Traditional
System of Healing practiced in the Indian subcontinent:
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 the
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 relevant in
the Country today.
These
age-old systems, based on herbs and diets, offer a powerfully
effective and gentle way to heal, with the least danger
of side effects. Today allopathy with its powerful drugs
often creates
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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 fundamentals of nature. Nature cures are able to
cleanse the systems, 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 consequences,
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 the existence without
unique value in the cosmos. Life is relational, interdependent,
interconnective, 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 medical-metaphysical science of healing, the mother
of all healing arts, designed to promote happiness,
health and growth.
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