Besides the nature cure method of hydrotherapy, there is another very common external therapeutic agent which is the clay or what we called mud. Generally, mud/clay is used as a paste to be applied directly a a salve or pack or as poultice. Normally, clay paste is applied to the abdomen or other regions of the body which exhibits symptoms of the disorders. However, if necessary, it can be applied to the whol body or a mud-bath can be taken where the entire body except for the head is buried in clay of suitable consistency.

So what can be the benefits derived from mud packs?

They are:

  • Coolng of the affected part: the cooling effect of the mud pack is much greater than that of a wet pack. In case of high feer, the temperature can be brought down with the help of a mud pack. ( needs to be changed frequently till the desired lowering of the temperature is affected)
  • Absorption of toxins: Clay has the wonderful unique property of absorbing toxins from the body. You can witness such effect when clay is applied to a boil or a suppurating wound where the pus is quickly drawn out and the wounds gets cleaned up
  • Reduction of swelling: A clay pack will reduce the swelling of any part of the body. Typical case is the application of clay packs to swollen feet or other parts.
  • Relaxaion of tension: A clay pack reduces the tension of the muscles and soothes overestimated nerves
  • Relief from pain: Application of clay paste or a mud pack affords immediate relief from localized pain.

Some salient points on prepartion of mud or clay pack:

  • any color of clay can be used provided it does not contain any harmful materials or chemicals
  • if the clay is highly viscious, some fine sand should be mixed with it
  • the clay should be sieved off to remove pebbles, stones or any other coarse materials. It should then be dried in the sun.
  • when preparing the clay for application as a paste or pack, just enough water should be added to it to give it the consistency of butter.
  • once prepared, it should be spread over the affected part to a thickness of about an inch or 2.5cm or it can be spread on a piece of cloth like muslin.
  • uncovered clay paste has a cooling effect on the affected part whilst covered, it has a warming effect
  • normally the clay should be taken off after about half an hour or one hour, if necessary clay can be applied afresh
  • when clay has been used for its cooling effect, the part to which it has been applied should first be wiped clean with a piece of cloth and then brought to normal temperature by a dry rubbing with the palms. If it has been used for warming the part, the part should be wiped clean with cloth wrung in cold water.

Clay has been found efficacious in treating fever, constipation, diarrhoea, gastric, duodenal and intestinal ulcers, bleeding of the uterus, piles, fissures, appendicitis, stomachache, irregularity in menstruation and such other disorders. Using clay therapy on boils, wounds, pain or swellings, many found them to be extremely efficacious.

No Comments »