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Emperor Napoleon Bonapart was an aggressive overachiever
with an active imagination. He experienced radical mood changes,
flipping between outbursts of temper and withdrawn depression.
He probably had undiagnosed bipolar (manic depression) disorder.
Hot-tubs were his method of coping and would have rated number
one on his list of life's necessities.
Napoleon had an obsession for soaking in hot water, 6 to
12 hours at a time. He dictated dispatches, read newspapers and
received dignitaries while splashing about. On war campaigns across
Europe, the enormous royal tub was always available the moment
he stepped from his carriage. Water was heated over a large fire
and carried to the tub hidden behind trees and bushes. He soaked
and observed as the battle raged around him.
Heat and water are powerful therapy for anxiety, muscle
aches, cancer and other systemic disease. Although we don't have
the luxury of individual 41.8C water-circulating blankets used
in cancer therapy, we have hot-tubs and saunas.
Native Americans use heat and water in ceremonial prayer-sweats.
Large rocks, heated in a blazing fire until glowing, are placed
in a shallow, circular pit and participants sit close to the edge.
Fiery rocks are added throughout the ceremony until maybe 70 glow
in the pit. The number of rocks is determined by the purpose of
the sweat.
A circular hood made of red willow branches and covered
with layers of blankets is placed over the ceremonial area. Participants
enter through a small flap opening. The lodge must be pitch-black,
no light is allowed. Water is poured over the rocks and fiery
steam fills the area. The heat and water focus and intensify prayer
energy and magnify healing from within.
Tiny infants and elders participate in sweats. And it's mighty
hot in there. The first one I attended was overwhelming. I thought
my clothes were going to catch on fire. When water is poured on
the rocks, one is breathing fire. I know many who claim Native
American sweat-lodge ceremonies healed life-threatening illness.
Exercise:
Light a candle and turn off the lights. Sit in a tub as
water runs in and slowly turn up the heat. Lie back so the water
level is several inches above the neck. Sink totally into the
experience.
After approximately five minutes, focus on breathing. Don't
allow the shoulders and chest to rise toward the neck during inhalation.
Think of breathing through the rectum; this image helps to initiate
diaphragmatic breathing.
Release several long sighs and breath slowly. Rest your
hands at the waist and direct the breath to expand the area under
the hands. Think of becoming one with the breath until the entire
body is expanding.
The aim is overcoming contraction. Regular hot tubs lessen
the grip of tension before it takes control. Water neutralizes
bad vibes and has a strong healing influence. Heat releases toxins,
increases blood flow and unlocks gripped muscles. Hot water treatments
are currently used by western medicine for the treatment of a
wide range of disease.
Caution: If you have high blood pressure or a heart condition
don't use extremely hot water. Take a warm tub in a comfortable
room. With experience you can determine length of time and degree
of heat for the greatest relaxation. It's all right to feel a
little light-headed. Splash cold water on your face from time
to time or place a cool cloth on your forehead.
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