Tip 13. 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.

Tip 12. 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 baths
during menstruation. They can take only hipbaths during pregnancy till the completion of the
third month.

Tip 11. (Basic Healing Principles) Fasting Is a Time of Rest

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.

Tip 10 (Basic Healing Principles) Control Pain with Heat

For relieving pain, use the hot compress.
This is a cold compress covered in such a manner as to bring warmth. A heating compress consists of three or four folds of linen cloth wrung out in cold water which is then covered completely with dry flannel or blanket to prevent the circulation of air and help accumulation of body heat.

The hot compress sometimes applied for several hours. The duration of the application is determined by the extent and location of the surface involved, the nature and thickness of the coverings and the water temperature. After removing the compress, the area should be rubbed
with a wet cloth and then dried with a towel.

A heating compress can be applied to the throat, chest, abdomen, and joints. A throat compress relieves sore throat, hoarseness, tonsillitis, pharyngitis and laryngitis. An abdominal compress helps those suffering from gastritis, hyperacidity, indigestion, jaundice, constipation, diarrhoea, dysentery and other ailments relating to the abdominal organs. The chest compress also known as chest pack, relieves colds, bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, fever, cough and so on, while the joints compress is helpful for inflamed joints, rheumatism, rheumatic fever and sprains.

Tip 9. (Basic Healing Principles) Control Inflammation with Cold

For controlling inflammation, use the cold compress.

This is a local application using a cloth that has been wrung out in cold water. The cloth should be folded into a broad strip and dipped in cold water or ice water. The compress is generally applied to the head, neck, chest, abdomen and back.

The cold compress is an effective means of controlling inflammatory conditions of the liver, spleen, stomach, kidneys, intestines, lungs, brain, pelvic organs and so on. It is also advantageous in cases of fever and heart disease. The cold compress soothes irritations of the dermis and inflammations of external portions of the eye. When the eyeball is affected, the cold compress should follow a short fomentation.

Tip 8. 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.

Tip 7. Get to Know Vegetarian Principles

To Lower Blood Pressure, Be Faithfully Vegetarian
Vegetables are also good for the patient of hypertension. They should preferably be taken raw. If they are cooked, it should be ensured that their natural juices are not burnt in the process of cooking.
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.