Naturopathy

This is the branch of alternative medicine that is most understood. Awareness of the dangers of body pollution has turned an increasing number of people to naturopathy as an antidote. It is an age-old philosophy which teaches the principles of healthy living and is now part of what is called natural therapeutics. It encompasses many of the marginal theories of medicine, for anything that encourages the natural life force to heal the body comes under the regime of the naturopath. Thus many practitioners are also osteopaths or chiropractors while some hold qualifications in herbal medicine and homoeopathy. The entry of unnatural elements is considered the cause of disease, these could be toxins that upset body chemistry, structural faults or psychological factors due to stress.

   Some of the earliest naturopathic principles are to be found in Hatha Yoga which teaches simple diet, breathing, exercise, mental, emotional and spiritual tranquillity. The main basis for the modern revival was made by Dr Henry Lindhar. He believed that disease is a healing effort of nature and that the suppression of acute illness by drugs, serums or surgery could be the cause of chronic disease in later life.

   Naturopathy has two aims, it treats disease and builds up health. It is a practical system of health restoration without the possibility of dangerous side effects - but it is also a way of living which ensures the optimum level of physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

   Naturopaths diagnose by methods similar to orthodox ones but include a thorough spinal investigation and a more intensive appraisal of psychological aspects. They classify causes into three groups, chemical - due to faulty eating, drinking, elimination and breathing, structural - misplacements in the spinal column, muscular lesions, incorrect posture, stiff joints, psychological - hampered reactions because of emotion, fear, tension and frustration.

   The way to restore the balance of the body through self-healing consists mainly of dietetics, fasting, hydrotherapy and structural adjustment. Structural adjustments can take the form of postural re-education, remedial exercise, osteopathic, chiropractic or neuro-muscular techniques. Rest and tranquillity are very important, so is the therapeutic use of water as in Sitz baths, sprays, massage.

   A fundamental naturopathic argument is that for the body to be nourished only with the ingredients it needs, is its best defence mechanism. The first necessity, therefore, is to eat foods which are natural and whole, grown without fertilisers, unrefined and uncontaminated. Pre-cooked foods should be avoided, and all foods should be cooked for as little time as possible. It is not necessary to be on a vegetarian diet, though sometimes flesh-free diets are indicated.

   Restoration on health depends to a large extent on a build-up of energy. Far from eating more, this may necessitate eating less, even fasting, to give the body a rest and the opportunity to devote all its energies to the elimination of toxins.