Principles of Naturopathy

Naturopathy is a natural approach to health and healing that recognizes the integrity of the whole person. Naturopathic Medicine represents the “vitalistic” tradition of medicine. That is, it treats disease through the stimulation, promotion, and support of the body’s inherent healing capacity. These treatments are chosen to work with the patient’s vital force, respecting the natural healing processes of nature.

The practice of Naturopathic Medicine includes six underlying principles of healing. These are based on the observation of health and disease. This observation process involves the use of modern scientific methodologies and language. The following principles make Naturopathic Medicine different from all other medical approaches:

First do no harm: Primum Non Nocere

Illness is a purposeful process of the organism. The process of healing includes the generation of symptoms which are, in fact, an expression of the life force attempting to heal itself. Therapeutic actions should be complementary to and synergistic with this healing process. The physician’s actions can support or antagonize the actions of the vis mediatrix naturae – the healing power of Nature. Therefore, methods designed to suppress symptoms without removing the underlying causes are considered harmful and to be avoided or minimized.

The healing power of nature: Vis Mediatrix Naturae

The body has an inherent ability to establish, maintain, and restore health. The healing process is ordered and intelligent; nature heals through the response of the life force. The physician’s role is to facilitate this process, to identify and remove obstacles to health and recovery, and to establish or restore a healthy internal and external environment.

Identify and treat the cause: Tolle Causam

Illness does not occur without cause. Underlying causes of disease must be discovered and removed or treated before a person can recover completely from illness. Symptoms express the body’s attempt to heal, but are not the cause of disease. Symptoms, therefore, should not be suppressed by treatment. Causes may occur on many levels including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. The physician must evaluate fundamental underlying causes on all levels, directing treatment at root causes rather than at symptomatic expression.

Heal the whole person: Tolle Totum

Health and disease are conditions of the whole organism, a whole involving the complex interaction of many factors. The naturopathic physician must treat the whole person by taking these factors into account. The harmonious functioning of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects are essential to recovery from and prevention of disease. This requires a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment.

The physician as teacher: Docere

A cooperative doctor-patient relationship has inherent therapeutic value. The physician’s major role is to educate and encourage the patient to take responsibility for their own health. The physician is a catalyst for healthful change, empowering and motivating the patient to assume responsibility. It is the patient, not the doctor, who ultimately creates/accomplishes healing. Teaching with hope, knowledge, and understanding, the physician acts to enable patients to heal.

Prevention is the best cure: praevenire

The ultimate goal of any health care system should be prevention of disease. This is accomplished through education and promotion of life-habits that create good health. The physician learns to assess risk factors and to sharpen their deductive reasoning, and understand the patient’s circumstances. Appropriate interventions are then sought to avoid further harm or risk to the patient. Building health works better and more surely than fighting disease.

The Key-points of Naturopathic Philosophy are as under:

All diseases, their cause and treatment are one. Except for traumatic and environmental conditions, the cause of all diseases is one i.e. accumulation of morbid matter in the body and their elimination from the body is treatment.

The primary cause of disease is not bacteria or virus. Bacteria and virus enter and survive in the body only after the accumulation of morbid matter when a favorable atmosphere for their growth is established in body. Hence, the basic cause is morbid matter, not the bacteria. They are the secondary causes.

Acute diseases are self-healing effort of the body. Hence, they are our friends, not the enemy. Chronic diseases are outcome of wrong treatment and suppression of the acute diseases.

Nature is the greatest healer. Body has a capacity to prevent itself from disease and regain health if unhealthy.

In Naturopathy, patient is treated and not the disease.

Patients suffering from chronic ailments are also treated successfully in comparatively less time by Naturopathy.

After emerging, suppressed diseases can be cured by Naturopathy.

Naturopathy treats all the aspects like physical, mental, social and spiritual at the same time.

Naturopathy treats body as a whole instead of giving treatment to each organ separately.

Naturopathy does not use medicine. According to Naturopathy, “Food is Medicine”.

According to Gandhiji “Rama Nama is the best Natural Treatment”, means doing prayer according to one’s spiritual faith is an important part of treatment.

The Naturopathy and yoga system of treatment the nature cure system aims at the readjustment or human system from abnormal to normal condition and function and adopt method of cure which are in conformity with the constructive principal of nature each method such method eliminate toxic matter and poisons from the system without any way injuring the vital organs of the body.

Naturopathy is the system of medicine that relies upon the use of only natural substance for the treatment of the diseases rather than drugs herbs food grown without artificial fertilizer & prepared without use of preservative or coloring material pure water. Sunlight & fresh air all employed in an effort to rid the body of unnatural substance which are said to be at the root a most.

Naturopathy has many advantage compared to the other system of treatment nature healing force make steady progress towards recovery is all diseases if the patients acts according to natural system of treatment lead to a much more speedily recovery of health & cure the disease thoroughly and effectually so that the blood and Humours are cleared of all morbid matter and also it short as is clear from the nature of treatment which endeavors to purity the blood so as to prevent the localization of the any type bacilli, parasite, Fungi etc.

Yoga & Naturopathy is based on various drugless treatments like Acupuncture, acupressure, Yoga and meditation, fasting therapy, Diet and nutrition, mud therapy, hydrotherapy, chairopractice and Osteopathy, Manipulation therapy, exercise and electrotherapy, reflexology, counselling and lots more.

A course in Naturopathy opens a wide range of opportunities for the students wherein they can get employment opportunities in government agencies such as the Ministry of Ayush, the Ministry of Health, Research Councils including the Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN), National Institute of ...

Yes, Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences (BNYS) students can use a stethoscope. The person who has a BNYS degree can practice medicine as a GP also in India and abroad.

