A Guide to Health

As the familiar saying goes, 'Prevention is better than cure.' It is far easier and safer to prevent illness by the observance of the laws of health than to set about curing the illness which has been brought on by our own ignorance and carelessness. Hence it is the duty of all thoughtful men to understand aright the laws of health, and the object of this book is to give an account of these laws. The best methods of cure for some of the most common diseases are also mentioned.The author Mahatma Gandhi assures the readers that there is absolutely no necessity for them to seek the aid of doctors. To those, however, who may not be willing to boycott doctors and medicines altogether, he directs, “As possible, possess your souls in patience, and do not trouble the doctors. In case you are forced at length to call in the aid of a doctor, be sure to get a good man; then, follow his directions strictly, and do not call in another doctor, unless by his own advice. But remember, above all, that the curing of your disease does not rest ultimately in the hands of any doctor.”Mahatma Gandhi led a disciplined life and in this book he has discussed in detail the meaning of health, how to live a healthy life and has also suggested some simple treatments for common ailments.A practical guide to health for all.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ContentsTranslator's Note—5Introduction—7Part I: GENERAL1. The Meaning of Health—172. The Human Body—193. Air—224. Water—315. Food—356. How Much and How Many Times Should We Eat?—567. Exercise—608. Dress—659. Sexual Relations—70PART II: SOME SIMPLE TREATMENTS1. Air-Treatment—832. Water-Cure—863. The Use of Earth—944. Fever and Its Cure—975. Constipation, Dysentery, Gripes and Piles—1006. Contagious Diseases: Small-pox—1037. Other Contagious Diseases—1108. Maternity and Child-birth—1149. Care of the Child—11810. Accident Drowning—12311. Accident—Burns and Scalds—12612. Accident—Snake-Bite—12813. Accident—Scorpion-Sting—13614. Conclusion—138