Naturopathy or natural medicine is very popular nowadays among people looking for alternative cures for illnesses. People are waking up to the benefits of remedies that are natural and provide safe cures with negligible side-effects. This alternative form of medicine relies on the body's natural ability to heal itself. This is a more holistic approach to curing illness.
Origins and History of Naturopathy
This form of medicine traces its origins right back to Hippocrates, the 'Father of Medicine', who was among the first to promote this field. In the modern era, Naturopathy first gained acceptance in Europe with the Nature Cure Movement in Europe, where the idea of having a natural diet and sufficient exercise appealed to people.
The term 'naturopathy' came into existence in 1895 by John Scheel and the practice popularized by Benedict Lust, who is known as the 'Father of Naturopathy'.
Principles that Define Natural Medicine
The main ideology that follows naturopathy is the faith in healing power of the body. This system of medicine is holistic in its belief and encompasses the well being of body mind and soul. Surgery and synthetic drugs are avoided, and the importance of a healthy diet and stress-free lifestyle is strongly advocated.
There are six basic principles that are followed in providing
natural cure to anyone:
1 Primum non nocere- Provide the best care possible, while ensuring no harm incurs in the overall functioning of the body as a consequence of natural treatment.
2 Vis medicatrix naturae-Power of the body to heal itself must be realized and respected.
3 Tolle Causum- The root cause of illness needs to be treated; suppressing symptoms of an illness does not necessarily cure the illness.
4 Everyone can take care of their own body, and nourish it with a balanced natural diet and a healthy lifestyle.
5 Natural medicine has a very individual-based approach to healing as every body is different in its build up and influences.
6 Generating awareness towards holistic approach to living is an important aspect of naturopathy.
The Road to Natural Remedies
Natural remedy has many forms, and for those looking for alternatives to the regular antibiotics and surgeries, this form of medicine provides a safe and natural means for cure. The body, in general, has many abilities still unknown to us; its ability to heal itself is just one of them. Thus, providing supplements in the form of natural products with healing properties are sufficient tools for the body to recuperate to its healthy self.
There are many types of practices that offer natural remedy to body illnesses and some of them include homeopathy, acupuncture, reflexology, herbal cure, etc. The treatment process for every practice is different, yet the basic principle remains the same.
Naturopathy has many takers all over the world; people tired of unsuccessful and cumbersome surgeries, those allergic to allopathic medicines, or those with firm faith in nature's ability to cure- anyone who tries it always finds their cure and a better way to live.
