To avoid headache, avoid eyestrain

Eyestrain is a common cause of headache. In such cases, an eye specialist should be
consulted and proper treatment taken. Simple eye exercises such as moving the eyes up and
down and from side to side, palming, rotating the head, with neck outstretched, forward and
backwards three times, then three times clockwise and three times counter clockwise, can
relieve eyestrain.

A surprising way to relieve eyestrain is to give gentle massage to the neck. Bring the shoulders
together and release. Then take a few minutes to place a moist cool compress over the eyes to
give them rest and recuperation.

Avoid medications for sleeplessness.

Sleeping pills are no remedy for sleeplessness. They are habit forming and become less
effective when taken continuously. They lower the I.Q., dull the brain and can prove fatal if
taken
in excess or before or after alcohol. The side-effects of sleeping pills include indigestion, skin
rashes, lowered resistance to infection, circulatory and respiratory problems, poor appetite,
high
blood pressure, kidney and liver problems and mental confusion.

To overcome the problem, one should adhere to a regular sleeping schedule, going to bed at a
fixed time each night and getting up at a fixed time each morning. Early to bed and early to rise
is a good rule. Two hours of sleep before midnight are more beneficial than four after. It is
sheer
folly for students, at examination times, to keep awake until long after midnight, drinking one
cup of tea after another, as that is only apt to cause blackness and inability to concentrate in
the examination hall.

Remove morbid matter from the surface of the skin with the hot steam bath.

The steam bath is helpful in all forms of chronic toxaemias. It relieves rheumatism, gout, uric
acid problems, and obesity. It also relieves neuralgias, chronic nephritis, infections, tetanus
and migraine.

Steam bath is one of the most important time-tested water treatments which induces
perspiration
in a most natural way. The patient, clad in minimum loin cloth or underwear, is made to sit on a
stool inside a specially designed cabinet. Before entering the cabinet, the patient should drink
one or two glasses of cold water and protect the head with a cold towel. The duration of the
steam bath is generally 10 to 20 minutes or until perspiration takes place. A cold shower
should
be taken immediately after the bath.

Very weak patients, pregnant women, cardiac patients and those suffering from high blood
pressure should avoid this bath. If the patient feels giddy or uneasy during the steam bath, he
or
she should be immediately taken out and given a glass of cold water and the face washed with
cold water.

Control and channel sexual desire with the neutral hipbath.

The quenching of unrequited sexual desire is accomplished through the neutral hipbath.

The neutral hipbath helps to relieve all acute and sub-acute inflammatory conditions such as
acute catarrh of the bladder and urethra and sub-acute inflammations in the uterus, ovaries
and tubes. It also relieves neuralgia of the fallopian tubes or testicles, painful spasms of the
vagina and prorates of the anus and vulva. Besides, it is a sedative treatment for erotomania in
both sexes.

The temperature of the water should be 32º C to 36º C. Here too, friction to the abdomen
should
be avoided. This bath is generally taken for 20 minutes to an hour.

Enhance beauty with the mudpack.

The nature cure practitioners at present are making increasing use of mud packs of moistened
earth in the treatment of diseases. The use of mud packs has been found highly beneficial and
effective in the treatment of chronic inflammation caused by internal diseases, bruises, sprains,
boils and wounds. Mud packs have been found to be a valuable treatment of diseases relating
to general weakness or nervous disorders. It can also bring down fever and is beneficial in the
treatment of scarlet fever, measles and influenza. The mud pack is prescribed for swellings,
eye and ear troubles, gout, rheumatism, stomach troubles, kidney and liver malfunctions,
diphtheria, neuralgia, sexual disorders, headache, toothache and general aches and pains.
This mode of treatment is normally adopted in conjunction with a proper scheme of dietary and
other natural therapies.

The advantage of mud treatment is that it is able to retain moisture and coolness for longer
periods than cold water packs or compresses. The cold moisture in the mud packs relaxes the
pores of the skin, draws the blood into the surface, relieves inner congestion and pain,
promotes
heat radiation and elimination of morbid matter.

Use the mud bath to remove impurities.

The mud or clay bath is another mode of the nature cure. It is applied in the same way as mud
packs, but only on a larger scale on the entire body.

