Basic Concepts
Nature Cure is, in fact, a way of life with references found in the Vedas and other ancient texts. The concepts on which Nature Cure is based, such as the morbid matter theory and the concept of vital force, are already present in old texts, suggesting that these methods were widely practiced in ancient India.
Nature Cure is built on three fundamental principles:
- Accumulation of morbid matter
- Abnormal composition of blood and lymph
- Lowered vitality
Nature Cure believes that diseases arise from the accumulation of morbid matter in the body. Allowing for the removal of this matter can provide relief or cure. It also holds that the human body possesses inherent self-healing and self-constructing powers. The key difference between Nature Cure and other systems is that it takes a holistic view, considering various factors contributing to diseases, such as unnatural habits in living, thinking, working, sleeping, relaxation, sexual indulgence, and environmental factors. These collectively disrupt the body's normal functioning, leading it to a morbid, weak, and toxic state.
For treatment, Nature Cure emphasizes the correction of all contributing factors, enabling the body to recover itself. Nature Cure practitioners aid nature's efforts to overcome disease by applying correct natural modalities and controlling natural forces to work within safe limits. The five main modalities of treatment are air, water, heat, mud, and space.
Principles
- All diseases, their causes, and their treatment are interconnected.
- The primary cause of disease is not bacteria; bacteria develop when a favorable environment for their growth is created in the body after the accumulation of morbid matter. The fundamental cause is morbid matter, not the bacteria.
- Acute diseases are not enemies but friends. Chronic diseases result from incorrect treatment and the suppression of acute diseases.
- Nature is the most potent healer, and the body has the ability to prevent diseases and regain health if unhealthy.
- In Naturopathy, the patient is treated, not the disease.
- Diagnosis in Naturopathy is straightforward and does not require ostentation or long waiting.
- Nature Cure treats the body as a whole, rather than treating each organ separately.
- Naturopathy avoids the use of medicines and considers "Food as Medicine."
According to Mahatma Gandhi, "Rama Nama is the best Natural Treatment," emphasizing the importance of spiritual faith-based prayers as a part of the treatment.
Core modalities supporting these principles include diet modification, nutritional supplements, herbal medicine, acupuncture, Chinese medicine, hydrotherapy, massage, joint manipulation, and lifestyle counseling. Treatment protocols combine the most suitable therapies for individual patients.
In summary, Nature Cure encompasses all available non-invasive treatments and diagnostic methods that align with the body's natural functional capacity and healing processes, in harmony with Nature's constructive Principles.