Submitted by Armen Hareyan on Sep 6th, 2004
Naturopathy is a system of healing science stimulating the body s inherent power to regain health with the help of five great elements of nature " Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Ether. Naturopathy is a call to "Return to Nature" and to resort to simple way of living in harmony with the self, society and environment.
Naturopathy provides not only a simple practical approach to the management of diseases, but a firm theoretical basis which is applicable to all the holistic medical care and by giving attention to the foundations of health. Naturopathy also offers a more economical frame work for the medicine of future generation.
Though the basic Nature Cure deals only with Pancha Mahabhoota s, the recent developments advocates the practice of drugless therapies like Massage, Electrotherapy, Physiotherapy, Acupuncture and Acupressure, Magnetotherapy etc., Diet plays a major role, above all.
History of Naturopathy
Naturopathy (Nature Cure) movement started in Germany & other western countries with "Water cure" (Hydrotherapy). Water cure was synonymous with Nature Cure in those early days. The credit of making Water cure world famous goes to Vincent Priessnitz (1799-1851) who was a farmer. Dr. Henry Lindlahr and others go to the extent of crediting him as "Father of Naturopathy". The word "Naturopathy" has been coined by Dr. John Scheel in the year 1895 and was propagated and popularised in the western world by Dr. Benedict Lust. A number of Doctors of modern medicine and others became Nature Cure enthusiasts and gradually added a number of modalities within the fold of Naturopathy and scientifically developed them. Nature Cure movement gained momentum in India as Mahatma Gandhi, "Father of the Nation" became much interested in this system and included it in his programmes. He has also established a Nature Cure Hospital in Uruli Kanchan, Distt. Poona, Maharashtra which is still functioning.
Background of Naturopathy
The Govt. of India after having recognised the need for systematic Research and Development of Indian Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy in the country, established the "Central Council for Research in Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy" in 1969 as an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This organisation, first of its kind was established in India by the Central Govt. to conduct Scientific Research in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Yoga, existed upto 1978. During this period, the development of Naturopathy was looked after by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare directly. Later, in March 1978, this composite Council was dissolved to pave way for the formation of four independent Research Councils, one each for Ayurveda and Siddha, Unani, Homeopathy and Yoga & Naturopathy.
Hence, this Council was established in 1978 with a view to provide better opportunities for alround development of Yoga and Naturopathy independently according to their own doctrines and fundamental principles.
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Dept. of AYUSH
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India
Source:
AYUSH, India 