In this, mud or clay is first ground and sifted to remove all impurities, and then made into a
smooth paste mixed with hot water. The paste is then spread on a sheet that in turn is wrapped
round the body. One or two blankets are then wrapped over this, depending on the
temperature of the room and that of the pack. A mud bath is followed with a cleansing warm
water bath and a short cold shower.

The mud bath is found to tone up the skin by increasing the circulation and energising the skin
tissues. Frequent mud baths help to improve the complexion, clear spots and patches on the
skin following skin disorders or due to smallpox. It is very beneficial in the treatment of skin
diseases like psoriasis, leucoderma and every leprosy. This bath is also valuable in getting
relief from rheumatic pain or pain in the joints caused by injuries.

The duration of the bath should be from 30 minutes to one hour. Care should also be
taken to avoid the patient catching a chill during the bath. Mud applications also form a vital
part
of natural beauty treatment.

The hot immersion bath is a valuable treatment in chronic rheumatism and obesity.

It gives immediate relief when there is pain due to stones in the gall bladder and the kidneys.
This bath also relieves capillary bronchitis and bronchial pneumonia in children. It relieves
congestion of the lungs and activates the blood vessels of the skin muscles.

This bath can be taken from two to 15 minutes at a temperature from 36.6º C to 40º C.
Generally
this bath is started at 37ºC and the temperature is then gradually raised to the required level by
adding hot water.

Before entering the bath, the patient should drink cold water and also wet the head, neck and
shoulders with cold water. A cold compress should be applied throughout the treatment. This
bath can be advantageously employed in dropsy when there is excessive loss of tone of the
heart and blood. The bath should be terminated as soon as the skin becomes red.

In pneumonia and suppressed menstruation, the bath should be administered at 37.7º C to 40º
C for about 30 to 45 minutes. This bath should be given when the menstruation is due and may
be
repeated for two to three days in succession. In dysmenorrhoea, this bath should be given at
38º C to 44.4º C for 15 minutes.

In chronic bronchitis a very hot bath taken for 5 to 7 minutes should be accompanied with
rubbing and friction. This relieves congestion of the mucous membrane and provides
immediate
relief. After the bath, oil should be applied to the skin if necessary. The hot bath should not be
taken in cases of organic diseases of the brain or spinal cord, nor in cases of cardiac
weakness
or cardiac hypertrophy.

A simple nature cure is the hot footbath

In this method, the patient should keep his or her legs in a tub or bucket filled with hot water at
a
temperature of 40ºC to 45ºC. Before taking this bath, a glass of water should be taken and the
body should be covered with a blanket so that no heat or vapour escapes from the footbath.
The head should be protected with a cold compress. The duration of the bath is generally from
5
to 20 minutes. The patient should take a cold shower immediately after the bath.

The hot footbath stimulates the involuntary muscles of the uterus, intestines, bladder and other
pelvic and abdominal organs. It also relieves sprains and ankle joint pains, headaches caused
by cerebral congestion, and colds. In women, it helps restore menstruation, if suspended, by
increasing supply of blood especially to the uterus and ovaries.

The cold hipbath is a routine treatment in most diseases.

The water temperature should be 10ºC to 18ºC. The duration of the bath is usually 10 minutes,
but in specific conditions it may vary from one minute to 30 minutes. If the patient feels cold or
is
very weak, a hot foot immersion should be given with the cold hipbath.

The patient should rub the abdomen briskly from the navel downwards and across the body
with
a moderately coarse wet cloth. The legs, feet and upper part of the body should remain
completely dry during and after the bath. The patient should undertake moderate exercise like
yogasanas in a warm room, after the cold hipbath, to warm the body.

A cold hipbath is a versatile therapy. It relieves constipation, indigestion, and
Obesity, and helps the eliminative organs to function properly. It is also helpful in uterine
problems like irregular menstruation, chronic uterine infections, pelvic inflammation, piles,
hepatic congestion, chronic congestion of the prostate gland, seminal weakness, impotency,
sterility, uterine and ovarian displacements, dilation of the stomach and colon, diarrhoea,
dysentery, haemorrhage of the bladder and so on. The cold hipbath should not be employed in
acute inflammations of the pelvic and abdominal organs, ovaries and in painful contractions of
the bladder, rectum, or vagina.

A simple nature cure for inflammatory conditions is the cold footbath.

Three to four inches of cold water at a temperature of 7.2 ºC to 12.7º C should be placed in a
small tub or bucket. The feet should be completely immersed in the water for one to five
minutes. Friction should be continuously applied to the feet during the bath, either by an
attendant or by the patient by rubbing one foot against the other.

