All You Need To Know About – Naturopathy / Nature Cure
What is Naturopathy?
A01 – Naturopathy / Nature Cure believes that all diseases are the same, their causes are the same and their treatment is also the same, but diagnosis of diseases is utmost necessary and it should be accurate. Hence, not the patient but the root cause of the disease is cured. Naturopathy not only cures but also relaxes our body, mind and soul.
Naturopathy: Introduction
A02 – Naturopathy is the oldest science prevailing in all the systems of medicine. It is, thus rightly called, “The Mother of All System.” Nature Cure works on a simple principle, which takes into consideration the Five Elements i.e. Air, Water, Sunshine, Sky and Earth. Thus, according to Naturopathy, our human body is made up of these Five Elements i.e. Panchmahabhoota. Balancing of these Five Elements leads to health and an imbalance leads to disease.
Naturopathy: Ancient History
A03 – There were many examples in the past where Naturopathy had shown incredible results. There are a number of references in our Vedas and ancient text. For instance, King Dasharath’s queen were infertile but practiced Fruit Kalp, i.e. eating a particular kind of fruit for a length of time, and gave birth to a child. Whenever people in past fell ill, they performed or practiced fasting to regain health. Lord Buddha’s monk, Kaland, when bitten by a snake cured himself by using earth, cow dung and urine.
Naturopathy in Western World
A04 – Looking into the history of Naturopathy, Dr. Preisnitz is known as the father of modern Naturopathy. A book on Hydro Therapy was written by Dr. James Currie from Liverpool. Dr. Louis Kuhne had written books such as “The New Science of Healing” and “Science of Facial Expression”. These books were later translated in many languages.
Q05 – What is Vital Force?
A05 – Vital force is the energy or spirit, which animates living creatures, their soul. It is a hypothetical force, independent of physical and chemical forces, regarded as being the instrumental factor of the evolution and development of living organisms. The Morbid Matter Theory, Concept of Vital Force is the base of Naturopathy.
Why should one increase his Vital Force?
A06 – One has to increase his Vital Force in order to get rid from all diseases. Vital force can be increased by self-control, simple and rightful living, mental balance and discipline, rest and relaxation, happiness, recreation, healthy diet and deep sleep.
Naturopathy and India
A07 – In India, initially, Nature Cure was the best way to achieve health. Mahatma Gandhi was a firm believer in Nature Cure. He treated himself, members of family and members of the ashram. He established Urli Kanchan Hospital of Naturopathy near Pune. His efforts and dedication are clearly visible in his two books, which are the key to health and diet and diet reform. Krishna Swaroop Shrotriya had translated the famous book of Dr. Louis Kuhne “The New Science of Healing” from English to Hindi and Urdu. Morarji Desai was awarded the Bharat Ratna for his efforts in spreading Naturopathy. His works and his writing “The Science of Nature Cure” is highly appreciated. Other eminent personalities such as Vinoba Bhave, Dr. Ganga Prasand Gaud, Dr. Sukhbhir Singh, Dr. Smt. Uma Jindal etc. have worked on spreading and making people believe in Naturopathy.
Naturopathy: Principles
A08 – Nature Cure believes in cleaning the body by observing fasts, kalp vas, eating satvik (virtuous / rich) food, salt free food etc. and practicing asana (yoga) for physical, mental and spiritual development. Yoga is said to be the most ancient form of therapy to treat many diseases including chronic and incurable ones. Other forms of treatment in Naturopathy includes “Jalsparsh” i.e. Sitz Bath, Enema i.e. “Vasti”, Steam Bath i.e. “Svedsnan”, Water Sipping i.e. “Achman” , Sun Bath i.e. “Surya Namaskar”.
Naturopathy v/s Allopathy
A09 – Due to the instant cure and advertising, Allopathy is gaining widespread recognition and attracting more and more people towards it. It is difficult to make people understand that by taking medicine for a particular disease, they have to fight for two things; one is with the disease and other, with the medicine, used in curing the disease. Instead of regaining health, it keeps on deteriorating. Sooner people will again go back to our Vedas and will start adopting Nature Cure since those who live with the nature and believe in nature are never bound to fall ill.