Nature Cure Methods – II (Agni, Jala and Prithvi Tatva) MODULE – III

Introduction to
Naturopathy

11
Notes

NATURE CURE METHODS – II

(AGNI, JALA AND PRITHVI TATVA)

In the previous lesson, you learnt the importance of positive attitude towards life, rest and
relaxation, fasting and its benefits, benefits of morning walk, air bath and svara, different
types of massages and their importance. The other three natural elements also equally
influence disease and health and can be used in maintaining health and treating diseases.
Our lifestyle has changed drastically, we are more sedentary and the level of stress one
experiences has increased largerly which makes one prone to numerous acute and chronic
diseases. You must have observed that our dependency on drugs is increasing day by day.
On the one hand these drugs are reducing our immunity and on the other hand they have
many adverse side effects. Hence, it is important for us to understand that nature has
blessed human body with the miraculous power of self healing and one has to become
conscious of health and look towards nature for healing themselves.

Out of the five elements of nature ‘fire’ (agni) is main for body energy and affects
pancreas, stomach, liver, spleen and gall bladder. The water (jal) tatva is associated with
blood, lymphatic system, glandular secretions and reproductive organs. The earth
(prithvi) tatva is located at the base of spine and is associated with the bones, skin, teeth,
prostate, bladder and spine. Any imbalance in these tatvas results in various diseases in
the body. Nature cure methods help in balancing and cleansing these tatvas. By making
use of the basic laws of naturopathy, elimination of diseases can be done very easily. In
this lesson you will learn about various methods of useing fire, jala and prithvi tatva in
healing.

OBJECTIVES
After reading this lesson, you will be able to:
z describe the various methods of using fire (agni) tatva for healing;
z explain the use of water (jala) tatva in treating diseases;
z discuss the methods of using earth (prithvi) tatva and its applications.

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Introduction to
Naturopathy 11.1 FIRE (AGNI) TATVA
Our body can utilize fire tatva by using the following methods:

11.1.1 Sun Bath

Exposing the body directly to sun rays is called sun bath. This is in fact a simple act of
Notes either sitting or lying in the sun as depicted in Fig. 11.1. Regular and measured sun bath
has tremendous health benefits.

Fig. 11.1: Sun bath

A. Time of sun bath

Even though the sun may be available throughout the day, it is generally advisable that
during winters, sunbath should be taken from sunrise till 1 - 2 pm during the day. While
in summers it can be taken till 9 -10 am. Each sitting can last from 15 minutes in the
beginning and can go upto one hour later or till the body starts perspiring. Care should be
taken depending on age, complexion, season, and time of the day. A general rule is that one
should feel comfortable; over exposure to sun may cause great harm.

B. Method of sun bath

Let us now discuss how to take sun bath. Before you start sun bath drink a little cold water.
Lie down on a mat or sheet spread on the ground. Cover your head with a towel wrung in
cold water and lie down comfortably on the mat. If the sun rays are strong, the face and
head can be kept in shade. You should wear minimum clothes while having a sun bath. You
can also cover yourself with banana leaves or wet cloth all over the upper body and dry
cloth below the knees. On completing the sun bath wipe the sweat off the body. One should
follow it with a trunk or spinal bath.

Brief and regular exposures are believed to be more effective and safe. One should always
select a quiet and peaceful place to avoid strong wind. Sitting behind glass window is also
not beneficial as it blocks the ultraviolet rays necessary for vitamin D production. Hence
remember to take direct and gentle sun rays on your body.

C. Benefits of sun bath

Sun bath has many advantages and the benefits are as listed below:

z Sun bath improves bone health and strengthens teeth.

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z Boosts immune system Naturopathy
z Disinfects and heals wounds
z Eliminates skin infections like eczema, lesions, psoriasis etc.
z Protects against breast, ovarian, colon cancer etc.
z Cleans up the blood vessels.
z Lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. Notes
z Protects against dementia and brain aging.
z Increases the oxygen supply to cells and tissues of the body.
z Protects against rickets.
z Builds up stamina and keeps us fit.

11.1.2 Healing Powers of Colours

Healing with colours is also called as ‘chromotherapy’ where chroma means colour. Each
colour has its own specific wave length and energy. Chromotherapy is a type of holistic
healing which makes use of the visible spectrum of light and influences physical as well
as mental health. Egyptians had specially built ‘solariums’ with coloured glasses to heal
many diseases.