A cold footbath, taken for one or two minutes, relieves cerebral congestion and uterine
haemorrhage. It also helps in the treatment of sprains, strains and inflamed bunions when
taken
for longer periods. It should not be taken in cases of inflammatory conditions of the
genitourinary organs, liver and kidneys.

Hydrotherapy, the treatment of disease with the bath, is one of the most useful nature cures.

The hipbath is one of the most useful forms of hydrotherapy. As the name suggests, this mode
of treatment involves only the hips and the abdominal region below the navel. A special type of
tub is used for the purpose. The tub is filled with water in such a way that it covers the hips and
reaches up to the navel when the patient sits in it. Generally, four to six gallons of water are
required. If the special tub is not available, a common tub may be used. A support may be
placed under one edge to elevate it by two or three inches. Hipbath is given in cold, hot, neutral
or alternate temperatures.

IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS:

Certain precautions are necessary while taking these therapeutic baths. Full baths should be
avoided within three hours after a meal and one hour before it. Local baths like the hipbath and
footbath may, however, be taken two hours after a meal. Clean and pure water must be used
for baths and water once used should not be used again. While taking baths, temperature and
duration should be strictly observed to obtain the desired effects. A thermometer should always
be used to measure the temperature of the body. Women should not take any of the bathsduring menstruation. They can take only hipbaths during pregnancy till the completion of the
third month.

Fasting Is a Time of Rest

A lot of energy is spent during the fast in the process of eliminating accumulated poisons and
toxic waste materials. It is, therefore, of utmost importance that the patients gets as much
physical rest and mental relaxation as possible during the fast.

In cases of fasts in which fruit juices are taken, especially when fresh grapes, oranges or
grapefruit are used exclusively, the toxic wastes enter the blood -stream rapidly, resulting in an
overload of toxic matter, which affects normal bodily functions. This often results in dizzy
spells, followed by diarrhoea and vomiting. If this physical reaction persists, it is advisable to
discontinue the fast and take cooked vegetables containing adequate roughage such as
spinach and beets until the body functioning returns to normal.

The overweight person finds it much easier to go without food. Loss of weight causes no fear
and the patient's attitude makes fasting almost a pleasure. The first day's hunger pangs are
perhaps the most difficult to bear.

The craving for food will, however, gradually decrease as the fast progresses. Seriously sick
persons have no desire for food and fasting comes naturally to them. The simplest rule is to
stop eating until the appetite returns or until one feels completely well.

Get to Know Healthy Kitchen Practices

Example: Foods That Require Careful Cooking

Certain foods, especially if they are not properly cooked, cause indigestion. Some people react
unfavourable to certain foods like beans, cabbage, onions, cucumber, radishes and seafood.
Fried foods as well as rich and spicy foods often cause abdominal discomfort and gas, and
aggravate the existing condition.

What are some other important considerations?

" Excessive smoking and intake of alcohol can also cause stomach upsets.

" Constipation may interfere with the normal flow of ingested matter through the gastro-
intestinal tract, resulting in gas and abdominal pain.

" Drinking too much water with meals, insomnia, emotions such as jealousy, fear and
anger and lack of exercise are among the other causes of indigestion.

Get to Know Vegetarian Principles

Vegetables like cucumber, carrot, tomatoes, onion, radish, cabbage and spinach are
best taken in their raw form. They may be cut into small pieces and sprinkled with a little salt
and the juice of a lemon added to them so as to make them more palatable.

Get to Know Basic Diet Concepts: The Example of How Fibre in the Diet Lowers Cholesterol in the Blood

The amount of fibre in the diet also influences the cholesterol levels and LDL cholesterol can
be
lowered by taking diets rich in fibres. The most significant sources of dietary fibre are
unprocessed wheat bran, whole cereals such as wheat, rice, barley, rye; legumes such as
potato, carrot, beet and turnips; fruits like mango and guava and green vegetables such as
cabbage, lady's finger, lettuce and celery.

Oat bran is especially beneficial in lowering LDL cholesterol. Expect effects of 8 to 15 mg/dl
after consuming 30 g of oat bran each day for 30 days.

