Introduction to Naturopathy

Naturopathy or naturopathic medicine means treating diseases through natural methods, meaning natural healing. Every living being’s body is made up of the five elements of nature (space, fire, water, air, and earth). Since the body is naturally created, it should also be treated in a natural way. In simple terms, it is also called self-healing. Naturopathy involves the use of herbs, balanced diet, fruits, seeds, oils, clean water, mud, and other natural substances. Naturopathy is a healing method in which diseases are understood at their root and treatment is given according to the body. Naturopathy believes that the human body itself is the greatest medicine for any disease. If a person maintains balance in every aspect of their lifestyle, their body remains strong and healthy. The main goal of naturopathy is to eliminate any disease from the body, mind, and soul.

Benefits of Naturopathy

1. Prevention of Diseases

Through naturopathy treatments, a person feels very close to nature, which allows positive energy to enter the body. Naturopathy not only works on the symptoms of diseases but also provides the most effective treatment to prevent diseases from occurring in the first place. Minor to serious ailments naturally disappear or do not even occur in the body.

2. Improvement in Insomnia

In today’s busy lifestyle, individuals are often surrounded by countless problems, which prevent them from sleeping on time or result in less sleep. This leads to mental health issues such as stress, irritability, anger, headaches, confusion, and insomnia. Naturopathy treats mental health problems by understanding their root causes in detail, which brings a significant change in how individuals perform their daily tasks. When tasks are approached positively, the person stays away from physical and mental stress and becomes the owner of good thoughts at all times.

3. Generation of Excellent Thoughts

When the body is physically and mentally healthy, only positive thoughts are awakened, which boosts self-confidence. Naturopathy helps in the intellectual, emotional, personal, and spiritual development of a person at an excellent level. Through naturopathy treatments, an individual tries to understand their body better. The body becomes the top priority in their list. They gain knowledge about the mistakes they are making that are harming their health. Naturopathy helps individuals listen to and understand themselves. Through naturopathy, a person experiences creative growth, which leads them to adopt new, creative ways of living life and working, bringing happiness and peace.

4. Healthy Metabolism

Naturopathy treatments strengthen the digestive system of the body. Issues like gastric problems, indigestion, acidity, constipation, stomach pain, and bloating are resolved. Additionally, using natural remedies helps in strengthening the body and aids in weight loss. Individuals remain agile and free from sluggishness.

5. Focused Mind

Naturopathy treatments help individuals stay completely focused on any task. It reduces restlessness and confusion. Naturopathy treatments include practices like yoga, meditation, and exercise, which, when practiced regularly, result in intellectual growth and better concentration on tasks. These practices lead to improved focus and concentration. With these qualities, an individual achieves their goals in life.

6. Social Popularity

A healthy individual with excellent thoughts earns recognition in the social field and lives like a family member and friend with everyone. By adopting natural remedies in life, a person develops the ability to make decisions, listens to others well (good listener), and remains motivated to participate in social activities. The feeling of loneliness does not arise, and they always have empathy and affection for others.

7. Disciplined Eating

In naturopathy treatments, balanced diets, fruits, and vegetables are incorporated into the diet in a disciplined manner. Eating regularly provides the body with essential nutrients. A person becomes disciplined with food, and the problem of irregular hunger also disappears.

8. Good Habits

There is no method in naturopathy that involves the use of medicines; it is entirely a natural system free from medication. By using natural remedies, an individual gains the ability to stay healthy and does not depend on unnecessary medications. The energy to wake up, sit, walk, eat, and perform tasks positively is obtained. Naturopathy changes a person’s lifestyle with discipline. When everything in life is completed regularly, the results are always excellent. Negative thoughts do not enter. Jealousy and inferiority towards others do not arise. These good habits also help a person stay healthy.

9. Friendship with Cleanliness

In naturopathy, treatments through mud, water, and exercise promote cleanliness. Cleanliness is the foundation of a healthy life. Exercising in clean places daily, using clean water for drinking and work, and using pure soil make an individual the owner of both cleanliness and health. The more we use natural things in our daily routines, the more we will step towards cleanliness and prevent nature from getting polluted.

10. Spiritual Growth

Naturopathy not only promotes cleanliness and hygiene but also strengthens a person spiritually. Eating well, consuming Ayurvedic products, living in a pure environment, and being filled with the virtues of good thoughts enhance spirituality.

Different Types Used in Naturopathy

In naturopathy, various types are used, which are as follows: water therapy, mud therapy, sunlight and color therapy, diet and fasting therapy, exercise and massage therapy, and marma pressure therapy (acupressure).

