Traditional Systems Of Healing, Ayurveda, Naturopathy, benefits of Naturopathy

Traditional Systems Of Healing

The aim of achieving and maintaining an optimum state of health has always exercised the minds of men since the earliest of times and as a consequence various systems of healing developed in different parts of the world. Ayurveda evolved in India as the natural way of healing or naturopathy. For centuries it was the only system of medicine. Around the same time, other variations like the concept of ‘Yin Yang’ developed in China while Unani saw its beginning in Greece. With the passage of time, these systems progressed into independent branches of learning. Though there were other forms of medicine being practiced in other parts of the world, these three are of special interest to us because they found their way into India at various stages in time and affected the progress of traditional healing methods that are prevalent in the

country today. These ages – old systems, based on herbs and diet, offer a powerfully effective and gentle way to heal, with the least danger of side effects. Today allopathic with its powerful drugs often creates a toxic burden for the body – one that the liver is unable to eliminate and which impairs necessary organic physiological processes. The fallout of this has been an increased interest in a holistic approach to health – a return to nature. Naturopathy seeks to take human beings not back to nature but back to the fundamentals of nature. Natural cures are able to cleanse

the system, thus enhancing the body’s power to cure itself and its ability to defend itself from germs. Naturopathy sees health and disease in holistic terms taking into account the inherent relationship between the individual and the cosmic spirit, the individual and cosmic consciousness, energy and matter. It views man as a microcosm, a child of the cosmic forces and the external environment, the macrocosm. There is nothing in existence without a unique value in the cosmos. Life is relational, interdependent, interconnectivity, a system of mutual nourishment and care, not only physically, but also psychologically and spiritually.

It is possible to maintain and sustain good health by believing in the curative powers of the life force, by obeying the laws of nature, and by maintaining a constructive and healthy mental attitude.
Since naturopathy is based on an ancient and traditional system, some may doubt its very relevance, feeling that it does not apply in modern society. But the increasing number of people who are turning to it, is evidence not only of its popularity but also of the fact that naturopathy is a medical – metaphysical science of healing, the mother of all healing arts, designed to promote happiness, health and growth.