Naturopathy Courses deal with the use of natural remedies to help the body heal itself. It involves cleansing and repairing the body without the use of allopathic medicine. It also includes the study of naturally obtained medicines to fight diseases and to help align the body's healing power with the system.

Treatment in Naturopathy is based on the concept of Panchamahabhutas - Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether which form the basic constituents of the body. These elements are used to revitalize and rejuvenate the body and strengthen the immune system against disease-causing agents in and around us

Naturopathic medicine is a system of healing that focuses on supporting and stimulating the body's ability to heal itself. Naturopathic medicine takes a holistic approach, which means that it focuses on the whole person rather than on a person's illness.

BNYS Full form in Medical is Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences. Students get the chance to become BNYS Doctor after completing this course. BNYS doctors cannot perform surgery but they can treat any kind of patient using their own methods

Naturopathy uses one's own natural healing abilities to restore the body to a natural state of balance by treating the actual cause of the disease, as opposed to the symptoms

What is nature and scope of Yoga?

Yoga is more than just the practice of asana (physical postures). Yoga is a system of practice dealing with physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being, which has evolved over thousands of years. Yoga encompasses a direct experience with the entirety of body and mind.

What is Naturopathy ?

Naturopathy is a holistic approach to health care based on a belief in the healing power of nature. Naturopaths work closely with you to improve your health by making lifestyle such as improving your diet and reducing stress. They also employ alternative therapies, including herbal remedies and hands–on techniques such as massage to stimulate your body’s ability to heal itself.

Is Naturopathy evidence based medicine?

There are countless studies that demonstrate the efficacy of natural therapies. The Journal of Naturopathic Medicine, Alternative Medicine Review, and the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition are some of the many journals devoted to reporting scientific studies done on natural therapies, herbal medicines and vitamin, mineral therapy. All told, over 40 scientific journals worldwide are devoted to reporting current research in clinical nutrition. Moreover, the Textbook of Natural Medicine cites over 5000 references from the conventional biomedical literature that support naturopathic theory and practice. Bastyr University, an accredited naturopathic medical school, is a leading research center for natural medicine in America. In India, Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN), New Delhi and National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN) are two autonomous government agencies primarily working for research and development.

What does treatment involve?

During your first visit, a naturopath will spend an hour or two interviewing about your diet, sleep patterns, and emotional state, as well as the symptoms of any health problems you may be having. He or she may use the same diagnostic tools as conventional physicians, including x–rays and blood and urine tests when appropriate. Some naturopaths may also prescribe drugs and perform minor surgery, but they primarily rely on “Natural means” to treat illness. Typically, they’ll suggest you to take certain herbs, vitamins, or other supplements to address a nutritional imbalance. Or they may ask you to fast or to remove certain food groups from your diet to determine if food allergies are causing your symptoms. Finally, they may recommend stress reduction techniques like biofeedback, meditation, massage or a set of natural treatments.

How is Naturopathic Medicine different from conventional medicine ?

The main difference is in philosophical approach. Doctors of Naturopathic Medicine help people by restoring overall health rather than suppressing a few key symptoms. Naturopaths are more concerned with finding the underlying cause of a condition and applying treatments that work in alliance with the natural healing mechanism of the body rather than against it. Naturopathic treatments result less frequently in adverse side effects, or in chronic conditions that arise when the cause of a disease is left untreated. Naturopath takes more time with a patient and takes a more comprehensive approach to help the individual.

What can Naturopathic Medicine do for you ?

Naturopathic medicine treats all forms of health concerns – from pediatric to geriatric, from acute to chronic illness and from the physical to the psychological. Naturopathic medicine is beneficial for the following types of patients:

Patients that are looking for disease prevention and health promotion strategies.
Patients that have a range of symptoms that they have been unable to address on their own or with the help of other medical professionals.
Patients that have been diagnosed with an illness, often serious or chronic and are looking for alternative treatments. Naturopathic medicine is very effective for improving quality of life for those with serious and life threatening illnesses.
Patients that are looking to combine conventional and naturopathic treatments with the aim of minimizing side effects of drugs, surgery or conventional treatments.

Do Naturopathy treatments have any side effects ?

Normally Naturopathy treatments do not have any side effects. But sometimes, certain treatments taken without consulting a qualified doctor might cause some discomfort. However, Naturopathy treatments normally have many side benefits. While taking treatment for a particular medical condition, one realizes benefits in other conditions as well because Naturopathy treats whole body and mind.

Enjoying the sun

Naturopathic Practice Principles of Yoga Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Naturopathy and Yoga?

Naturopathy and Yoga is one of the five traditional systems of Indian Medicine (AYUSH), the others are Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. Naturopathy is a drugless system of medicine that believes in the remarkable recuperative power of the human body to heal by itself. Thus the therapies in Naturopathy aids and accelerates the healing process, without any side effects. Yoga, yet another traditional, ancient scientific system practiced globally for both physical as well as spiritual benefits. Both these system blends well in healing a person at both body and mind levels.

2. What are the treatments of Naturopathy and Yoga?

This system is based on the principle of the five great elements. Hence the treatments are also based on the concept of air, water, fire, earth and ether. Thus it includes nutrition & diet therapy, hydrotherapy, mud therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, physiotherapy, yoga therapy, chromo & magneto therapy, herbs etc.

3. What are the diseases mainly treated through Naturopathy and Yoga?

Both these systems are holistic and considers the human body as one entity. So the treatment is not based on the symptoms but on the root cause of the disease. Allergic diseases, High/low blood pressure, Diabetes, Heart disease, Spondylosis, Disc Prolapse, Migraine, Asthma, Skin disease, Arthritis, Obesity, Digestive disorders, Insomnia, Epilepsy, Paralysis, Hypo/hyperthyroidism, PCOS, Auto immune diseases, Kidney stones, Menstrual disorders etc.

