Mud Therapy
There are very few pleasures in life that trump over the pleasure we experienced as children. One such experience that takes me back to my childhood is that of playing in the mud. Making mud forts, or little pots and pans of clay felt like an achievement. Back then, there was nothing more precious than getting down and dirty!
Playing with mud equals to grins, giggles, and happiness. Even the scientist today are vouching for the therapeutic properties of mud play.
Research suggests that mud has bacteria called ‘Mycobacterium Vaccae’, which helps to calm you, relaxes your mind, and makes you happy.
It has been proven that this bacteria helps to reduce anxiety and depression- not just in children, but also in adults.
M.vaccae bacterium helps to release serotonin, the ‘happy hormone’, which is necessary to regulate your mood.
Have you ever hiked in the woods, climbed up a mountain, or been in a nature park all day long? How did it feel? You feel rejuvenated, don’t you? That is exactly what I am trying to sell here.
Playing in mud connects you to nature. Mud therapy gives a sense of peace and contentment.
You would probably make a counter-argument: What about other germs and harmful organisms, or contaminated water used to water the soil?
Yes, these are all big concerns.
But the benefits of playing in mud are far superior to fret over the negatives.
In fact, you need a tad exposure to the bad stuff to build immunity. Too much cleanliness is actually doing you more damage. This is because your body is not equipped with the soldiers required to fight an infection when it enters your system. Only when your body is infected by some harmful bacteria, can it produce antibodies to fight against the invasion.
Studies suggest that playing with mud may help kids to prevent them from asthma and allergies.
Some studies suggest that contact with M.vaccae from soil helps to fight cancer symptoms and improves the patients’ emotional health. However, more research is in the process.
Apart from doing the good deed that the bacterium does, we must not forget the power of making your childhood memorable by creating memories.
It is sad to see kids and adults alike becoming a slave to their phones and iPads. You won’t cherish watching that video before anyone else when you become older. But, you would always remember the time you spent with your friends or family creating something. These moments stay with you for a lifetime!
And yes, finally, playing with mud awakens the artist in you. It makes you creative. It gets your mind working on what you can make and work on strategies to help you create it!
Oh! the sweet joy of showing off your own creation!
This also helps to release dopamine, another ‘happy hormone’ that uplifts you.
I guess these benefits are a handful to make you go outdoor and start playing with the mud. In an urban city, you can always have a little kitchen garden or keep a few plant pots by your windowsill.
It is time to dig into that soil and get a little dirt on your hands with some mud therapy!