A_Complete_Handbook_of_Nature_Cures
A_Complete_Handbook_of_Nature_Cures
A_Complete_Handbook_of_Nature_Cures
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Curative Powers <strong>of</strong> Earth<br />
NATURE CURE<br />
Curative Powers <strong>of</strong> Earth<br />
Earth was used extensively for remedial purposes in ancient times as well as the middle ages.<br />
IN modern times, it again came into prominence as a valuable therapeutic agent in the last<br />
century through the indefatigable efforts <strong>of</strong> Emanuel Felke, a German-born Lutheran minister<br />
who was nicknamed the "Clay Pastor."<br />
Felke found that the forces <strong>of</strong> earth have remarkable effects upon the human body, especially<br />
during the night. These effects are described as refreshing, invigorating and vitalising. Felke<br />
believed that for wounds and skin diseases, application <strong>of</strong> clay or moistened earth was the only<br />
true natural bondage. The body is thus repaired with the element from which it is assumed to be<br />
made.<br />
Adolf Just ( 1838 - 1936) , one <strong>of</strong> the pioneers <strong>of</strong> nature cure in modern times, believed that all<br />
diseases, but especially the serious nervous troubles <strong>of</strong> our age, would lose their terrors, if only<br />
sleeping or lying on the earth at night became customary in the curing <strong>of</strong> diseases. According to<br />
him, by sleeping on the ground, " the entire body is aroused from its lethargy to a new<br />
manifestation <strong>of</strong> vital energy, so that it can now effectively remove old morbid matter and<br />
masses <strong>of</strong> old faces from the intestines, and receive a sensation <strong>of</strong> new health, new life and new<br />
unthought -<strong>of</strong> vigour and strength. "<br />
Going barefooted all day long, except when it is very cold, is also regarded as a valuable step<br />
towards achieving good health and true happiness. Men can draw vital energy and strength out<br />
<strong>of</strong> the earth through their feet. Jesus Christ also attached a great deal <strong>of</strong> importance to the<br />
practice <strong>of</strong> going barefooted. He himself was barefooted and commanded his disciples likewise.<br />
It is advisable to go entirely barefooted as <strong>of</strong>ten as possible, especially on the bare ground but in<br />
rooms with painted floors it is better to wear chappals, since the painted floor affects the body<br />
adversely if one walks on it with bare soles.<br />
The American Indians lay great stress on earth treatment.<br />
They believe that healing power is strong in leaves and herbs, powerful in the air, but very<br />
powerful indeed in the earth. They have a custom to bury sufferers from all kinds <strong>of</strong> disease in<br />
the earth upto their necks, leave them there for some hours, and then remove them. They<br />
believe that many <strong>of</strong> them are cured. Presumably the body draws unto itself the healing minerals<br />
and some <strong>of</strong> the earth’s magnetism.<br />
MUD PACKS<br />
The nature cure practitioners at present are making increasing use <strong>of</strong> moistened earth in the<br />
treatment <strong>of</strong> diseases. The use <strong>of</strong> mud packs has been found highly beneficial and effective in<br />
the treatment <strong>of</strong> chronic inflammation caused by internal diseases, bruises, sprains, boils and<br />
wounds. This mode <strong>of</strong> treatment is normally adopted in conjunction with a proper scheme <strong>of</strong><br />
dietary and other natural therapies.<br />
The advantage <strong>of</strong> mud treatment is that it is able to retain moisture and coolness for longer<br />
periods than cold water packs or compresses. The cold moisture in the mud packs relaxes the<br />
pores <strong>of</strong> the skin, draws the blood into the surface, relieves inner congestion and pain, promotes<br />
heat radiation and elimination <strong>of</strong> morbid matter.<br />
A mud pack isprepared with clay obtained from about ten cms. below the surface <strong>of</strong> the earth,<br />
after ensuring that it does not contain any impurities such as compost or pebbles. The clay is<br />
then made into a smooth paste with warm water. This is allowed to cool and then spread on a<br />
strip <strong>of</strong> cloth, the size <strong>of</strong> which may vary according to requirements. The dimensions <strong>of</strong> the pack<br />
meant for application on the abdomen are generally 20 cms. X 10 cm.X 2.5 cm. for adults.<br />
Mud packs have been found to be a valuable treatment <strong>of</strong> diseases relating to general weakness<br />
or nervous disorders. It can also bring down fever and is beneficial in the treatment <strong>of</strong> scarlet<br />
fever, measles and influenza. The mud pack is prescribed for swellings, eye and ear troubles,<br />
gout, rheumatism, stomach troubles, kidney and liver malfunctions, diptheria, neuralgia, sexual<br />
http://www.healthlibrary.com/reading/ncure/chap4.htm (1 <strong>of</strong> 2) [5/19/1999 9:12:54 PM]