Sambodhi 1998 Vol 21

Author(s): J B Shah, N M Kansara
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 58

Vol. XXI, 1997
WATER TREATMENT IN....
disappeared"? It is well-known that, water has power of removing the ill-effects of the evil beings since they are killers or Rākşasas (evil-beings) 8. Hence, it is used sometimes for the sake of curing diseases which are believed to be caused by the evil beings. When someone is possessed by an evil being (piśāca), the medicine man or priest makes him sip water and sprinkles him with water while reciting one of the cātana hymns (AV. 1.7, V.29.1 and Kau.Su. 25. 34)
3.0. The modern Water Cure in Naturopathy: Naturopathy is a science dealing with treatment without drugs. It is based on the natural forces that work within and outside the body. So, the natural agencies like water, air, heat, light and food etc. are essential for curing diseases. These factors have natural powers for curing various diseases and hence are called natural remedies. For our present purpose, we are dealing with water only and see how it helps curing diseases.
3.1. Water cure plays a vital role in Naturopathy. Water is life and used from the very beginning of civilisation. "Records from the third century B. C. coming to us from Hippocrates, the father of healing from Galen, Askepliades and many others remind us that cold water and baths of all kinds were instrumental in curing diseases from time immemorial".” There are various attempts made by different physicians in the middle ages to prove the curative utility of water. Some of them are - Aetius, Paulus, Aegineta and Paracelsus. And, afterwards, we get much more materials and findings regarding water treatment. In 1673, Nicola Lonzani, a physician from Nepal published a learned treatise on the use of water in health. In England, about the beginning of 18th century, Sir John Floyer and Dr. Baynard made large use of water. They wrote a book named 'The History of Cold Bathing Both Ancient and Modern'. In 1738, Dr. J. S. Hahn and Silesia published a book named as 'The Healing Virtues of Cold Water Inwardly and Outwardly Applied, as Proved by Experience. Dr. William Wright, an Army Surgeon published his experience regarding the medicinal qualities of water for curing diseases in the London Medical Journal in September 1777. He was an Army Surgeon and was attached to a vessel, transporting soldiers to India and Africa. While sailing - because of poor hygine and over-crowding condition of the vessel the soldiers were suffering from high fever. He successfully fought the disease by the help of water only.
Vincent Priessnitz of Graefenburg in Austria proved that water has the power to