Definition of Naturopathy

Naturopathy is a system of man building in harmony with the constructive principles of

Nature on physical, mental, moral and spiritual planes of living. It has great health
promotive, disease preventive and curative as well as restorative potential.

According to the manifesto of British Naturopathic Association, "Naturopathy is a system

of treatment which recognises the existence of the vital curative force within the body." It
therefore, advocates aiding human system to remove the cause of disease i.e. toxins by
expelling unwanted and unused matters from human body for curing diseases.

Salient Features of Naturopathy

The main features of Naturopathy are:

1. All diseases, their causes and treatment are one. Except for traumatic and
environmental conditions, the cause of all diseases is one i.e. accumulation of
morbid matter in the body. The treatment of all diseases is elimination of
morbid matter from the body.
2. The primary cause of disease is accumulation of morbid matter. Bacteria and
virus enter and survive in the body only after the accumulation of morbid
matter when a favourable atmosphere for their growth is established in body.
Hence, the basic cause of disease is morbid matter and bacteria secondary
causes.
3. Acute diseases are self-healing efforts of the body. Hence, they are our
friends, not the enemy. Chronic diseases are outcome of wrong treatment and
suppression of the acute diseases.
4. Nature is the greatest healer. The human body itself has the healing power to
prevent itself from disease and regain health if unhealthy.
5. In Nature Cure it is not the disease but the entire body of the patient which is
caused and is renewed.
6. Naturopathy Cures Patients suffering from chronic ailments are also treated
successfully in comparatively less time by Naturopathy.
7. In Nature Cure the suppressed diseases are brought to surface and are
removed permanently.
8. Naturopathy treats all the aspects like physical, mental, social and spiritual at
the same time.
9. Naturopathy treats the body as a whole.
10. According to Naturopathy, “Food is only the Medicine”, no external
medications are used.
11. Performing prayer according to one’s spiritual faith is an important part of
treatment

Diet Therapy
According to this therapy, the food must be taken in natural form. Fresh seasonal fruits,
fresh green leafy vegetables and sprouts are excellent. These diets are broadly
classified into three types which are as follows:
 1. Eliminative Diet: Liquids-Lemon, Citric juices, Tender Coconut water,
Vegetable soups, Butter milk, Wheat Grass juices etc.
2. Soothing Diet: Fruits, Salads, Boiled/Steamed Vegetables, Sprouts,
Vegetable chutney etc.
3. Constructive Diet: Wholesome flour, Unpolished rice, little pulses, Sprouts,
Curd etc.
4. Being alkaline, these diets help in improving health, purifying the body and
rendering it immune to disease. To this end, a proper combination of food is
necessary. Our diet should consist of 20% acidic and 80% alkaline food for
maintaining health. A balanced food is a must for any individual seeking good
health. Food is regarded as Medicine in Naturopathy.

Fasting Therapy
Fasting is primarily the act of willingly abstaining from some or all food, drink, or both, for
a period of time. The word id derived from the old English, ‘Feastan’ means to fast,
observe, be strict. In Sanskrit ‘ Vrath’ means ‘determination’ and ‘Upavasa’ means ‘near
to God’ A fast may be total or partial concerning that from which one fasts, and may be
prolonged or intermittent as to the period of fasting. Fasting is an important treatment
modality for health preservation. In fasting, mental preparedness is an essential pre-
condition. Prolonged fasting should be done only under the supervision of a competent
Naturopath.

The duration of the fast depends upon the age of the patient, the nature of the disease
and amount and type of drugs previously used. It is some times advisable to undertake a
series of short fasts of two or three days and gradually increase the duration of each
succeeding fast by a day or so. No harm will accrue to fasting patient provided they take
rest and are under proper professional care.

Fasting can be with water, juices or raw vegetable juices. The best, safest and most
effective method is lime juice fasting. During fasting, the body burns up and excretes
huge amounts of accumulated wastes. We can help this cleansing process by drinking
alkaline juices. Sugars in juices will strengthen the heart, juice fasting is therefore the
best form of fasting. All juices should be prepared from fresh fruit immediately before
drinking. Canned or frozen juices should not be used. A precautionary measure, which
must be observed in all cases of fasting, is the complete emptying of the bowels at the
beginning of the fast by enema so that the patient is not bothered by gas or
decomposing matter formed from the excrements remaining in the body. Enemas should
be used at least every alternate day during the fasting period. The total liquid intake
should be approximately six to eight glasses. A lot of energy is spent during the fast in
the process of eliminating accumulated poisons and toxic waste materials. It is therefore,
of utmost importance that the patient gets as much physical rest and mental relaxation
as possible during the fast.

