I am continuing with my article on various naturopathy therapies, and today I am writing about Mud therapy and Hydrotherapy.
Mud Therapy
It is used for giving coolness to the body. It dilutes and absorbs the toxic substances of the body and ultimately eliminates them from the body. These days naturopathy practitioners are increasingly making use of mud or moistened earth for treating various health problems. It has been found to be effective in curing a wide variety of disorders, such as conjunctivitis, congestion, headaches, skin problems, glaucoma etc. Mud therapy in naturopathy involves the scientific use of moistened earth in a proper manner, so as to benefit the body from within.
Preparation of Mud Pack
Mud packs are made with clay that is obtained from 10 cm under the earth. It is made sure that the mud does not contain pebbles, compost, or any impurities. It is poured into warm water to form a smooth paste. The mixture is left to stand in order to cool and spread afterward into a cloth strip that can vary in size as per needs. Generally, black soil from around water bodies is regarded as suitable for mud therapy.
How It Is Applied?
Cooled mud is poured into a cloth strip and made into a bandage. This is placed over the affected area of the body and covered with a protective material such as a flannel. For adults, the mud pack can be around 20x10x2.5 cm in dimensions. The dimensions of the mud treatment cloth should vary on the basis of the patient’s needs. The body region that is to be treated thus has to be fomented at first for around 5-10 minutes until it is heated up well enough. It is then that mud is directly applied over the affected area for 5-15 minutes, based on the response that is needed. (fomentation is the application of hot moist substances)
Why does It work?
Excess amount of heat place stress on the system and gives rise to various disorders. Soil is bound to retain moisture for a longer period, and when applied to the body it can cool down the system. It is found to be effective in eliminating excess heat from the body. It helps in the degeneration of the morbid matter.
How Can It Benefit?
Mud therapy treatment has a wide range of benefits for the health. Its application has been found to be useful in treating constipation, abdominal cramps, chronic pains, influenza, rheumatism, gout, liver and kidney ailments, colitis etc. It is also recommended for curing inflammation, eye problems, headaches, toothache, and general painful conditions.
Hydrotherapy
It refers to using water as therapy in any form. For instance, it may act as treatment for temporary skin-related issues, such as burns and septic ulcers, or chronic health conditions, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.
Water therapy uses either hot or cold water, with water pressure and flow varying among treatments. The intention is to ease both physical and mental symptoms. Some hydrotherapy practices are as simple as simple as sitting in a warm bath, which people can do at home. Other practices involve specialists locations or equipment, such as cold sauna. Possible locations and equipment for hydrotherapy may include:
- Physical therapy tanks.
- Swimming pools.
- Whirlpool spas.
- Hot tubs.
The procedure for using each will vary greatly depending on the goal of treatment and the practitioner.
Benefits
Hydrotherapy may offer a range of benefits, including
1 The Spa therapy using warm water has a significant pain-relieving effect in people with chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissues. The warm water may ease the signals for pain, reflex the muscles, and increase blood flow, reducing pain in the area.
2 The water based activities improve mental health in some people. Foe example, people with fibromyalgia may find aquatic exercise therapy reduces anxiety and depression. Many may find swimming improves their mood and helps release tension through exercise.
3 People with some types of arthritis may get benefit from this therapy. One study found that people with osteoarthritis in the knee had improved markers of pain and knee functions after 8 weeks of aquatic exercise. Also people with rheumatoid arthritis who engaged in moderate intensity aquatic exercise while continue their medication had an improvement in the markers of the disease.
4 Athletes sometimes use various form of hydrotherapy in which they alternate between warm and cold water.
5 It may help with the general aches and pains that pregnancy can cause. Some women may choose form of hydrotherapy during water birth to reduce pain and relaxation.
Types Of Therapies
A naturopathy practitioner can offer advice on which type of hydrotherapy is best for the patient
1 Aquatic Exercise- It is a low impact form of physical activity, which typically takes place in pool using specialist equipment. These exercises are suitable for people with arthritis and fibromyalgia.
2 Warm Water Baths- Soaking in warm water bath is a form of hydrotherapy. The person may also add salt and minerals, essential oils, or other ingredients to enhance the bath.
3 Sitz Bath- It is a shallow bath using either warm or cold water. It is beneficial for getting relief from issues such as cramps and hemorrhoids.
4 Wraps, Compress, and Fomentation- Wraps and compresses using hot, warm, or cold water are also form of hydrotherapy. These may provide targeted relief from mild symptoms and support treatment.
5 Saunas- Depending on the definition, saunas may include both wet and dry heat saunas, as well as cool or refrigerated saunas. These involve sitting in a room set to specific temperature with either humid or dry air.
6 Water Circuit Therapy- This involves going through a few different forms of hydrotherapy one after another, generally alternating between warm and cold water to promote circulation and help ease symptoms. The circuit may vary greatly depending on the practitioner and the patient, but it may have various techniques such as- warm baths, wet or dry saunas, cold plunges, cool baths.
Immersion Therapies- They are those that involve a person immersing themselves in water for relief. They include- warm baths, cool baths, cold plunges, sitz baths, hot tubs with jet massages, and whirlpool baths.
In the end hydrotherapy may have various as a complimentary therapy to standard treatment. Relaxing hydrotherapies practices, such as saunas and foot baths, may help ease stress and allow a person to relax or alleviate painful symptoms. In each case, it is still important to work with a naturopathy expert or doctor to determine the most suitable practices for the individual.
Waiting for your views on this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
6th December 2022