Naturopathy is a science-based form of treatment which is based
on, as its name implies, the elements of nature. This form of treatment dates
back to 19th century when it was originated by the Greek Father of
Medicine-Hippocrates. The study basically deals with the five basic elements of
nature - Jal (water), Vayu (air), Agni (fire), Akash (sky) and Prithvi (Earth).
The body is composed of a defined proportion of these elements which if changed
leads to an imbalance causing ailments.
Naturopathy as a science bases itself in the Greek concept of four
humors which have origins in the ancient Egyptian Medicine. The four humors
include Blood, Yellow bile, Black bile and Phlegm which stand for the seasons
of spring, summer, autumn and winter, respectively. These humors affect heart,
liver, spleen and brain in the same order and are represented by the elements
of air, fire, earth and water. Any imbalance in their proportion in the body
leads to sickness and disease.
The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) has
defined naturopathy as:
"A distinct system of primary health care-an art, science,
philosophy, and practice of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of illness.
Naturopathic medicine is distinguished by the principles upon which its
practice is based. These principles are continually re-examined in the light of
scientific advances. The techniques of naturopathic medicine include modern and
traditional, scientific, and empirical methods" (AANP, 1998).
Association of
Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges states that there are six basic
principles in Naturopathy which are as follows:
- Belief in the natural healing powers and tendency of the body to heal
- Identifying underlying causes which are beyond symptoms
- Using most natural ways to treat
- Helping patients maintain a good health by teaching them natural ways
- Understanding body as a combination of physical and spiritual aspects
- Focusing on overall well being and primarily prevention
Naturopathy identifies each patient’s sickness subjectively and
treats them using non-toxic and natural therapies. Naturopathy focuses on the
body’s natural tendency to heal and motivates this predisposition using natural
elements and energy of nature.
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