The success of the fast depends largely on how it is broken. The main rules for break in
the fast are: do not overeat, eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly and take several
days for the gradual change to the normal diet.

Benefits and Physiological effects of Fasting

Physicians of most cultures, throughout history, have recommended extended fasting as
therapy for various conditions from ancient to modern. Though earlier observations were
studied without scientific methodology or understanding they still point to utilization of
fasting as a therapeutic modality. Earlier observations were based on animal behaviour
but today they are based on animal physiology. We will try to discern in this article as to
how best fasting could be useful in promoting ones health through review of literature
that describes physiological and metabolic benefits.

Prominent among the physiological effects conferred by fasting (Calorie Restriction and
Intermittent Fasting) are the following: increased insulin sensitivity that results in reduced
plasma glucose and insulin concentrations and improved glucose tolerance, reduced
levels of oxidative stress as indicated by decreased oxidative damage to proteins, lipids
and DNA, increased resistance to various types of stress including heat, oxidative and
metabolic stresses and enhanced immune function.

Both gross and cellular physiology is profoundly affected by caloric restriction (CR) or
intermittent fasting (IF) regimes. With respect to gross physiology there is of course a
significant reduction of body fat and mass, which supports a healthy cardiovascular
system and reduces incidents of myocardial infarction. In addition to cardioprotection a
greater tolerance to stress is induced in the liver, the nutrient core of homo sapiens. The
presence of alternative energy stores such as ketone bodies (e.g. β-hydroxybutyrate)
enable homo sapiens to survive additional stresses of life. Excessive and deleterious
blood glucose is curtailed by an enhanced sensitivity to insulin (Ins) and glucose and its
utilization as an energy source

Mud Therapy
Mud therapy is very simple and effective treatment modality. The mud used for this
should be clean and taken from 3 to 4 ft. depth from the surface of the ground. There
should be no contamination of stone pieces or chemical manures etc. in the mud.

Mud is one of five elements of nature having immense impact on the body both in health
and sickness. Advantages of using mud:

1. Its black colour absorbs all the colours of the Sun and conveys them to the
body.
2. Mud retains moisture for a long time, when applied over the body part it
causes cooling.
3. Its shape and consistency can be changed easily by adding water.
4. It is cheap and easily available.

Before using, mud should be dried, powdered and sieved to separate stones, grass
particles and other impurities

Mud Pack - Local Application

Keeping soaked mud in a thin, wet muslin cloth and making it into a thin flat brick
depending on the size of the patient’s abdomen, apply it.  The duration of the mud pack
application is 20 to 30 minutes. When applied in cold weather, place a blanket over the
mud pack and cover the body as well.
Benefits of mud pack

1. When applied to abdomen it relieves all forms of indigestion. It is effective in

decreasing intestinal heat and stimulates peristalsis.
2. A thick mud pack applied to head in congestive headache, relieves the pain
immediately. Hence this is recommended whenever there is necessity for a
prolonged cold application.
3. Application of the pack over the eyes is useful in cases of conjunctivitis,
hemorrhages in the eyeball, itching, allergy, errors of refraction like short sight
and long sight and especially useful in glaucoma where it helps to reduce
eyeball tension.

Mud Pack for Face

Soaked mud is applied on the face and allowed to dry for 30 minutes. This is helpful in
improving the complexion of the skin and removing pimples and open skin pores which
in turn facilitate elimination. This also is helpful in eliminating dark circles around the
eyes. After 30 minutes, face should be washed thoroughly with cold water.

Mud Bath

Mud may be applied to the patient in sitting or lying position. This helps to improve the
skin condition by increasing the circulation and energizing the skin tissues. Care should
be taken to avoid catching cold during the bath. Afterwards, the patient must be
thoroughly washed with cold water jet spray. If the patient feels chill, warm water should
be used. The patient is, then, dried quickly and transferred to a warm bed. The duration
of mud bath may be 45 to 60 minutes.

