
• Sapropelic mud
• Dead sea mud
• Peat mud
• Hill mud

The four main properties of mud are as follows:

• Absorbing power
• Stimulating capacity
• Antimicrobial effect
• Cicatrizing action

BENEFITS

• The effects of mud are vitalizing, refreshing, and invigorating.
• It dilutes the toxic substances of body and absorbs them and ultimately eliminates them from body.
• Relaxes the muscles, helps regulate the metabolism and improves blood circulation.
• Gives a cooling effect to the body.
• Useful in conditions of inflammation, swelling and relieves pain.
• It has anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects.
• Its black color absorbs all the colors of the Sun and transfers them to the body.
• Mud retains moisture for a long time, when applied over the body part it induces cooling effect.
• Its shape and consistency can be changed easily by adding water.
• Mud is one of five elements of nature, having immense impact on the body, both in healthy individuals and in sick individuals. 
• For skin diseases and wounds, application of mud works well as a bandage.
• Mud is used successfully in different diseases like tension type headache, constipation, high blood pressure, skin diseases etc.
• Even Gandhiji used to take mud pack to get rid of constipation

MUD PACK – LOCAL APPLICATION

Soak the mud and keep it in a thin, wet muslin cloth and depending on the size of the patient’s abdomen, make it into a thin flat brick and  apply it. The average duration of the mud pack  is 20 to 30 minutes. Just keep it in mind when you apply it in cold weather, place a blanket over the mud pack and cover the body as well.

BENEFITS

• When applied over abdomen – it gives relief in all forms of indigestion. It effectively decreases intestinal heat and it stimulates peristalsis.
• A thick mud pack when applied to head  gives relief from congestive headache. It relieves the pain immediately. Therefore, mud therapy is recommended whenever there is necessity for a prolonged cold application.
• When the the pack is applied over the eyes – It is useful in cases of  hemorrhages in the eyeball, conjunctivitis, eye allergies, itching,  errors of refraction like short sightedness and long sightedness and especially quite useful in glaucoma where it helps in reducing eyeball tension.

MUD PACK FOR FACE

• Apply the soaked mud on the face and let it dry for 30 minutes. 
• Mud therapy is helpful in improving the complexion of the skin, opens pores which in turn facilitates toxin elimination and it removes pimples.
• This also is helpful in treating dark circles around the eyes and under eye bags. 
• Wash your face thoroughly with cold water, after 30mins of mud application.

MUD BATH

• Mud can be applied to the patient in lying position or in sitting position.
• This helps to improve the skin condition by increasing the circulation and energizing the skin tissues.
•  Absolute care should be taken to avoid catching cold during the bath. 
• Afterwards, the patient must be washed thoroughly with cold water jet spray. 
• If the patient feels chill, warm water should be used.
•  Then the patient is dried quickly and is transferred to a warm bed. 
• The duration of mud bath is 45 to 60 minutes.

BENEFITS

Mud therapy provides different organs of body with so many good effects. It helps in treating stress, headache, chronic pain, inflammation, constipation, skin diseases, and it also helps a lot as a detoxification therapy.

SKING PROBLEMS

Mud therapy is one of the best ways of detoxification because mud expels out the harmful toxins stored up in the skin, through its pores.

The biggest benefit of mud therapy treatment gives is on the skin. It creates cooling effect on the skin and in the blood and therefore helps in controlling the effects of aggravated Pitta dosha. It removes the dead skin cells and makes the skin softer and glowing.

EYE PROBLEMS

Mud therapy enhances the vision and keeps the eyes healthy and stress-free. 

Also, application of mud on the eyes helps in treating so many eye problems such as conjunctivitis, eye infection, hemorrhage, glucoma, allergic reactions and stye. Especially for US, the new generation, who spends a lot of time in front of the screens, regular mud therapy can help in maintaining good eye health.

DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS

Mud therapy relaxes the digestive system and strengthens all the associated organs. Applying mud packs on abdomen helps with a lot of digestion problems such as gas, acidity, constipation, and stomach ache. Keeps the digestive fire in check. Enhances it but at the same time doesn’t let it become too much.

STRESS AND HEADACHE

Applying mud therapy on the head is really very relaxing. It reduces stress, depression, anxiety and helps in getting a sound good night sleep. It is also prescribed by Naturopathy experts sometimes to deal with disorders of the nervous system such as Sciatica, Neuralgia, paralysis, Epilepsy, Post-traumatic stress etc.

JOINT AND MUSCLE TROUBLES

In conditions such as Arthritis, the intense swelling and pain around the affected area can be easily treated by mud therapy. Naturopathy experts also prescribe mud therapy for problems like Fibromyalgia, periarthritis, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatism, Gout, etc. It helps a lot in getting relief from restricted movements and stiffness of the joints.