Naturopathy is based on the idea that, if you give the body clean air, water, food, ample exercise and rest, you are giving it the tools to heal itself. Naturopathic treatments aim to restore the body to its natural state of health balance.
The ancient Greek physician, Hippocrates, is credited for conceiving naturopathy. He argued that healthy eating, adequate rest, and exercise were essential for health. Also, Hippocrates thought that that cures should stimulate the body’s natural healing ability.
Naturopaths believe that the body has a natural state of equilibrium, known as homeostasis, and a vital force which allows healing to occur. Poor diet, a lack of exercise, insufficient fresh air or inadequate sunlight, too much stress, or too many negative thoughts can disturb this equilibrium. When the equilibrium is off, diseases can occur.
Naturopaths also believe that the accumulation of toxins in the body, whether from food additives, pesticides, or other environmental toxins, can weaken the body’s immune system and suppress the body’s vital force.
The six basic principles of naturopathy are:
The body has the ability to heal itself.
Treat the whole person.
Do no harm to the body. Treatments should be as nontoxic and as least invasive as possible.
Find the cause and treat it.
Doctors should be teachers.
Prevention is the best cure.
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