Spectrum of white light has seven colours,i.e., violet, indigo, blue, green yellow, orange
and red (VIBGYOR). Here each colour is associated with light of a specific wave length
where red light has the longest wave length and violet light has the shortest wave
length.The region of infrared and ultraviolet rays lies beyond the visible spectrum.
Shatchakras are actually supposed to be the energy centres in our body. The seven colours
of the spectrum corresponding to each chakra help in balancing these energy centres. Out
of the seven colours the red, orange and yellow are warm colours and denote optimism and
energy. Similarly green, blue, indigo and violet are cool, calm and soothing colours. The
effects of these colours on our body are given in the table below:
Colour Chakra Location Effects

Red Muladhara Base of the spine It denotes warmth and energy. It removes
muscle fatigue, joint pains, skin diseases,
asthma and weakness. It increases
vitality, self confidence, appetite etc. It
is also good for the heart and improves
blood circulation.

Orange Swadhisthana Sacrum Orange is a warm and a cheerful colour.

It therefore enhances confidence,
happiness and reduces loneliness. It
stimulates lungs, helps in digestion and
eradicates thyroid related problems. It
is useful in muscular spasms and
stomach cramps. It eliminates depression
and pessimism of all kinds.

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Introduction to
Naturopathy Colour Chakra Location Effects

Yellow Manipura Solar plexus It improves memory and reduces

negative attitude. It acts on glands,
lymphatic as well as nervous system. It
is used for curing indigestion, liver and
kidney diseases.
Notes Green Anahata Heart It is the colour of nature and helps in
calming both body and mind. It cures
hormonal imbalances and stimulates
growth. It is good for curing ailments of
heart, blood pressure, allergies, skin and
eye disorders, claustrophobia,
indecisiveness, anxiety, stress etc. It
enhances love and compassion towards
others.

Blue Vishuddhi Throax It has a cooling effect. It reduces fever,

high blood pressure, anger, stress and
negativity. It helps in problems related
to communication,inability to express
etc. It increases patience and calmness.

Indigo Ajnya Third eye (on It is cool and has a purifying effect. It
forehead between increases stability and reduces
eyebrows) impulsiveness. It reduces swelling,
problems of eyes, ears, nose etc. It helps
in removing insomnia, over sensitivity
and other mental disorders. It enhances
intuitive power, and understanding.

Violet Sahastrara Crown of the head It increases spirituality. It boosts up our

lymphatic system and is useful in
migraine, headache and sleep disorders.

Charging with colours

One can make use of these colours by charging water, honey, oil or ghee etc. for our
benefit. For this take a clean glass bottle of desired colour or alternatively wrap
cellophane of that colour around the glass bottle. Then fill three quarters of the bottle with
water and close the mouth of the bottle with a cork. Then keep the bottle in sun light, on
a wooden surface from morning 10 am to 5 pm. Water takes about 6 to 8 hours to get
charged while honey takes around 15 days and oil or ghee around 40 days. These are then
taken as required or applied locally.

11.1.3 Steam Bath

A. Method of Steam Bath
Steam bath is used for rejuvenation and complete relaxation of the body. Take a shower
before a steam bath to remove dirt and oils on the skin. Drink a glass of water before the

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bath and wrap a towel wrung in cold water on the head (Fig. 11.2). You can take this bath Naturopathy
from 5-15 minutes. Immediately after taking steam bath, cold water bath is a must.

Notes

Fig. 11.2 : Steam bath

B. Benefits of Steam Bath

z It relieves stress, warms up and relaxes muscles.
z It opens the skin pores and deep cleanses the skin.
z It helps to eliminate the toxins.
z It gives a soothing effect on the body and mind.
z It soothes the nerve endings.
z It opens up airways, improves breathing and removes congestion from the respiratory
organs.
z It protects mucous membranes from excessive drying.
z It relieves discomforts of allergies.
z It helps in losing weight.
z It is beneficial in relieving the symptoms of liver disorders, stiff joints, asthma and
arthritis.