4. Are there any side effects in undergoing Naturopathy and Yoga treatments?

Side effects are always an offshoot from something that is not natural. Naturopathy is a system that doesn’t allow anything foreign into the body, at the same time tries to eliminate whatever was foreign that has accumulated in our system. So there are no side effects. But, there are conditions where certain treatments of naturopathy and yoga that cannot be done for certain ailments. Hence, medical supervision by qualified doctors is a mandatory for undergoing treatments.

5. Should we stop the allopathic medication before coming to your hospital?

No. Based on the detailed case history and examination, the treatment protocol will be advised by the doctor. Observing the improvement in the condition the consulting doctor would taper the dosage of medicines.

6. What kind of patients seek Naturopathy and Yoga treatments?

In general, patients who have already tried Allopathy, Ayurveda and Homeopathy especially for Non Communicable Diseases (NCD’s), and people who know the system and try utilising it for the prevention of diseases seek these treatments and they do get the desired benefits.

7. What is the minimum duration of stay at your hospital?

The period of stay ranges from 7 to 21 days depending on the disease you are suffering from, but in general to get a desirable benefit a stay for minimum 10 days is sufficient.

8. What are the basic requirements to be brought in hand while coming there?

If planning for a stay, then bring all your medical reports and medications. Bring loose fitting clothes for treatments, extra towels/inner wears, soaps and shampoos of your choice,attire for doing yoga (preferably track suit/churidhar, salwar kameez). And the most important advice is to not bring any snacks and eatables. Smoking and alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited.

9. Any short term rejuvenation/ stress management package available?

Yes, weekend rejuvenation/ stress management is available which includes a life style consultation, massage, steam bath, yoga, health talk, lip smacking naturopathy lunch, health shop and herbal garden visit. Check in at 7.00 am and stay with us till 2.00 pm to rejuvenate and revitalize.

YOGA & NATUROPATHY

Naturopathy believes in the inherent healing power of nature and uses non-invasive methods of intervention to create a suitable environment to facilitate the healing of the body by itself.

Naturopathy is not just a system of medicine but a way of life based mainly on the ancient practice of the application of the simple laws of nature. It is call to “RETURN TO NATURE” and to resort to simple way of living in harmony with the self, society and environment. Naturopathy provides not only a simple practical approach to the management of disease, but a firm theoretical basis which is applicable to all the holistic medical uses.

“Yoga is not an ancient myth buried in oblivion. It is the most valuable inheritance of the present. It is the essential need of today and the culture of tomorrow.”

Yoga is the science of right living and, as such, is intended to be incorporated in daily life. It works on all aspects of the person: the physical, vital, mental, emotional, psychic and spiritual.

The word yoga means ‘unity’ or ‘oneness’ and is derived from the Sanskrit word Yuj which means to ‘to join’. The unity or joining is described in spiritual terms as the union of the individual consciousness with the universal consciousness. On a more practical level, yoga is a means of balancing and harmonizing the body, mind and emotions. Thus it is done through the practice of asanas, pranayamas, mudras, bandha, shatkarma and meditation, and must be achieved before union can take place with higher reality.

The science of yoga begins to work on the outermost aspect of the personality, the physical body, which for most people is a practical and familiar starting point. When imbalance is experienced at this level, the organs, muscles and nerves no longer function in harmony, rather they act in opposition to each other. For instance, the endocrine system might become irregular and the efficiency of the nervous system decrease to such an extent that a disease will manifest. Yoga aims at bringing the different bodily functions into perfect coordination so that they work for the good of the whole body.

From the physical body, yoga moves on to the mental and emotional levels. Many people suffer from phobias and neuroses as a result of the stresses and interactions of everyday living. Yoga cannot provide a cure for life but it does present a proven method for coping with it.

Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh explained yoga as an “integration and harmony between thought, word and deed, or integration between head, heart and hand”. Through the practices of yoga, awareness develops of the interrelation between the emotional, mental and physical levels, and how a disturbance in any one of these affects the others. Gradually, this awareness leads to an understanding of the more subtle areas of existence.

There are many branches of yoga: raja, hatha, jnana, karma,bhakti, mantra, kundalini and etc. each individual needs to find those yoga most suited to his/her particular personality and need. In the last half of this century, hatha yoga has become the most well known and wisely practiced of the systems. However, the concept of what constitutes yoga is broadening as more people take it up and this knowledge is spreading.

Yoga and Naturopathy is based on various drugless treatments like Acupuncture, acupressure, Yoga and meditation, fasting therapy, Diet and nutrition, mud therapy, hydrotherapy, chairopractice and Osteopathy, Manipulation therapy, exercise and electrotherapy, reflexology, counseling and lots more.

ACUPUNCTURE:
Acupuncture is an ancient system of healing developed over the thousands of years as part of the traditional medicine of China, Japan and other eastern countries. The practice of practice of acupuncture is based on the discovery that the stimulation of specific areas on the skin affects the functioning of certain organs of the body. It has evolved into system of medicine that restores and maintains health by the insertion of fine needles in to acupuncture points just beneath the body’s surface. These points are in specific locations and lie on channels of energy. It helps to reduce the inflammation, pain. It increases immunity and resistance of the body. Acupuncture on certain points tranquility and sedation. It also brings homeostasis.

ACUPRESSURE:
Acupressure is one of the ancient and simplest oriental therapies. It produces healing effects on the internal organs of the body through well defined points on the body surface. By applying pressure on these selected points, relation organs can be influenced for getting rid of their ailment.