Benefits of mud bath

1. The effects of mud are refreshing, invigorating, and vitalizing.

2. For wounds and skin diseases, application of mud is the only true bandage.
3. Mud therapy is used for giving coolness to body.
4. It dilutes and absorbs the toxic substances of body and ultimately eliminates
them from body.
5. Mud is used successfully in different diseases like constipation, headache due
to tension, high blood pressure, skin diseases etc.
6. Gandhiji used to take mud pack to get rid of constipation

Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is a branch of Nature Cure. It is the treatment of disorders using different
forms of water. These forms of water application are in practice since age-old days.
Hydrothermal therapy additionally uses its temperature effects, as in hot & cold baths,
saunas, wraps, etc and in all its forms-solid, fluid, vapour, ice and steam, internally and
externally. Water is without doubt the most ancient of all remedial agents for disease.
This great healing agent has now been systematized and made into a science. Hydriatic
applications are generally given in different temperatures, the temperature of application
are given in the below table.
 Sl.No. Temperature Fahrenheit
o  o
 Celsius

1 Very Cold (Ice Application) 30-55 -1-13

2 Cold 55-65 13-18

3 Cool 65-80 18-27

4 Tepid 80-92 27-33

33-37
5 Warm (Neutral) 92-98 (92-95)
(33-35)

6 Hot 98-104 37-40

Above
7 Very Hot Above 104
40
Effects & uses of Water

1. Taking bath properly with clean cold water is an excellent form of

Hydrotherapy. Such baths open up all the pores of the skin and make the
body light and fresh. In the cold bath all systems and muscles of body get
activated and the blood circulation improves after bath. The old tradition of
taking bath in rivers, ponds or waterfalls on specific occasions is virtually a
natural form of Hydrotherapy only.
2. It is the most flexible medium for producing the thermic and mechanical
effects desired and can be applied to a limited area or to the whole body
surface.
3. It is capable of absorbing heat and also gives out heat with great readiness. It
can, therefore, be used either for abstracting heat from the body or
communicating heat to it. Though cold water is chiefly used, the purpose is
not to take away or reduce the bodily heat, but to increase the vital power to
generate more heat than what is lost.
4. Being a universal solvent, its use internally, in the form of Enema or Colonic
Irrigation or Water drinking aid greatly in the elimination of uric acid, urea,
salts, excessive sugar, and many other blood and food chemicals that are
waste products.

In should also be noted that the successful use of these methods needs a certain level
of vital power. Where that power is too low, these are useless. As in acute conditions
there is a higher degree of vital power, and hence there is a certainty of vital reaction. In
chronic cases, where the vital power is lower, these baths are less useful, but in such
cases the packs are useful because they are milder in their application.

Water is used in many forms in treatment. The various forms of treatments are:

Compresses and Fomentation:

1. Cold Compress: Abdominal Cold Compress.

 2. Heating Compress: Chest pack, abdominal pack, wet girdle pack, throat pack,
Knee pack, and full wet sheet pack.
3. Hot and Cold Compresses: Head, Lung, Kidney, Gastro-Hepatic, pelvic &
Abdominal hot and cold compresses.
4. Fomentation

Baths

1. Hip Bath- Cold, Neutral, Hot, Stiz Bath and alternative hip bath.
2. Spinal Bath & Spinal Spray:-Cold, Neutral, Hot
3. Foot and Arm Bath: Cold, Hot Foot Bath, Arm Bath, Hot Foot and Arm bath
Combined, Contrast Arm Bath and Contrast Foot Bath.
4. Steam Inhalation & Steam Bath
o Sauna Bath
o Sponge Bath

Jetspray massages

1. Cold, Neutral, Hot, Alternate, Circular jet Spray massage

2. Affusion Baths: Cold Affusions, Neutral Affusions, Hot Affusions, Hot and Cold
Affusions
3. Cold Shower
4. Trauma

Immersion Baths

Cold Immersion Bath, Cold Immersion with Friction, Neutral Immersion Bath, Hot
Immersion, Neutral Half Bath, Graduated Immersion Bath with Epsom Salt, Asthma
Bath, Whirlpool Bath, under water massage.

Enema

Graduated Enema, Vaginal Irrigation, Cold Irrigation, Neutral Irrigation, Hot Irrigation.

One of the modalities of Hydro therapy is Colon Therapy.

Colon Hydrotherapy

It is the process of cleansing and flushing out colon or large intestine. The treatment is
similar to an enema but is more extensive. It uses clean filtered water under gentle
pressure (without pain) to wash out or detoxify colon of stagnated faecal materials. The
number of sessions will depend on individual. Most people require a series of 3-6
treatments to receive a thorough cleansing of the colon.

Benefits and Physiological effects of Hydrotherapy

The recuperative and healing properties of hydrotherapy are based on its mechanical
and/or thermal effects. It exploits the body’s reaction to hot and cold stimuli, to the
protracted application of heat, to pressure exerted by the water and to the sensation it
gives. The nerves carry impulses felt at the skin deeper into the body, where they are
instrumental in stimulating the immune system, influencing the production of stress
hormones, invigorating the circulation and digestion, encouraging blood flow, and
lessening pain sensitivity. Generally, heat quiets and soothes the body, slowing down
the activity of internal organs. Cold, in contrast, stimulates and invigorates, increasing
internal activity.

