Clay Compresses - Sodium Bentonite & IlliteUsing and Preparing Clay Compresses
Large Bentonite Clay Compress - Always fashion compresses to the exact needed size
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Healing Clay CompressesA clay compress is quite different from a clay poultice. There are many reasons one may elect to use clay compresses over clay poultices/packs:
As an example, if the entire back/spine requires treatment, the body may not be able to tolerate sustained use of clay poultices. Furthermore, such a treatment would require that the back be immobilized during treatment, which is often impractical, if not impossible. A clay compresses ( or multiple compresses ) may be prepared, placed on the body, secured, and the individual can continue with normal daily affairs. Due to the fact that clay compresses are not usually as insulating as clay packs, the body may experience coldness when large compresses are used on the torso. This needs to be monitored carefully, with common sense guiding how long treatments should be continued. Clay compresses may also result in pain masking, rather than true pain relief, in situations with severe chronic pain. Individuals should be careful not to over-tax any injured area while using clay compresses. Preparing a Clay Compress
There are two methods generally used in the preperation of clay compresses: The first method is easier to prepare, but may not be as "strong" as with the second method. A clean, white cotton cloth or dressing is completely soaked in the clay; the dressing is thus completely saturated. The compress is then placed on the treatment location. These types of clay compresses should be changed after twenty minutes. The second method requires a bit more work. A clean, white, cotton dressing is placed on a table, and the clay is applied to only one side of the dressing. Enough clay should be used so that one cannot see the dressing through the clay. Too much clay added will cause clay to leak from the sides once the compress is placed on the body. Depending on the density of the clay used, these types of clay compresses can be left on the body for between twenty minutes and 3.5 hours. Leaving a clay compress on the body to the point that it dries can cause some difficulties with the skin, with prolonged use. Every situation is unique, and one must use good judgment when deciding how long each compress can remain on the body. Generally speaking, the higher the swelling potential of a clay, the longer a compress can be left on the body before necessitating a change. When preparing a clay compress, always fashion the compress to the exact needed size; one can even cut the dressing to comfortably mold and fit precisely on the desired treatment location.
When Should a Clay Pack be Used Instead?There are many cases where a poultice should be used in place of a compress, if possible:
In such situations, compresses can still be used, but preferrably after a clay poultice. Discuss this Topic: External Use of Clay Forum |
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First, one pre-prepares clay for use. The author prefers
a super-hydrated clay, where the clay is completely hydrated to the
point that no further water may be added without causing a seperation
of the clay magma.
This is great in describing a compress, but I am confused and I cannot find any info anywhere on the most rudimentary how to's of making a clay pack or poultice and how to keep them moist... do you add water? do you change the entire thing? Please help or post on your website for myself and others, I would be inspired to buy product if I felt confident enough that I knew what I was doing...