Naturopathy is a system of healing science stimulating the body’s inherent power to regain health with the help of five elements of nature- Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Ether.
Naturopathy is a call to “Return to Nature” and resort to simple way of living in harmony with the self, society and environment.
- The term Naturopathy originates from the Greek root for suffering (“pathos”) and the Latin root for birth (“natura”) and suggests “natural healing.”
- The first advocate of naturopathic medicine is said to be Hippocrates, however, the modern form of naturopathy is traced to 18th and 19th-century “natural healing” systems.
- These include “nature cures”, which were the use of light, food, air, water and herbs (developed in Austria), and hydrotherapy (popular in Germany), which was the use of water to treat illness.
Western history
- The term naturopathy was coined in 1895 by John Scheel and was propagated and popularized in the western world by Dr. Benedict Lust.
- Benedict Lust, whom naturopaths consider to be the “Father of Naturopathy.”
- Naturopathy as a discipline began in 19th century Europe Known simply as “the nature cure“
- The modern method of nature cure originated mostly in Germany.
Indian history
- In ancient time the disease has been understood as if “devil has enter the human body,” and for the treatment they used to perform rituals, prayers and confession.
- The practice of Nature cure in some or the other way is not new to the Indians.
- During Vedic period there is clear concept about medicinal value of water, earth etc.
- In Rigveda fasting was considered as supreme medicine to eliminate accumulated toxins in different systems of human body.
- In Rigveda they have mentioned about priest doctors.
- The Manu Smriti has prescribed rules and regulations about the personal hygiene.
- The Bhagavat Gita detailly elucidated the three varieties of food and its effect on human body and mind.
- Not surprisingly, some other practices have drawn its origin from the practice prevalent in Nature like birds, animals etc. We often come across the practice of diseased animals where they rest to fast and vomit out the unwanted material in the body. The animals and birds take Sun bath in plenty, they get themselves into water for quite some time, they cool the body by digging the earth and getting in touch with mud.
- The revival of Nature Cure started in India by translation of Louis Kuhne’s book “New Science of Healing”.
- Shri D. Venkat Chelapati Sharma translated the book in Telugu language in about 1894.
- Shri Shroti Kishan Swaroop of Bijnor translated this book into Hindi and Urdu languages in 1904. This gave a wide propagation to this system.
- This has been instrument in giving chance to India to rediscover its own rich heritage in the field which had forgotten.
- Due to Gandhiji’s interest in nature cure, this has now spread to every where
- Nature Cure is a way of life of which we find a number of references in the Vedas and other ancients texts. The morbid matter theory, concept of vital force and other concepts upon which Nature Cure is based are already available in old texts which indicates that these methods were widely practised in ancient India
Naturopathic Principles
- There were no formal codification until the year 1986
- Later on, American Association of Naturopathic Physician (AANP) formed a committee (Pamela Snider, Jared Zeff and others)
- Over a span of 3 years they reviewed historic data and documents.
- The committee also Interviewed over 1000 peoples
WNF- WHITE PAPER
- In 1989, definition of Naturopathic medicine and the description of 6 basic principles was formally codified and accepted by 2 North American Natural Naturopathic associations-
- American association of Naturopathic physician (AANP)
- Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND)
Based on 2014/2015 global naturopathic workforce survey, these principles appear to have international recognition and acceptance.
Foundation Basis of Naturopathic Profession
- The foundational basis of the Naturopathic profession includes two philosophies, seven principles and key theories.
- Naturopathic philosophies: The philosophies of “vitalism” and “holism” are core to Naturopathic practice globally.
Naturopathic principles
- There is global consensus on the Naturopathic principles within the profession. Slight variations were identified as relating to jurisdictional restrictions, more so than philosophical differences. The guiding principles of naturopathic practice includes:
➢ The Healing Power of Nature (vis medicatrix naturae)
➢ Treat the Whole Person (tolle totum)
➢ Treat the Cause (tolle causam)
➢ First, Do No Harm (primum non nocere)
➢ Naturopathic Doctor as Teacher (docere)
➢ Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
➢ Wellness
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