DIET AND FASTING THERAPY:
Fasting is the single greatest natural healing therapy. It is nature’s ancient, Universal “remedy” for many problems. Juice fasting is commonly used as mild as effective cleansing plan. Fresh juices are easily assimilated and require minimum digestion while they supply many nutrients and stimulate our body to clear its wastes. Juice fasting is also safer then water fasting because it supports the body nutritionally while cleansing and probably even produces a better detoxification and quicker recovery. The energy normally utilized for the digestion of the food during fasting is used for elimination of toxins.

According to the American Cancer Society, “Scientific evidence does not support claims that Naturopathy can cure CANCER and many untreatable diseases through Diet, Nutrition and Fasting.

YOGA, PRANAYAMS & MEDITATION:
Yoga is an ancient art of loving has now been developed s a separate medical science. Maharshi Patanjali propounded it in a systemic form: which consists of eight components namely retrains, observance of austerity, physical postures, breathing exercises, retraining of sense organs, contemplation, pranayamas, meditation and Samadhi. These steps in the practices of yoga have potential in improvement of social behavior, improvement of physical health, improvement of better circulation of oxygenated blood in bloody, retraining the sense organs and thereby the mind and in inducing tranquility and serenity in the mind. The practice of yoga prevents psychosomatic disorders\disease and improves individual’s resistance and ability to endure stressful situations. It improves the intelligence and memory and develops an integrated psychosomatic personality. Meditation can stabilize emotional change and prevent abnormal functions of vital organs of the body and control the autonomics nervous system.

MUD THERAPY:
Mud is one of five element of nature having immense impact on the body in health as well as in sickness. It can be employed conveniently as therapeutic agent. Color of the mud absorbs all the colors of the sun and conveys them to the body. The mud retains the moisture and gives cooling effect to the body. It is employed in the treatment of various diseases of Gastro- Intestinal tract and skin diseases.

MANIPULATIVE THERAPY:
(Massage, Reflexology, Chairopractice, Osteopathy)
Manipulation therapy provides reliefs to people of all the ages from infants to seniors from all walks of life the weekend or competitive athletes to the home gardener or overstressed, overworked executive. Manipulative therapy addresses a variety of health conditions, the most prevalent being stress related tension. Manipulative therapy has been proven beneficial in treating cancer-related fatigue, sleep disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, low back pain, immunity suppression, spinal cord injury, autism, post operative surgery. Age related disorders, infertility, eating disorders, smoking, cessation, and depression.

Hydrotherapy:
Hydrotherapy is a system where water is used at different temperature and forms on the human body for treatment and cure of various diseases and to maintain health.

Through different modes of application of water like baths, douches, irrigations-enema, compresses, fomentations, packs etc. Hydrotherapy is capable of healing most of the acute and chronic diseases.

Applications and diseases which are amenable through naturopathy

Based on the research studies, the following diseases have been found to be amenable through nature cure treatment:

Asthma (allergic & bronchial)
Anaemia
Cervical spondylosis
Allergic skin diseases
Constipation
Eczema
Flatulence
Gout
Hypertension
Hyperacidity
Leucorrhea
Obesity
Psoriasis
Psycho-somatic disorders
Rheumatoid arthritis
Anxiety
Neurosis
Colitis
Diabetes mellitus
Facial paralysis
Gastritis
Hemiplegia
Hypotension
Osteoarthritis
Pectic ulcer
Sciatica

Yoga is the science of right living and, as such, is intended to be incorporated in daily life. It works on all aspects of the person: the physical, vital, mental, emotional, psychological and spiritual.

Naturopathy is not just a system of medicine but a way of life based mainly on the ancient practice of the application of the simple laws of nature. It is call to “RETURN TO NATURE” and to resort to simple way of living in harmony with the self, society and environment. Naturopathy provides not only a simple practical approach to the management of disease, but a firm theoretical basis which is applicable to all the holistic medical uses.

Acupuncture:
Acupuncture is an ancient system of healing developed over the thousands of years as part of the traditional medicine of China, Japan and other eastern countries. The practice of practice of acupuncture is based on the discovery that the stimulation of specific areas on the skin affects the functioning of certain organs of the body. It has evolved into system of medicine that restores and maintains health by the insertion of fine needles in to acupuncture points just beneath the body’s surface. These points are in specific locations and lie on channels of energy. It helps to reduce the inflammation, pain. It increases immunity and resistance of the body. Acupuncture on certain points tranquillity and sedation. It also brings homeostasis.

Acupressure:
Acupressure is one of the ancient and simplest oriental therapies. It produces healing effects on the internal organs of the body through well defined points on the body surface. By applying pressure on these selected points, relation organs can be influenced for getting rid of their ailment.

Diet And Fasting Therapy:
Fasting is the single greatest natural healing therapy. It is nature’s ancient, Universal “remedy” for many problems. Juice fasting is commonly used as mild as effective cleansing plan. Fresh juices are easily assimilated and require minimum digestion while they supply many nutrients and stimulate our body to clear its wastes. Juice fasting is also safer then water fasting because it supports the body nutritionally while cleansing and probably even produces a better detoxification and quicker recovery. The energy normally utilized for the digestion of the food during fasting is used for elimination of toxins.

According to the American Cancer Society, “Scientific evidence does not support claims that Naturopathy can cure CANCER and many untreatable diseases through Diet, Nutrition and Fasting.

Yoga, Pranayams & Meditation:
Yoga is an ancient art of loving has now been developed s a separate medical science. Maharishi Patanjali propounded it in a systemic form: which consists of eight components namely retrains, observance of austerity, physical postures, breathing exercises, retraining of sense organs, contemplation, pranayamas, meditation and Samadhi. These steps in the practices of yoga have potential in improvement of social behaviour, improvement of physical health, improvement of better circulation of oxygenated blood in bloody, retraining the sense organs and thereby the mind and in inducing tranquillity and serenity in the mind. The practice of yoga prevents psychosomatic disorders\disease and improves individual’s resistance and ability to endure stressful situations. It improves the intelligence and memory and develops an integrated psychosomatic personality. Meditation can stabilize emotional change and prevent abnormal functions of vital organs of the body and control the autonomics nervous system.

