Naturopathy:
a distinct system of non-invasive healthcare
and health assessment in which neither surgery nor drugs
are used, dependence being placed only on education, counseling,
naturopathic modalities and natural substances, including
without limitation, the use of foods, food extracts,
vitamins, minerals, enzymes, digestive aids, botanical
substances, topical natural substances, homeopathic
preparations, air, water, heat, cold, sound, light,
the physical modalities of magnetic therapy, naturopathic
non-manipulative bodywork and exercise to help stimulate
and maintain the individual's intrinsic self-healing processes."
EARLY NATUROPATHY
In looking at the natural healers and naturopaths of the late 19th
and early 20th centuries, one can find many common points. All of
them believed in healing by bringing strength to the individual rather
than by curing specific diseases. All had a reverence for nature, and
many of them could point to specific observations that led to the formation
of theories and practices. Personal experience of illness and recovery often
led them to practice natural healing. They frequently learned from each other
or studied on their own, instead of, or in addition to, receiving a formal
education. Most were persecuted by the medical establishment. Those on record
were highly successful, bringing good health to many people.
Some Basic Tenets and Theories of Natural Healing
Whether they emphasized the use of hydrotherapy, nutrition, manipulation,
herbs, or homeopathy, the goal for all practitioners of natural healing was
to stimulate the body to heal itself. Vis medicatrix naturae, or the healing
power of nature, remains central to naturopathic philosophy today. Rather
than trying to attack specific diseases, natural healers focus on cleansing
and strengthening the body. Regardless of the specific methodology, and regardless
of whether the healer practiced in the last century or is active today, the approach
remains basically the same.
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