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The aim of achieving and
maintaining an optimum state of health has
always exercised the minds of men since the
earliest of times and as a consequence
various systems of healing developed in
different parts of the world. Ayurveda
evolved in India as the natural way of
healing or naturopathy. For centuries it was
the only system of medicine. Around the same
time, other variations like the concept of
‘Yin Yang’ developed in China while Unani
saw its beginning in Greece. With the
passage of time, these systems progressed
into independent branches of learning.
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were other forms of
medicine being practiced in other parts of
the world, these three are of special
interest to us because they found their way
into India at various stages in time and
affected the progress of traditional healing
methods that are prevalent in the country
today. These ages – old systems, based on
herbs and diet, offer a powerfully effective
and gentle way to heal, with the least
danger of side effects. Today allopathic
with its powerful drugs often creates a
toxic burden for the body – one that the
liver is unable to eliminate and which
impairs necessary organic physiological
processes. The fallout of this has been an
increased interest in a holistic approach to
health – a return to nature. Naturopathy
seeks to take human beings not back to
nature but back to the fundamentals of
nature. Natural cures are able to cleanse
the system, thus enhancing the body’s power
to cure itself and its ability to defend
itself from germs. Naturopathy sees health
and disease in holistic terms taking into
account the inherent relationship between
the individual and the cosmic spirit, the
individual and cosmic consciousness, energy
and matter. It views man as a microcosm, a
child of the cosmic forces and the external
environment, the macrocosm. There is nothing
in existence without a unique value in the
cosmos. Life is relational, interdependent,
interconnectivity, a system of mutual
nourishment and care, not only physically,
but also psychologically and spiritually. It
is possible to maintain and sustain good
health by believing in the curative powers
of the life force, by obeying the laws of
nature, and by maintaining a constructive
and healthy mental attitude.
Since naturopathy is
based on an ancient and traditional system,
some may doubt its very relevance, feeling
that it does not apply in modern society.
But the increasing number of people who are
turning to it, is evidence not only of its
popularity but also of the fact that
naturopathy is a medical – metaphysical
science of healing, the mother of all
healing arts, designed to promote happiness,
health and growth. |