Mud Therapy:
Mud is one of five element of nature having immense impact on the body in health as well as in sickness. It can be employed conveniently as therapeutic agent. Colour of the mud absorbs all the colours of the sun and conveys them to the body. The mud retains the moisture and gives cooling effect to the body. It is employed in the treatment of various diseases of Gastro- Intestinal tract and skin diseases.

Manipulative Therapy: (Massage, Reflexology, Chairopractice, Osteopathy)
Manipulation therapy provides reliefs to people of all the ages from infants to seniors from all walks of life the weekend or competitive athletes to the home gardener or overstressed, overworked executive. Manipulative therapy addresses a variety of health conditions, the most prevalent being stress related tension. Manipulative therapy has been proven beneficial in treating cancer-related fatigue, sleep disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, low back pain, immunity suppression, spinal cord injury, autism, post operative surgery. Age related disorders, infertility, eating disorders, smoking, cessation, and depression.

Hydrotherapy:
Hydrotherapy is a system where water is used at different temperature and forms on the human body for treatment and cure of various diseases and to maintain health.

Through different modes of application of water like baths, douches, irrigations-enema, compresses, fomentations, packs etc. Hydrotherapy is capable of healing most of the acute and chronic diseases.

Applications and Diseases which are amenable through Naturopathy:
Based on the research studies, the following diseases have been found to be amenable through nature cure treatment:

Asthma (allergic & bronchial), Anaemia , Cervical spondylosis, Allergic skin diseases, Constipation, Eczema, Flatulence, Gout, Hypertension, Hyperacidity, Leucorrhoea, Obesity, Psoriasis, Psycho-somatic disorders, Rheumatoid arthritis, Anxiety, Neurosis, Colitis, Diabetes mellitus, Facial paralysis, Gastritis, Hemiplegia, Hypotension, Osteoarthritis, Peptic ulcer, Sciatica.

Nature-cure to Naturopathy : History

DR. SARANG PATIL Naturopathy

Naturopathy is a distinct system of primary healthcare – an art, discipline, science, philosophy and practice of diagnosing, treating and preventing disease. It is a system of medicine, which seeks to facilitate and promote the body’s inherent self-healing mechanisms. The procedure of naturopathy range over a wide spectrum of modalities, which are always nontoxic and non-suppressive, and are always based on nutrition – dietetics, structural readjustments, physical therapies and psychological counseling. Naturopathy or healing power of Nature (Vis Medicatrics Nature) underpins almost all the therapeutic techniques of holistic alternative medicine. Naturopathy emphasizes upon the treatment of the whole person rather than just treating the disease. Although Naturopathy is a relatively recent ward its approach and principles represents the essence of a broad holistic attitude to health and disease.

Western History

Naturopathy as a discipline began in 19th century Europe. Known simply as “the nature cure”, it spread to the United States and acquired its present name around the turn of the century. Here it may also be mentioned that Modern Nature Cure movement was started Germany and other western countries with Water Cure (Hydrotherapy). Water Cure was synonymous with Nature Cure in those early days. The credit of making Water cure World famous goes to Vincent Priessnitz (1799-1851) who was a farmer. Later on others also made their contribution in this work. The name of Louis Kuhne needs special mention, who propounded the principle of Unity of Disease and treatment and provided a theoretical base to this treatment method. The book “New Science of Healing” written by him has been translated in numerous languages of the world.

Naturopathic medicine grew out of alternative healing systems of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, but traces its philosophical roots to the vitalistic school of medicine of Ancient Greece (circa 400 BC). Over the centuries, the two competing philosophies of medicine, vitalistic (now called natural medicine) and mechanistic (now called allopathic or conventional medicine), have alternately diverged and converged, influencing and shaping one another.

Dr. Benedict Lust was the founder of naturopathy and the man who sustained and popularized it. Lust had been exposed to a wide range of practitioners and practices of natural healing arts. He was a student of Father Kneipp, a great practitioner of hydrotherapy (water therapy). Lust brought Kneipp’s hydrotherapy with him to America from Germany in 1892. In 1902, he founded the American School of Naturopathy. The years from 1900 to 1917 were formative ones for naturopathic medicine in America as the various forms of natural medicines were combined into one eclectic system. Here the American dietetic, hygienic, physical culture, hydrotherapy, spinal manipulation, mental and emotion healing, botanical / herbal medicine, and homeopathic systems of natural healing were all merged into naturopathy.

From 1918 to 1937, great interest and support for naturopathic medicine emerged from the public. In the early 1920s naturopathic movement reached its peak in terms of public awareness and interest. Conventions nationwide were well attended by professionals, the public, and even several members of Congress. And many states enacted naturopathic licensure laws. The naturopathic journals of the 1920s and 1930s provide much valuable insight into the prevention of disease and the promotion of health. Much of the dietary advice focused on correcting poor eating habits, including the lack of fiber in the diet and an over reliance upon red meat as a protein source. Ironically, in the 1990s, the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute confirmed the early assertions of naturopathic physicians that such dietary habits could lead to degenerative diseases, and only now are advocating for the very same dietary principles that naturopaths always advocated.

Nature cure movement was started in Germany & other western countries with “Water cure” (Hydrotherapy). Water cure was synonymous with Nature Cure in those early days. The credit of making Water Cure world famous goes to Vincent Priessnitz (1799-1851) who was a farmer. Dr. Henry Lindlahr and others go to the extent of crediting him as “Father of Naturopathy”. The word “Naturopathy” was coined by Dr. Scheel in the year 1895 and was propagated and popularized in the western world by Dr. Benedict Lust. A number of Doctors of modern medicine and others became Nature Cure enthusiasts and gradually added a number of modalities within the fold of Naturopathy and scientifically developed them.