11.1.4 Hot Foot Bath

A. Method of hot foot bath

While taking hot foot bath two elements of nature i.e. fire and water are used. Legs are
immersed in a bucket full of hot water (Fig. 11.3). The temperature of the water may be
between 40-45 degrees centigrade. Head is covered with a towel wrung in cold water. A

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Naturopathy blanket is wrapped all over the body from shoulders down. A glass full of water is taken
before the bath. This bath opens all the pores of the skin and increases circulation thus
detoxifying the body. It can be taken for 15-20 minutes. A cold water bath should be taken
immediately after the hot foot bath.

Notes

Fig. 11.3: Hot foot bath

B. Benefits of hot foot bath

z Relieves pain in legs and relaxes them.
z Reduces swellings in feet.
z Flushes out toxins, reduces inflammations and increases circulation.
z Relaxes the muscles and reduces cramps.
z Relaxes the nerves and relieves joint pains.

11.1.5 Hot Fomentations

A. Method of hot fomentations

For this a hot water bag or a cotton cloth dipped in hot water can be used. First the area
of application should be covered with cold compress (Fig. 11.4). Hot fomentations can be
given for 5-10 minutes followed by a cold compress for 2 minutes. The area of application
can be then covered with a dry cloth for sometime. Hot fomentation should not be given
on heart and head region.

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Notes

Fig. 11.4: Hot fomentation

B. Benefits of hot fomentations

z Heat induces vasodilation therefore improves blood circulation.
z Relaxes muscles and reduces muscle spasms and cramps.
z Relieves stiffness and pain in lower back.
z Increases flexibility of soft tissues and allows stretching.

INTEXT QUESTIONS 11.1

1. During sun bath the head is exposed directly to the sun. True/False

2. Sun bath can be taken sitting next to a glass window. True/False

3. Colour therapy is also called .......................

4. In hot foot bath the body is

(a) left uncovered (b) covered with wet sheet
(c) covered with blanket (d) none of the above
5. Which colour has a beneficial effect on eyes
(a) Red (b) Blue
(c) Green (d) Yellow

11.2 WATER (JALA) TATVA

Our body can utilize jala tatva by using the following methods-

11.2.1 Effects of Hot and Cold Water on our Body

Use of cold water on the body improves blood circulation. When cold water is applied the
blood recedes from skin to internal organs. The arteries begin to pump blood more
efficiently. Hence the blocked arteries are cleared, there is improvement in heart functioning
leading to boosting up of the energy levels. Use of cold water seals and tightens the pores
of the skin thus making the skin more tight and prevents dirt from getting in. It has also

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Naturopathy proved to improve the immune system and enhance muscle recovery. Cold water eases
stress, relieves depression and is also known to reduce inflammation.

Hot water bath cleanses the body and kills the germs which one is exposed to throughout
the day. It also relieves fatigue and relaxes sore muscles. Hot water bath is believed to cure
sleep disorders and dilates the blood vessels. A hot bath can alleviate symptoms of anxiety
and stress. It opens up the pores in the skin and cleans it up of all the dirt and toxins. In
Notes naturopathy, the baths given can be cold, hot, neutral or alternate, hot and cold as
recommended. The effects of hot, cold and neutral baths on the body are given below:

Hot bath (40-45°C) Cold bath (10-18°C) Neutral bath (32-36°C)

Dilates and stimulates Constricts the blood Has soothing effect on blood
the blood vessels. vessels. vessels.

Blood flow is diverted Blood flow is diverted to Improves and equalizes

to extremities and skin’s the core of the body and circulation and reduces
surface. internal organs to keep anxiety.
them warm.

Opens skin pores, Closes skin pores and
activates sweat glands sweat glands. Provides
and relaxes muscles. relief in headaches,
varicose veins, stress
and sprains.
Has tranquilizing effect on the
entire nervous system. Provides
relief in anxiety, stress, insomnia.

11.2.2 Cooling Baths

A. Hip bath
It is one of the most useful forms of hydrotherapy which involves bath of hips and
abdominal region just below the navel (Fig. 11.5 (a and b)). For taking hip bath one should
sit in a specially designed tub which is filled with water such that it reaches upto the navel
region. Feet are kept on a wooden stool. During winters either socks should be worn or the
feet should be covered with a cloth. The abdomen is rubbed gently with a wet towel during
the bath in a clockwise direction. Hip bath can be taken for 5-15 minutes. It should be
followed by a shower. In case hot hip bath is taken remember to drink one glass of cold
water and cover the head with cold compress.

