17 May 2020 HYN Himalayan Yoga Academy
Naturopathy is the application of the five elements healing system, which is an art of natural treatment via the drugless process. It is considered the oldest medical system in the world, also known as the mother of all therapies. It is the oldest therapy, as nature itself, and also as the creation of all the creatures as well. Natural way of treatment has been mentioned in Vedas as a Upavaasa (Fast), surya chikitsa (Sun therapy), Aahara Chikitsa (Food therapy), Jala Chikitsa (Water therapy), herbal therapy, etc.
In pauranic period, the King Dasharatha had undergone to use phalahara on the infertility case of his queens. The Devil King Raavana initially used natural treatment but later on due to his nature and lifestyle change, he ordered Vaidyas to make the fast and easy treatment. As a result, they searched and brought medicinal herbs to make a liquid to cure the various diseases.
Lord Buddha had told to the monks to use mud, cow dung, cow urine, and ash on snake bites. He also advised them to use a steam bath, a hot water bath, and a sun bath for specific ailments. Religiously, it was used to get some of the natural treatments in different communes and religions. Such as observance of ‘Kalp Vaasa’ (Light fast), Vrtta (Religious fast), worship of Panchatattva (Five elements) on each, Surya Namaskar, Sun Bath, Water Bath, Earth bath, Herbal bath, Yogasana, Pranayama, Mudras, Mantras, etc., respectively.
In the middle of the Era, the application of naturopathy was minimized and was almost hidden. Only somewhere else is used as a limit for a long period. Finally, in the 17th century, Western scientists and doctors felt the need for naturopathy. Then, they started natural treatments one by one and finally developed all over the world. Dr. James Currie, in 1717, wrote a Book on treatment by water. But Dr. Vincenz applied this, so he was called the father of modern Naturopathy. Similarly, different personages like Father Sebastian, Louis Kuhne, Adolf Just, Hippocrates, in different times worked in Naturopathy.
Though Naturopathy was used in the eastern belt of the world from the very beginning of creation. When the book named “New Science of Healing” by Louis Kuhne was translated into Telugu by Shri D. Venkat in 1894 and Hindi and Urdu by Krishna Swaroop in 1904, it formally started in India.
Mahatma Gandhi was deeply inspired by Adolf Just’s Book “Return to Nature. He studied it completely and used it on himself first. Then, he used for his family members, the Ashram, and others gradually. He published developments through articles and direct work on naturopathy. Then, he gained popularity in India, Nepal, and other surrounding zones. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, the Naturopathy treatment system has been developed, formally establishing the Hospitals and institutions. Some of very popular names of India are Krishna Swaroop, Mararji Desai, Dr. Laxmi Narayan, Dr Vitthaldas Modi, etc.
1.5 Overview and Principles of Naturopathy
The purification process of body and mind with the use of Panchatattva through different methods is called Naturopathy. It is also called Nature Cure or Natural Therapy. Treatment by using these five elements and Rama Naama is quite different from the systems of medicine practiced at present. Naturopathy is the art of living, attempting a healthy and long life. The rules or principles of naturopathy applied to maintain good health are the same which are those advocated to cure diseases.
Fundamental Principles of Naturopathy
- Unnatural lifestyle causes the accumulation of waste products.
- Accumulation of waste products is the primary cause of diseases.
- All diseases is one i.e. “toxification”, their cause is one i.e. ‘toxins’ and treatment is also one i.e. “detoxification”.
- Acute diseases are good fellows but not the enemies.
- It takes the time to cure the chronic ailments in Naturopathy.
- Treatment is not of a particular disease but of the entire body of the patient.
- It gives the proper balance in body, mind, and soul levels
- Healing crisis is seen during getting treatment in Naturopathy.
- Germs do not cause the diseases which is appeared due to lack of vitality.
- Nature is a doctor, and she herself heals in ailments.