Naturopathy or Nature-cure is traditional healing science which advocates the use of five great elements (Pancha-mahabhutas) of nature namely earth, water, fire, ether & air as the means to health & well-being.
The foundation of Naturopathic Medicine is based on the philosophy of
"Vis medicatrix Naturae",
"the healing power of nature". This phrase was coined by
Hippocrates (460-370 B.C.)
The different therapies advised by a Naturopath correct the imbalances in the physical body, the breath, the mind and the intellect through natural means. They include holistic diet & nutrition, exercises or yoga, hydrotherapy, therapeutic massages, lifestyle counselling, acupuncture, acupressure, aromatherapy and others.
Naturopathy believes in the healing power of each individual, which continuously strives to maintain a state of homeostasis in the physiological functions of the body. The therapies mentioned are to bring in this homeostasis, which is lost during a diseased condition.
The practice of naturopathy is based on accumulation of morbid wastes, abnormal composition of blood & lymph and lowered vitality. The therapies are addressed to bring in elimination of these morbid wastes, improving the vitality of the individual & correcting the composition of blood & lymph.
Naturopathy is a traditional healing science which address all the planes of our being namely
Annamaya,
Pranamaya,
Manomaya ,
Vijnanamaya &
Anandamaya koshas.