Name of the Naturopath	Contribution
Dr. Floyer	Interested in curative power of water
Dr. James Currie	In 1717 wrote a book on treatment by water
Dr. Vincent Preissnitz	Father of modern Naturopathy
Fr. Sebastian Kneipp	Written a book – My water cure
Arnold Rickli	Advocated Sun and Air treatments
Louis Kuhne	Written two books – The new science of healing and The science of facial expression
Adolf Just	Written a book – Return to Nature; used mud for treatment
Henry Lindlahr	Written two books – Iri-diagnosis and The philosophy and practice of nature cure
Benedict Lust	Established a college and school of Naturopathy in New York.
Dr. Andrew Still	Father of Osteopathy
Dr. Daniel D. Palmer	Founder of Chiropractics
Dr. Herry Benjamin	Written two books – Everybody’s guide to Nature cure and Better sight without glasses
Bernard Macfedden	Father of Physical culture; written books on fasting for health
Prof. Arnold Ehret	Rational Fasting
J. H. Kellog	The New dietetics and Home handbook of Hygiene and medicine
J. H. Tildon	Inspired health and Food
Herbert M. Shelton	Written 5 books on science of nature cure

Indian History

The practice of Nature cure in some or the other way is not new to the Indians. Many of the practices are part and parcel of Indian life style and become an inseparable entity of Indian tradition and culture. Few practices have gradually evolved into full fledged therapies and have gained a status in the field of health care.

During Vedic period there is clear concept about medicinal value of water, earth etc. Among different rivers Ganga’s water was considered as instrumental one in curing Heart disease and Arthritis. In Rigveda fasting was considered as supreme medicine to eliminate accumulated toxins in different systems of human body. The Manu Smriti has prescribed rules and regulations about the personal hygiene. The Bhaghavat Gita elucidated the three varieties of food and its effect on human body and mind. Rajgir – a religious pilgrim place in Bihar state became famous due to hot springs which are capable to cure arthritis and asthma. When this hot spring was investigated scientifically it was found that the hot spring water contains sulfur ions. Other than these natural cold and hot springs artificially hot and cold bathrooms were created in Royal palaces like Red Fort, Delhi, Old Bhopal Fort, Madhya Pradesh etc.

Athapasnana is relevant protective, excellent way to taking sun-bath in which body is covered by Banana Leaves during sun bathing. Friction is an important movement in massage is done normally during taking bath. Bhugarbha chikitsa was practiced since ancient times along with sea-bathing, river bathing and pond bathing. Head and arm massage was practiced publicly at different public places, which is known as champissage.

Irrespective of the religions, faith, the Indian tradition has many things to contribute to the health of a person indirectly. Either it may be a fasting, visiting holy place, taking dip in Ganges or Sea on holy occasions, ushapana (drinking water in the early morning), achamana (drinking water while doing Japa) etc. etc. These practices though not practiced as a treatment modality, are having great therapeutic values with firm scientific background.

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.

Gandhiji was influenced by the book “Return of Nature” written by Adolf Just and became a firm believer of Naturopathy. Gandhiji included Naturopathy in his constructive programmes. He not only wrote several articles in favor of Naturopathy in his News paper “Harijan” but also did its several experiments too on himself, on his family members and on the members of his Ashram. He also wrote books on naturopathy like ‘Nature Cure’, ‘Key to Health’, ‘Rama Nama’, ‘Diet and Diet reforms’ etc. It may be noted here that Gandhiji used to stay at the “Nature Cure Clinic” of Dr. Dinshaw Mehta in Pune during 1934 to 1944. In his memory the Government of India established “National Institute of Naturopathy” in 1986 at that place – Bapu Bhawan, Tadiwala Road, Pune which is rendering multifaceted unique services. He established a Naturopathy hospital at Uruli kanchan, near Pune which is still functioning.

Due to influence of Gandhiji several national leaders joined this minority health movement. The names of Ex-Prime Minister Shri Morarji Desai, Ex-Governor of Gujarat Shri Shri Mannarayanji, Ex-President Shri V.V. Giri, Acharya Vinobha Bhave and Shri Balkova Bhave need special mention in this regard.

In India Nature-Cure movement started mainly in the States of Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bengal, Maharashtra and Gujarat etc. The Naturopaths who did foundation work in revival of Naturopathy in different States are Dr. Mahavir Prasad Poddar, Dr. Vegi Raju Krishnam Raju, Dr. Janaki Sharan Varma, Dr. Khushi Ram Dilkash, Dr. S.J. Singh, Dr. Hiralal, Dr. Vittal Das Modi, Dr. Kulranjan Mukherjee, Dr. Sukhram Das, Dr. J. M. Jussawala, Dr. M.M. Bhamgara, Dr. B. Venkat Rao, Dr. B. Vijay Laxmi, Dr. Shashi Patil, Dr. Jayanarayan Jayaswalla, Dr. Ganga Prasad Goud “Nahar”. Shri Dharam Chanda Saravagi and Acharya K. Laxman Sharma etc.

Nature-cure to Naturopathy : History

DR. SARANG PATIL Naturopathy

Western History

Name of the Naturopath

Contribution

Dr. Floyer

Interested in curative power of water

Dr. James Currie

In 1717 wrote a book on treatment by water

Dr. Vincent Preissnitz

Father of modern Naturopathy

Fr. Sebastian Kneipp

Written a book – My water cure

Arnold Rickli

Advocated Sun and Air treatments

Louis Kuhne

Written two books – The new science of healing and The science of facial expression

Adolf Just

Written a book – Return to Nature; used mud for treatment

Henry Lindlahr

Written two books – Iri-diagnosis and The philosophy and practice of nature cure

Benedict Lust

Established a college and school of Naturopathy in New York.

