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Advantages of Water.
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In addition to the regimen
related to the internal
functioning of the body such as
diet and exercise, the
Naturopathic system of healing
makes use of several remedial
procedures external to the
body. These procedures are
designed to achieve two aims:
(1) accelerating the process of
healing and
(2) providing relief to the
patient from the painful
symptoms of the disorder.
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Among these external remedies prescribed by Nature Cure, hydrotherapy is of
special importance. Water is an integral factor of our life processes. Actually water
makes up 70 per cent of the human body.
There are numerous widely accepted methods of hydrotherapeutic treatment, chief
among which are enema, hipbath, the full sheet pack, local wet packs, steam-bath,
hot foot bath, spinal bath, localized fomentation by steam, jalaneti (in the yogic
tradition), and irrigation of the stomach.
Before discussing all these methods in detail, let us consider the two common uses
of water. These are (1 ) drinking, and (2) bathing.
Every one must drink at least 5 to 6 glasses of water in a day. Best results are
obtained if water is taken on an empty stomach just after getting up and cleaning
the teeth, half an hour before each meal, and two hours after each meal. In
addition, of course, water can be taken as required when needed. The temperature
of the water should preferably be neither too high nor too low. A glass of water with
a little lemon juice, taken early in the morning on an empty stomach, is highly
beneficial. No more than a mouthful or two of water may be taken during a meal if
absolutely necessary. No water should be taken for one and a half to two hours after
a meal.
It must also be remembered that drinking water in quantities smaller than those
indicated above leads to constipation, and has an adverse effect on the functioning
of the kidneys.
Bathing has a unique importance in our daily life. A bath washes away the dirt
adhering to the body, the skin is rendered clean and glowing, and its pores are
opened up, thus facilitating the elimination of the poisons in the body through
perspiration. The friction on the body caused by bathing and by drying the body
stimulates circulation, and imparts a blissful feeling of freshness. A good scrubbing
relieves fatigue. People who perspire too freely should bathe twice a day, as should
all of us in summer.
Everyone should form a habit of using cold or lukewarm water for bathing. A
hot-water bath may be pleasant at the time of bathing, but is likely to generate a
feeling of lassitude later, whereas a cold-water bath is stimulating. Those who are in
the habit of taking hot-water baths would be well advised to reduce the
temperature of their bath water progressively till they find cold-water baths
acceptable, tolerable and indeed enjoyable. A sparse use of soap while bathing is
recommended. Soap washes away the beneficial oils of the skin, rendering the skin,
dry and reducing its glow. Frequent baths, with a good scrubbing during baths will
be sufficient to keep the skin clean and healthy. Multani clay, cream and turmeric
powder may occasionally be used with advantage. A mixture of gram flour and butter
milk is also highly beneficial. No one should entertain the (mistaken) notion that the
use of expensive perfumed soaps will enhance the beauty of the face and turn us
into matinee idols.
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About Author:
Krishan Bakhru is the Editor of Natural Beauty , Free Aromatherapy Recipes
Cat Food Recipes & Dog Food Recipes
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