The methods of treatment in the science of Nature-cure include baths, packs, massage, enema and fasting. In this chapter all these are separately discussed.
In the category of baths, the most familiar of baths, is the HIP-BATH. Baths ennurvate the internal system by revitalising the circulation of blood by its contact with cold water, applied scientifically with the body.
The use of hot water, where recommended is merely to give added effect of cold water on the body, with increased range of temperature provided to the body before contact with cold water.
Hip-bath lends contraction to the large intestine, which contains the waste matter, brought into it by the small intestine. It is the colon, or the large intestine, which by contraction, pushes out the waste matter through the rectum, in the shape of stools.
When the colon loses its power of contraction and cannot discharge fully the waste matter, the matter left in it, goes on settling on its walls, thus putrefying the system and causing constipation. Thus, to relieve the colon of the putrefied mater, enema is used, but that is only a means to relieve the colon of the burden of the waste matter by diluting it with enema water and extracting it.
The colon needs a further treatment, that is, of restoring its contraction power to enable it to discharge or push out the whole waste and accumulated matter from the body in one lot in the normal way, by arousing the urge for defecation with adequate pressure. This function is performed by the application of Hip-bath.
Hip-bath is performed in a tub, specially made for this bath. It is a small raised tub, with a back seat. It can be got made on order, where not available. Generally otherwise it is done in an ordinary tub as well, by suitable arrangement.
Fill an ordinary tub to a nearby depth of 6 inches, so as to enable you to sit in it with water coming just upto the navel, that is, to cover the portion of the abdomen, which has inside it, the colon or the large intestine.
Your legs should be out of the tub, or water, which may be placed on a small stool in front. In this way you cover only the lower part of the abdomen. No other part of the body should get wet. The purpose is to apply cold only to the lower part of the abdomen, in comparison with the rest of the body kept warm. Comparative cold to a part of the body always gives greater Nature-cure effect.
After sitting in the tub and putting off all your clothes keep your knees apart. You should be quite at ease, when sitting. If weather is cold and unbearable, a blanket be placed on the back covering your shoulders. While proceeding for the bath, hold a small folded piece of thick cloth, or a small towel.
Rub the part of your body (lower abdomen) in water with the cloth-pad from right to left, holding it in your one hand. Rubbing is necessary. It serves two purposes. It produces friction, which keeps the wet part of the body warm to give greater effect of the cold water.
Secondly, moving water does not get stagnant and warm by the constant touch of the body, which goes on getting the touch of a cold current. This bath should be taken for 20 minutes, lesser in case of a feeling of extreme weakness.
During these 20 minutes, the person will feel immense pleasure. He can even utilise the time in muttering some ‘jaap’ recitation of the name of the Lord, or slokas or even memorise mantras, etc.
After coming out of the tub, wipe off your body completely with a towel, dress up immediately and walk out on a short walk, or take some exercise to warm up your body, for a natural perspiration.
If due to illness, or weakness, no exercise can be done, the patient should be laid in bed under cover of a blanket for some time. The purpose is to warm up the body again and have some perspiration. The normal bath should be taken after having settled down properly, say after half an hour.
For the water to be sufficiently cold, get the tub filled up adequately beforehand to cool it, say during the night for a morning hip-bath. Hip-bath can be taken in the evening also, but on empty stomach, before any evening menu.