Mainly mud therapy useful in controlling diarrhea and vomitting in case of cholera.Mud in the form of pack ,applied on the skin draws blood to surface and removes morbid waste matter and toxins.
Types of Mud-1)Potter's clay,2)Mud at bottom of river or well,3)Mud found in farms,2 to 3 feet deep,4)Multani Mitti
Mud treatment-1)Mud packs,poultices or pethas,2)Mud baths-10 to 30 min.It can be placed over various parts of body to get relief as follows-a)head-kept on scalp to improve texture of hair and keeps head cool.good for congestive headache.b)forehead-relieves headaches.c)eyes-refreshing for eyes and relieves eye strain from excessive use of eye.Relieve soreness and conjunctivitis.d)Throat-for pharyngitis,laryngitis,sore throat,tonsilitis.e)fever-Moist mud packs on forehead and abdomen bring down fever.f)stomach-aches,indigestion,rumbling,flatulence,constipation,diarrhoea,dysentry.g)Aabdomen-relieves menstrual troubles,to prevent abortion.h)feet and palms-burning soles and palms get relief from mud packs applied before sleeping.i)gluteal region(buttocks)-If patient suffering from piles,mud pack should be applied on anus.
Precautions-a)epilepsy,hysteria,insomnia.patient should be made to sleep on floor.b)Injury(not open wounds).reduce inflamation if applied on inflammed part.d)joint pain,arthritis,rheumatism.after that give hot pack.e)mad pack should be given twice a day.morning and evening.f)Mud therapy effective in combined with hydrotherapy for better effect.
Mud Baths-If mud is required to be applied on body,then mud bath resored.patient lies in a cubicle.After preparation of mud paste,it is spread on sheet which is wrapped around body.Then blanket wrapped around it,depending on temperature of room.duration-25 to 30 min.mud bath is followed by cleansing warm water bath and short cold shower.
Methods of preparing Mud-To ensure purity,mud is taken 2 to 3 feet below the earth's surface.Then it is sieved and preserved.This mud is mixed with water and kneaded thoroughly wooden stick till it consistent as soft dough.It should not be touched with hands,otherwise it lose therapeutic value.