Naturopathy
Naturopathy is the modern and more systematized form of ancient knowledge of healing through nature. The concept of Naturopathy was present in the ancient times in the school of Hippocrates treatment as ‘vis medicatrix nature’ (healing power of nature).
Naturopathy is a system of medicine aimed to diagnose and treat any human ailment, pain and injury through the use of natural elements, mainly 5 in number - space, air, fire, water and earth (Pancha mahabhuta). It seeks to promote health by using body’s life force and inner protecting mechanism. It emphasis on treatment of whole person rather than just treating the disease.
History
Primary figure - Hippocrates: His teachings emphasized on the healing power of nature. Earliest doctors worked on gentle treatments and promotion of body’s own healing powers. E.g. herbs, food, fasting etc.
Recent history - By the 20th century, in the US, Naturopathic schools, physicians, patients of naturopathy became plenty. Decline of Naturopathy was seen with the popularity of pharmaceutical treatments. Limitations of the conventional therapy led to the revival of Naturopathy and other Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies during 1970’s.
Basic principles of Naturopathy
Body heals itself
Main cause of disease is enervation
Deposit of metabolic end-product in the body is disease
Acute disease is a remedial process itself a cure
Food is a building material, does not increase the vitality
Fasting provides an opportunity to the body to heal itself
Germs do not cause the disease but are found in the diseased condition
Exercise or physical activity keep the balance between nutrition and drainage
External treatments whether Allopathic, Ayurvedic or Homoeopathic give only relief, do not cure
Patient’s own will to get well, determination and faith are necessary things for nature cure treatment
Principles of Naturopathic Medicine
The whole practice of Naturopathy is based on the following three principles :
Accumulation of morbid matter
Abnormal composition of blood and lymph
Lowered vitality
Treatments in Naturopathy
Hydrotherapy
Mud therapy
Fasting
Heliotherapy
Diet therapy
Magneto therapy