1. Water Therapy

In English, this is called hydrotherapy. In this therapeutic system, cold and hot water are used according to the individual's body temperature. Under water therapy, a person can treat swelling, pain, stiffness, and rigidity in the body by lying in water, sitting in water, or exercising. It has no side effects. The use of hot water generates warmth in the body, which relaxes the muscles, relieves joint pain, and increases mobility. The skin becomes clean both internally and externally. Detoxification of the body happens through the pores of the skin. To use water therapy, baths, compresses, and wrapping damp woolen and cotton cloths around the affected area can provide relief. You may have often seen that when fever strikes, applying a damp cloth to the forehead provides relief, and after childbirth, a pregnant woman uses lukewarm water to ease her body. If there is swelling in any part of the body, a cold or hot compress is applied. Water therapy helps stabilize blood circulation in the body. It is important to consult a doctor before starting this treatment. For weight loss, drinking lukewarm water is recommended. Small children are advised to use cold compresses after vaccination or when there is stiffness in the body. Water therapy is a natural remedy that is available in every home at all times.

2. Mud Therapy

Mud is the most important part of nature. It contains many types of mineral salts such as zinc sulfate, minerals, magnesium, etc., which is why it is used in naturopathy. When performing mud therapy, mud is taken from about four to five feet below the ground as the mud here is cleaner. After cleaning the mud, it is dried in the sun and air, and then soaked in clean water overnight. After that, it is made into a paste. This paste is applied to the body and kept for about half an hour. Once the paste dries, it is gently cleaned with water. Mud therapy helps in treating skin-related issues, improves blood circulation, aids in digestion, relaxes the body, and reduces stress. It is not necessary to use a specific type of mud for this therapy. A person can use the mud available in their area. The most important thing is that the mud should be cleaned before use, and there should be no dirt, stones, or garbage in it. Even today, many people use Multani mitti (Fuller's Earth) on their skin and hair. The use of mud therapy is also mentioned in the pages of history.

3. Sunlight and Color Therapy

Sunlight therapy means using the natural light received from the sun to keep the human body healthy. Nature provides us with light from the sun, which includes seven colors: blue, red, orange, purple, yellow, indigo, and green. Sunlight creates warmth in the body. For sunlight therapy, a person should lie or sit in the morning sunlight for some time to take a sunbath. This process rejuvenates the body every day, making the body and mind healthier. Sunlight therapy is so beneficial that it helps in preventing heart diseases. It strengthens bones because sunlight contains vitamin D, also called the sunshine vitamin. Sunlight therapy, with all its virtues, is a symbol of our healthy body. However, remember not to use direct, harsh sunlight. Instead, you should sit or lie down, covering your head, and take sunlight in the early morning for 15-20 minutes. After this, take a fresh water bath, which will bring great comfort to your body. Sunlight therapy also uses the seven colors of light to heal. It relieves mental stress, helps with eye problems, and invites positive energy.

4. Diet and Fasting Therapy

This process involves treatment through a balanced diet, pure water, and herbs. Diet therapy is also known as dietotherapy. In diet therapy, it is recommended to consume food rich in nutrients to cure diseases. In fasting therapy, individuals are advised not to consume solid food for a certain period to cure diseases. For some days, one remains without food or consumes light drinks such as juices, soups, coconut water, etc. Fasting therapy does not mean fasting for the entire day; it means consuming light food once or twice during the day. Oily, spicy, junk food, and stale food are prohibited. Correctly using both of these therapies helps keep the body healthy, and toxins are removed from the body.

5. Exercise Therapy

This includes the use of yoga, exercise, meditation poses, etc. Regular practice of yoga and light daily exercises helps keep the body free from many diseases. Exercises and yoga asanas prevent problems such as stiffness in the body. The body remains active. Practicing meditation poses helps a person remain mentally healthy, reduces stress, and the mind embraces spirituality. This therapy helps in curing insomnia, maintaining a good mood, controlling hunger, and eliminating diseases such as heart problems, diabetes, and cancer. It also helps maintain body weight. After exercising or doing physical activity, a massage provides great relief. The body is massaged by rubbing or tapping with hands on the affected areas, which relaxes the muscles, keeps the blood pressure stable, induces deep sleep, and reduces stress. Exercise and massage therapy generate energy in the body, leaving the person feeling refreshed.

6. Marma Pressure Therapy

Commonly known as acupressure, this therapy involves applying pressure on specific points (pressure points) on the body. Pressure is applied to these points using the fingers, pieces of wood, or metal to relieve pain from the body. Most of the time, when we experience any type of pain in the body, we press the pressure points on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands with our thumbs. Acupressure helps relieve headaches, migraines, and stress. It cures insomnia, heart-related diseases, and problems like nausea and vomiting. Along with acupressure, acupuncture therapy is also used, where fine needles are applied to the main pressure points of the body. This therapy helps stabilize blood circulation in the body.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Undergoing Naturopathy Treatment

• -Regularly practice exercise and yoga asanas.
• -Adopt the habit of consuming a balanced diet and drinking pure water.
• -Avoid smoking and eating non-vegetarian food.
• -Do not consume illegal medications.
• -Carry out your daily activities according to the set schedule.

Naturopathy is a treatment that does not require a specific hospital, medical advice, or medication. This therapy system depends on the body's ability to fight diseases.