Dr. Andrew Still

Father of Osteopathy

Dr. Daniel D. Palmer

Founder of Chiropractics

Dr. Herry Benjamin

Written two books – Everybody’s guide to Nature cure and Better sight without glasses

Bernard Macfedden

Father of Physical culture; written books on fasting for health

Prof. Arnold Ehret

Rational Fasting

J. H. Kellog

The New dietetics and Home handbook of Hygiene and medicine

J. H. Tildon

Inspired health and Food

Herbert M. Shelton

Written 5 books on science of nature cure

Indian History

A Naturopathy Teaching Hospital shall have the following infrastructure and facilities

i) Administrative area

The Administrative area should contain all necessary facilities for Reception, reservation and admission.

ii) Treatment section

There shall be separate treatment sections for men and women.

iii) The treatment modalities required are given below:

Hydrotherapy

• 2 sections (Male and Female separately) to be available.

• Hip bath 4 nos., Plain Spinal Bath 2 nos. and Spinal Spray 2 nos. o Immersion bath tubs 3 nos.

• Contrast arm and foot bath 2 nos. and Plain arm and foot bath 1

• Compress and Local packs in one unit with 2 treatment couches.

• Common bathrooms 2 nos.

• Jet bath unit 1 no. in one hali with Circular jet bath as well as Douche unit 2 nos.

*. Underwater massage - 2 nos.

• Steam individual caoin 1 no. with common bathrooms 2 nos.

• Enema room with treatment area having 1 enema couch with

• sufficient privacy and 1 wash basin and 3 Indian toilets and 1 western closet

• Mud therapy unit consisting of 1 mud storage tank, 1 mud curing tank, racks to store packs and trays and working slab to prepare mud packs.

«• Local steam and Facial packs with 3 treatment couches

Department of Manipulative therapy

• Therapeutic Oil massage unit with 4 treatment rooms.

• Vibromassage unit with 2 treatment rooms with suitable sized couches.

Department of Acupressure and Acupuncture

• There should be 3 treatment couches with suitable electrical points for giving acupressure and acupuncture treatments.

Special treatment areas

• Sauna cabin-5 seater with 2 attached bathrooms,

• Steam Room-5 seater with 2 attached bathrooms,

• Jacuzzi -single seater - 2 nos. with 1 attached bathroom.

• One exclusive unit for Colon Hydrotherapy

no.

Physiotherapy

• Separate cabins for electrotherapy units of dimensions 10 x 5 ft [ultrasound, IFT, Shortwave Diathermy, Moist Heat, Paraffin Wax Bath, Traction unit, Ultraviolet and Infrared Radiations, Muscle Stimulator, Electromagnetic Bed, Electromagnet Therapy unit].

Exercise therapy

• Unit should have a large hall with low lying broad cots 3 nos. with provision for partitions

Fitness Centre

• Devices like multi stations, exercise benches, and exercise balls should be available.

Inpatient Department

• Minimum Bed Strength should be 100 beds.

Wards -

Emergency Management Unit -

• Nebulizer, Essential medicines, Examination couch, Adjustable cot, Oxygen Cylinder.

Diet Centre -

• Kitchen - Steam cooking facility should be available

• Dining hall with seating capacity for 60 persons.

• Separate Juice Room

Library -

• Should have a reading room and Internet facilities

Indoor Recreation Lounge

• There should be a television room for general and special ward patients and provision for indoor games like chess, carrom and table tennis, etc.

Stand By Generator should be installed

Outdoor Facilities

<* Walking track of 2 kms. with reflexology Segment.

—................. -Hot-water facility

• There should be a 24 hours hot water facility in the hospital.

Staff quarters

»/

Clinical laboratory

- A fully equipped clinical laboratory with sufficient storage area and working space.

10. Accreditation of Naturopathy Hospitals

a) Naturopathy hospitals and other health facilities shall be

planned and operated to provide the highest standards of patient

care.

b) A Naturopathy Hospital will have to conform to the following

- — --------- -norms-if it is to obtain accreditation.

i) The hospital should be owned by the applicant

ii) The environment in which the hospital is located should be free from pollution as defined by the law

iii) The location of a hospital shall comply with all local zoning regulations

iv) A hospital shall provide and maintain a safe environment for patients, personnel and public.

v) A ramp or elevator shall be provided for ancillary, clinical and nursing areas located on the upper floors. Ramps shall be provided at all entrances to the hospital.

vi) A hospital shall have provision for adequate potable water supply.

vii) Floors, walls and ceilings should be durable, fire resistant and cleanable

viii) There shall separate Male and Female Wards

ix) There shall be suitable fire detection and alarm systems and fire extinguishing systems in the hospital

x) The hospital should conform to all existing fire, safety and environmental legislation.

c) The minimum Staffing requirements for a Clinical Naturopathy

Hospital shall be as follows:-

i) The hospital should have sufficient qualified Naturopaths with a minimum doctor:patient ratio of 1:30 subject to a minimum of I doctor.

ii) Para-medical staff at the following minimum scale should be available:

Treatment Attendants Yoga Instructors

Beds

100

Beds

iii) Administrative staff at the following minimum scale should be available:

20 beds

30 Beds

50 Beds

100

Beds

Office Superintendent Senior Assistant Junior Assistant Data Processing Officer Data Entry Operator Cashier

Telephone Operator Canteen Supervisor Cooks

Assistant Cooks Canteen Attendants Attenders Sweepers Gardeners

optional

I 1

iv) The minimum area requirement for a hospital will be as follows:

Beds

(Area

Beds

in Sq.mt)

Beds

100

Beds

1. Consultation and Examination

2. Administrative Block

Nil

3. Reception

4. Male Treatment Section

Massage

100

Mud Therapy

Hydrotherapy

100

Magneto therapy

Nil

Chromo therapy (on the terrace)

40 H

5. Female Treatment Section

Same as in Male Treatment Section.