Fig. 11.5 (a) : Hip bath Fig. 11.5 (b): Hip bath tub

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Benefits of Hip bath Naturopathy
z It is highly beneficial in problems pertaining to intestines, stomach, lower
abdomen,liver, kidney etc.
z Relieves pain of sciatica and neuralgia.
z Relieves acute inflammatory conditions of the bladder and uterus.
Notes
B. Immersion bath
It is a full tub bath where the person is made to immerse his whole body except his head
in a specially designed bath tub fitted with hot and cold water connection. About a cup of
Epsom salt can be added to the water. If the person is taking hot immersion bath he should
drink a glass of cold water and cover his head with cold compress.

Benefits of immersion bath

z The bath is very useful in all kinds of muscular or neurological diseases including
paralysis.
z It soothes aches and pains.
z It calms the mind and brings peace to it.
z It improves the blood circulation and removes toxins from the body.

C. Spinal bath
This is another form of hydrotherapy. A specially designed tub with its back raised to
provide support to the head is used for the bath. The water level is maintained upto two
inches so that spine is immersed in water (Fig. 11.6 a & b). It can be administered for 5-
10 minutes.

Fig. 11.6 (a) : Spinal bath tub Fig. 11.6 (b): Spinal bath

Benefits of spinal bath

z It is very soothing for the spinal column and influences the central nervous system.
z It is excellent for treating insomnia.
z Relieves fatigue and irritability.
z It stimulates the nerves, relieves muscular backache and sciatic pain.

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Introduction to
Naturopathy D. Wet packs or bandages
Wet packs and bandages may be applied for rapid healing of different parts of our body.
These can be used as complete body pack or abdomen, chest, throat, kidney,leg, foot, hip
pack etc. (Fig.11.7). A few layers of wet linen should be wrapped around the desired part
and then covered with one or two layers of a dry woolen cloth. If inner congestion is to be
relieved then less wet linen and more dry wrappings can be done. Outer layer of the cloth
Notes used should be porous to allow toxins to escape. These packs or bandages aid in fast
healing of affected area.

Fig. 11.7: Wet packs or bandages

Benefits of wet packs and bandages

z If placed on the stomach it relieves gastric troubles and indigestion.
z It helps to bring down the body temperature in high fever.
z Wet pack if placed at the site of injury helps to relieve pain and stop bleeding.
z Soothes the nerves and helps in better nerve functioning.

E. Wet sheet wrap

In this type, the whole body is wrapped in a wet sheet. First a blanket is spread on the bed
with its edges hanging. Over this a wet bed sheet is spread. Now the person is made to lie
on it and both the wet sheet as well as the blanket is wrapped round his body (Fig. 11.8).
The feet are kept warm using hot water bottles. The bath can be taken for 30-60 minutes.

Fig. 11.8: Wet sheet wrap

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Benefits of wet sheet wrap Naturopathy
z It relieves chronic cold, asthma and fever.

z It improves skin ailments and gives relief in diseases like arthritis.

z It completely detoxifies the body and relaxes the muscles and nerves.

z It helps in losing weight. Notes

11.2.3 Enema
It is also called rectal irrigation. The person is made to lie down on his/her right extending
the right leg and folding the left one at right angle. The enema nozzle is smeared with an
oil and then inserted in the rectum and the water is allowed to enter. About 500 ml of water
is sufficient in most cases and should be administered slowly. Usually water is retained for
5-10 minutes and then expelled along with all the waste or morbid matter. The water used
for enema can be cold or lukewarm depending upon the requirement. Enema should
always be taken under proper guidance (Fig. 11.9).

Fig. 11.9: Enema

Benefits of Enema
z It helps to get rid of the excess waste matter stuck in the colon.
z It relieves constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.
z It is effective when used on the onset of cold or fever as it eliminates toxins , mucous
and excessive heat from the body.
z It soothes and hydrates the colon.

