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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. Though there 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. |
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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. |
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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.
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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.
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