6. Physiotherapy

7. Kitchen

8. Dining Mall

9. Yoga Hall

10. Kriya Section

11. Gym

12. Library

⁷⁵

13. Recreation Hall

14. Seminar Hall

Nil

100

15. Health Shop

Nil

16. Laboratory

100

17. Wards

100

200

300

500

1000

No. of Doctors

v) The following minimum scale of equipment should be available in a Naturopathy hospital.

Particulars

Nos. of equipment

Beds

100

Beds

Enema

Hip Bath

Spinal Bath

Steam Bath

Foot and Arm Bath

Massage Table

vi) Equipment at the following minimum scale should bo available in a Naturopathy hospital for the procedures listed below:

Procedure

30 Beds

50 Beds

100

Beds

Spinal spray

Sauna

Immersion Bath

Under water massager

Whirlpool Bath

Optional

Short Wave Diathermy, TFT, Muscle - stimulator, Wax Bath, Traetton, Ultrasound, etc.

As per requirement of the patient.

Form ‘A’

Application l'«r Class ‘A’ Resisti ation lor an Institutionally qualified Naturopathy Practitioner.

Name :

Name of father/husband :

Permanent Address with Pin Code :

Present address with Pin Code :

Telephone NoT with STD Code :

and Email.

Age and date of birth :

(to be supported by documentary evidence)

Details of educational qualifications:

Qualifications	Name of the course	Year of pass	Name of Board/ University	Class and % of marks obtained	Remarks
Matric/ 10^m
12^,n
Degree/Diploma in Naturopathy.
Any other qualifications
Any other qualifications

Details of the Registration:

1. Name of the State Board:

2. Registration No.__________ Date of Registration:__________

Details of experience :

Declaration:

1 hereby declare that all the above information is correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. In case any of the information is subsequently found to be incorrect, I accept that my application will be rejected and that action as warranted under law may be taken against me.

Place: Signature of the Practitioner

Date:

Note: Enclose Photocopies of all certificates

AII iv

Passport si/c photograph

Form *IV

Application for Class ‘A’ Registration for Non- Institutionally qualified Naturopathy Practitioners.

Name

Name of father/husband Permanent Address

Passport size photograph attested by forwarding authority

Present address :

Age and date of birth :

(to be supported by documentary evidence)

Details of educational qualifications:

Qualifications	Name of the course	Year of pass	Name of Board/ University	Class and % of marks obtained	Remarks
Matric/ 10^th
12^
Degree
Master Degree
Diploma

Any other qualification(s) :

Details of professional experience :

Duration of practice in Naturopathy : (Year(s))

Whether practicing privately : (Yes/No)

Status of premises (rented/own) :

Whether employed in a Hospital or Clinic: (Yes/No)

If yes, give name and full address :

Details of work experience:

S.No	Name and lull address of the hospital/clinic	Pci From	iod To	Designation	facilities available	Saliii \/Income from practice

Details of the patients treated :

Year	No. of patients	Chronic cases	Acute cases	Allergic cases	Success percentage	Remarks

















—

Year	No. ol patients	(. hromc cases	Acute discs	Allergic cases	Success percentage	Kenuii ks

Note: 1. Please enclose a write up on your practice - special skills, achievements, failures, etc. in about 3 pages.

2. Please enclose photocopies of all relevant certificates.

Declaration:

I hereby declare that all the above information is correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. In case any of the information is subsequently found to be incorrect. I accept that my application will be rejected and that action as warranted under law may be taken against me.

Place: Signature of the Practitioner

Date:

Comments/recommendalion of forwarding authority :(Chief Medical Officer of the District). Certified that Shri/Sml./Miss/........................................................................................................... S/o / D/o / W/o

............................................................................................................ resident of..............................................................................

Practicing Naturopathy at ................................................................................................................... (address of

Clinic/Hospital) during the period from............................. to......................... (enter years).

Signature

Place: (Name and address of the recommending authority).

Date: (Rubber stamp)

Form *C¹

Application for Class ‘B’ Registration for Non-institutionally qualified Naturopathy practitioners.

Name :

Name of father/husband :

Permanent Address :

Present address :

Age and date of birth :

(to be supported by documentary evidence)

Details of 10+2 / Higher Secondary : Examination.

Board

Examination :

Roll No. and year of passing :

Subjects : (l)

(3)

(5)

Any other qualification(s) :

Details of professional experience:

Duration of practice of Naturopathy: Whether practicing privately :

Status of premises (rented/own) :

Whether employed in Hospital or Clinic: If yes, give name and full address :

Passport size photograph attested by the forwarding authority

(2)

(4)

(6)

(Year(s))

(Yes/No)

Details of work experience:

S.No.	Name and full address of the hospital/clinic	Period		Designation	Facilities available	Salary/income from practice
S.No.	Name and full address of the hospital/clinic	From	To	Designation	Facilities available	Salary/income from practice

Details of the patients treated :

Year	No. of patients	Chronic cases	Acute cases	Allergic cases	Success percentage	Remarks








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BOARD OF NATUROPATHY AND YOGA SYSTEM OF MEDICINE UP INDIA (BNYSM INDIA)

YOGA & NATUROPATHY

Nature-cure to Naturopathy : History

Nature-cure to Naturopathy : History