Naturopathy
This system of medicines emphasizes the value of restoring and promoting the human body’s own self-healing process. Naturopaths use a wide range of natural treatments, the most important of which are dietary to the individual needs of the patient.
Beginning with the earliest civilizations , healers have made careful observations of the body in sickness and in wellness and used natural resources-food, water, air and herbs- to help in the healing process. In the 19th century , a group of doctors began to develop this way of treating people into science of naturopathy. The movement begin in Europe and involved dietary regimes, fasts, baths, sprays and compresses.
As word of their success spread , these techniques were refined; in the early 20th century, they were introduced to Australialasia and through out the Central Asia.
Life force
Most naturopaths place emphasis on the therapeutic power of water, in the form of hot or cold baths, compresses and spray treatments.
The healing crisis
When you adopt a healthier lifestyle , eating more fresh natural foods, getting more exercise and learning methods of relaxation, you may experience an improvement in general wellbeing. But after a few days or weeks , you may find that some of your old problems, such as colds or fatigue, return . Dr Henry Lindlahr, the pioneering American naturopath, called this worsening of syptoms the healing crisis. He viewed it as a sign of the body increasing its normal ability to deal with toxins, infections and waste products as it gains vitality. The symptoms usually clear in a few days with the help of appropriate naturopathic treatments.
Special precautions
If you are elderly , frail or chronically sick,you may need to build up vitality before being able to cope with the acute symptoms of a healing crisis. In this case , consult a naturopath before trying any treatments on our own. Do not undertake naturopathi treatments without first seeking medical advice if you have epilepsy, diabetes, anaemia, unexplained weight loss, a psychiatric illness, or are pregnant or caring for a young child.
Cleansing diets
These short-term diets can help your body rid itself of waste products and environmental toxins. They eschew highly processed foods, which place a burden on the digestive system, and instead focus on raw foods. Naturopaths use cleansing diets for acute illness- such as colds, flu, bronchitis, and gastroenteritis (for which soups and steamed vegetables may need to be used in place of raw salads)- and inflammatory disorders, such as skin rashes. Individual variations may need to be determined by a naturopath. You should always consult a professional practitioner before beginning cleansing diet. Some diets are unsuitable for children, the elderly or those in poor health.
Three days cleansing diet
Healthy people of most ages can follow this simple regimen for a limited period, but check with health professional first.
First day
Consume only pure fruit or vegetable juice. Use freshly extreacted juices or canned or bottled unsweetened juice of apple, pear, grape or pineapple (dilute 50 per cent with water). Drink one glass four or five times daily. At other times drink pure spring water or boiled water with a teaspoon of lemon juice or apple-cider vinegar.
Second day
On rising and retiring or between meals, drink fruit juice or herbal tea (for example , lime flower, peppermint, chamomile) . At meals eat fresh raw fruits (for example, grape , apples, pears , peaches, melon, orange). You can grate or cube hard fruits, and all may be mixed to make a fruit salad . Drink as much water as you like.
Third day
For breakfast have fresh or pureed fruit with goat’s milk yoghurt with live cultures.
For lunch fix a raw salad with a selection of leafy and grated root vegetables. Garnish with raisins and sunflower seeds. Eat fresh fruit for desert. For dinner eat vegetable soup or steamed vegetable flavoured with miso or soy sauce. Drink water when thirsty.
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