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INTEXT QUESTIONS 11.2

1. In full immersion bath only trunk is dipped in water. True/False
2. In hip bath feet are kept on the floor. True/False
3. Cold water .................. the pores of the skin.
Notes
4. Enema leads to dryness of intestines– True/False
5. Spinal bath is a form of-
(a) Hydrotherapy (b) Suntherapy
(c) Mudtherapy (d) None of the above

11.3 EARTH (PRITHVI) TATVA

11.3.1 Properties of Mud and its Healing Powers

Mud has many medicinal properties. It is rich in vitamins and minerals like selenium, zinc,
sulphur etc. and hence highly beneficial for skin diseases. It stimulates our sweat glands,
has cooling properties and therefore reduces burning. It triggers rapid elimination of toxic
or morbid matter from the body. Mud can also hold moisture for a long time and hence the
cooling and healing power is greater. It hydrates the skin and boosts our immunity.

11.3.2 Mud Bath

As the name implies, it is the application of wet mud over
the entire body. It is one of the best remedies used for
removing all kinds of pains and chronic ailments related
to internal diseases and wounds, boils, bruises etc. It is
excellent for eliminating diseases like diabetes, pneumonia,
asthma, kidney diseases as well as nervous disorders.
Apply wet mud all over the body and sit under gentle rays
of the sun for at least 30-60 minutes (Fig. 11.10). A clean
water bath or cold shower should be taken thereafter.

Benefits of Mud bath

z It completely detoxifies the body and removes almost
all kinds of impurities.
z It is excellent for removing constipation and headache.
z It lowers high blood pressure.
z It is good for the skin. Fig. 11.10: Mud bath

11.3.3 Mud Packs

This involves application of packs of wet mud on different parts of the body like head,
abdomen, eyes, joints etc (Fig. 11.11 (a and b)). The pack is prepared by spreading wet

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mud evenly on a cloth which is folded on all sides to make it into a pack (Fig. 11.11 (c)). Naturopathy
This is done to ensure, that the wet mud does not spill and can be placed and removed
easily. On the face the wet mud should be applied directly. The mud used can be cold or
warm as desired. The mud is washed off with cold water after 20-30 minutes.

Notes

Fig. 11.11(a): Wet mud packs Fig. 11.11(b): Wet mud packs
of the eyes of the knees

Fig. 11.11(c): Mud pack

Benefits of mud pack

z It helps in congestive headaches, indigestion, itching, allergies, boils.
z It is used to give relief in pains.
z It opens the skin pores facilitating elimination of toxins and hence improving the skin
texture.

INTEXT QUESTIONS 11.3

1. Mud bath means application of mud on body. True/False
2. Mud bath detoxifies the body. True/False
3. Mud pack can be used on eyes. True/false
4. Mud is rich in:
(a) medicinal properties (b) vitamins and minerals
(c) Both (a) and (b) (d) None of the above

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Introduction to
Naturopathy
WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNT
In this lesson you have learnt that

z Out of the five elements of nature ‘fire’ (agni) is main for body energy and affects
pancreas, stomach, liver, spleen and gall bladder. The water (jal) tatva is associated
Notes with blood, lymphatic system, glandular secretions and reproductive organs. The
earth (prithvi) tatva is located at the base of spine and is associated with the bones,
skin, teeth, prostate, bladder and spine.

z Our body can utilize fire tatva by using the methods of Sun bath, Chromotherapy,
Steam bath, Hot foot bath and Hot fomentations

z Our body can utilize jala tatva by using the methods of Cooling baths, Hip bath,
Immersion bath, Spinal bath, Wet packs or bandages, Wet sheet wrap and Enema

z Our body can utilize prithvi tatva by using the methods of Mud bath and Mud packs.

TERMINAL QUESTIONS

Answer the following questions in about 30 words

1. Mention the effect of indigo colour on the body.
2. Write the related chakra of red, orange and yellow colour.
3. Mention two benefits of spinal bath.
4. Write three benefits of enema.
5. Mention two benefits of mud bath.

Answer the following questions in about 150 words

1. Explain in detail the healing properties of mud.

2. What is steam bath? Write any four benefits of steam bath.

3. Mention the benefits of hot foot bath.

4. Explain the method of making mud pack and its benefits.

Answer the following questions in about 300 words

1. Write in detail the various methods of utility of fire tatva.

2. Write in detail the various methods of utility of jalatatva.

3. Describe in details the mud bath and mud pack.

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ANSWERS TO INTEXT QUESTIONS

11.1
1. False 2. False 3. Chromotherapy

4. (c) 5. (c) Notes

11.2
1. False 2. False 3. Tightens

4. False 5. (a)

11.3
1. True 2. True 3. True

4. (c)

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