Getting to Know the Basic Concepts of Human Nutrition: The Example of Potassium

Potassium deficiencies are associated with breathlessness, fatigue, insomnia and low blood
sugar. Potassium is essential for healthy heart muscles. Nuts and unrefined grains are good
sources of potassium. Calcium is a natural sedative. Deficiencies can cause fatigue,
nervousness and tension. Dairy products, eggs, almonds, and soyabeans are rich sources of
calcium. Magnesium is known as nature's tranquilliser and is associated with the prevention of
heart attack. Deficiencies may lead to excitability, irritability, apprehension and emotional
disorders. Magnesium is also necessary for absorption of calcium and potassium and is found
in
many fruits, vegetables, seeds, dates and prunes.

Anti-Aging Cures: The Example of Lecithin

To stay young, take lecithin.

Besides reducing the cholesterol level in the blood, there is mounting scientific evidence to
suggest several other benefits from lecithin. It has been suggested that its intake in sufficient
amounts can help rebuild those cells and organs which need it. Lecithin helps to maintain their
health once they are repaired. It may mean that a deficiency of lecithin in the diet may be one
of
the causes of ageing and that its use may be beneficial in retarding the ageing process.

Edward R. Hewith in his book, The Years Between 75 and 90 says," with older people the fats
remain high in the blood for from five to seven hours and in some cases as long as 20 hours,
thus giving the fats more time to become located in the tissues. If lecithin is given to older
people
before a fatty meal, it has been found that the fats in the blood return to normal in a short time,
in
the same way they do in younger people."

Use the Recovery Diet: The Example of the Recovery Diet for Tonsillitis

After the acute symptoms of tonsillitis are over, the patient should adopt an all-fruit diet for
further three or four days. In this regimen, three meals of fresh, juicy fruits such as apples,
grapes, grapefruit, oranges, pears, pineapple, peaches and melon may be taken. The juice of
fresh pineapple is most valuable in all throat afflictions of this kind. After the all-fruit diet the
patient may gradually embark upon a well-balanced diet on the following lines:

" Breakfast: Fresh fruits, or grated raw carrot or any other raw salad, and milk. Prunes or
other dried fruits may be added, if desired.
" Lunch: Steamed vegetables, as obtainable, and whole wheat chapattis. Vegetables
likes bitter gourd and fenugreek are especially beneficial.
" Dinner: A good-sized raw salad of vegetables as obtainable, sprouts seeds as mung
beans and alfalfa seeds, whole meal bread and butter or cottage cheese.

Raw vegetable juices are also valuable in the treatment of tonsillitis. Juice of carrot, beet and
cucumber taken individually or in combination are especially beneficial. Remember to use
three parts carrot juice to one part beet and one part cucumber.

Recognize the Problem with Conventional Treatments, The Example of Tonsillitis

The treatment of the tonsillitis on the lines of modern medical system by means of painting and
spraying is both harmful and suppressive. It does not help to rid the system of the toxins, which
are the root of the trouble. In fact it forces these toxins back into the system, which may cause
more serious trouble later on. The correct way to treat the disease is to cleanse the system of
toxic waste through proper dietary and other natural methods.

To begin with, the patient should fast for three to five days by which time serious symptoms
would subside. Nothing but water and orange juice should be taken during this time. The
bowels
should be cleansed daily with a warm water enema during the period of fasting. A cold pack
should be applied to the throat at two-hourly interval during the day. The procedure is to wring
out some linen material in cold water, wrap it two or three times around the throat and cover it
with some flannelling.

The throat may be gargled several times daily with neat lemon juice. Gargle made from the
fenugreek seeds is very effective in severe cases. To make such a gargle, two tablespoonful of
fenugreek seeds should be allowed to simmer for half an hour in a litre of water and then set
aside to cool. The entire quantity should be used as a soothing gargle in a day with beneficial
results.

Colour Therapy: A Basic Guide to Putting Colour in Your Health

Are you suffering nervous tension, ulcers, sexual disorders, hay fever, colds, or even cancer?
Consider colour therapy. This evening is an ideal time to begin putting your tensions away by
enhancing your environment with the colour green. Green gently relieves tension and mildly
sedates the body. It strengthens eyesight. Being highly medicinal and depressive, green is of
great help in the treatment of inflammatory conditions. How can be sure to get benefits of
green. One method of colour therapy is simple: Just be sure to eat green foods. Eat any of the
green vegetables and fruits such as gourds, spinach, plantain, lettuce, pea, green mango,
gooseberry, pears, and beans.