A Treatise on the All-Healing Qualities of Earth Bathing (1790)
16 days ago
- #18th century
- #historical medicine
- #alternative therapies
- James Graham promoted 'Earth-Bathing' or 'animal purification' as a health practice in the 18th century, involving burying oneself in earth or sand for hours to cure various ailments.
- Graham viewed the Earth as a living system, believing that reconnecting with it could recalibrate the human body's natural balance.
- He provided personal testimonials of his extensive earth-bathing experiences, claiming rejuvenation and invigoration.
- Graham recommended specific types of earth (brown or reddish, light, sandy) and advised against others (blue, black, yellow, white).
- He suggested singing or speaking aloud during the practice to enhance health benefits.
- Before earth-bathing, Graham gained fame for his medical innovations, including electrotherapy at The Temple of Health in London.
- He also created the Celestial Bed, an electrically and magnetically enhanced bed designed to improve sexual pleasure and fertility, available only to married couples.
- Graham died in 1794 while experimenting with fasting as a health remedy and was buried in Edinburgh.