Sources of Ancient Healing Thermalism

Caelius Aurelianus Chronicae passiones 3.6.89

Way of Transmission
Literature
Datation
5th century CE
Language
Latin
Literary Genre
Medicine
Canonical Reference
Cael. Aur. chron. 3.6.89

89utendum etiam locorum atque aeris mutatione, tum heliosin, quam nos corporis torrorem dicimus. ita dropacis adhibendus usus et pulueris nitri fricatio et sinapismus specialiter et usus aquarum naturalium uel natatio maritima. item harena litoraria ignita circumtecto corpore torrendi sunt aegrotantes, nunc inter paucos, nunc inter plurimos dies, ut uires permiserint. tum nauiculae exercitium atque peregrinatio, quemadmodum in praecedentibus ordinauimus.

89Also have the patient visit new places and change climate. And prescribe heliosis [‘sun-bathing’], which we may call in Latin corporis torror [‘baking of the body’], pitch plasters, rubbing with powdered nitrum, and especially mustard plaster. Also prescribe the use of natural springs and sea-bathing. Again, cover the pa­tient with beach sand heated by the sun, and have him bake his body. This baking may be repeated at intervals of few or many days, depending on his strength, Finally, let him enjoy the ex­ercise afforded by boating, and let him take a trip abroad, as we have recommended in previous chapters.

Commentary

Tratamientos para la cachexia, malestar y debilidad general del cuerpo. Recomienda, como en otras ocasiones, los baños de sol y de agua de mar, y el uso de aguas con propiedades naturales.

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