Its mechanical action occurs during the bath when the body weight decreases by 50% to
90% when submerged in a bath, a pool, or a whirlpool, experiences a kind of
weightlessness. Body is relieved from the constant pull of gravity. Water also has a
hydrostatic effect. It has a massage-like feeling as the water gently kneads your body.
Water, in motion, stimulates touch receptors on the skin, boosting blood circulation and
releasing tight muscles.

Massage Therapy
Massage is an excellent form of passive exercise. The word is derived from the Greek
word ‘massier’ which means to kneed, from French "friction of kneading", or from Arabic
massa meaning "to touch, feel or handle" or from Latin massa meaning "mass, dough”.
Massage is the practice of soft tissue manipulation with physical (anatomical), functional
(physiological), and in some cases psychological purposes and goals. If correctly done
on a bare body, it can be highly stimulating and invigorating.

Massage is also a modality of Naturopathy and quite essential for maintaining good
health. Massage involves acting on and manipulating the body with pressure –
structured, unstructured, stationary, or moving – tension, motion, or vibration, done
manually or with mechanical aids. Target tissues may include muscles, tendons,
ligaments, skin, joints, or other connective tissue, as well as lymphatic vessels. Massage
can be applied with the hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearm, and feet. There are over
eighty different recognized massage modalities. It aims at improving blood circulation
and strengthening bodily organs. In winter season, sun bath after massaging the whole
body is well known practice of preserving health and strength. It is beneficial to all. It
bestows combined benefits of massage and sun rays therapy. In disease conditions,
necessary therapeutic effects can be obtained through specific techniques of massage.
Massage is a substitute of exercise for those who cannot do the same. The effects of
exercise can be derived from massage. Various oils are used as lubricants like mustard
oil, sesame oil, coconut oil, olive oil, aroma oils etc. which also have therapeutic effects.

There are seven fundamental modes of manipulation in massage and these are: Touch,
effleurage (stroking), friction (rubbing), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (percussion),
vibration (shaking or trembling) and Joint movement. Movements vary according to
disease condition and parts applied.

Another form of massage helpful in most ailments are the vibratory massage, Powder
massage, Water massage, Dry massage. Powders of neem leaves, rose petals and are
also used as lubricants for massage.

Physiological Effects of Massage

Reflex Effects (responses mediated by the nervous system)

1. Vasodilation of arteries
2. Stimulation of peristalsis (aids in digestion)
 3. Increase or decrease in muscle tone
4. Increases activity of the organs in the abdominal cavity
5. Triggers the relaxation response
6. Soothing or stimulating effect on muscles
7. Stimulates the heart, increases strength and rate of contraction
8. Increases efficiency of the immune system

Mechanical Effects (responses resulting from directly applied manual pressure)

1. Increased venous return

2. Increased lymphatic flow, Lymphatic drainage
3. Circulatory efficiency
4. Loosening of mucous (respiratory system)
5. Breakdown of fibrosis/adhesions
6. Stretch to shortened muscles/loosens muscle fibres
7. Increased muscle temperature
8. Increased metabolic rate locally and gaseous exchange
9. Stretches scar tissue
10. Decreased muscle tone/increased muscle tone
11. Increased range of Motion
12. Restoration of proper joint mechanics/biomechanics
13. Elimination of muscle imbalances
14. Strengthen weakened muscles

Benefits of massage

The general massage, dealing with all parts of the body, is highly beneficial in many
ways. It tones up the nervous system, influences respiration and quickens the
elimination of poisons and waste material from the body through the various eliminative
organs such as the lungs, skin, kidneys and bowels. It also boosts blood circulation and
metabolic processes. A massage removes facial wrinkles, helps to fill out hollow cheeks
and neck and eases stiffness, sore muscles and numbness.

Peer-reviewed medical research has shown that the benefits of massage include pain
relief, reduced trait anxiety and depression, and temporarily reduced blood pressure,
heart rate, and state anxiety. Theories behind what massage might do include blocking
nociception (gate control theory), activating the parasympathetic nervous system which
may stimulate the release of endorphins and serotonin, preventing fibrosis or scar tissue,
increasing the flow of lymph, and improving sleep but such effects are yet to be
supported by well designed clinical studies.

Acupressure

Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses the fingers or any blunted objects to
press key points called as ‘Acu Points’ (Energy stored points) on the surface rhythmically
on the skin to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities. When these points are
pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the
body’s life force to aid healing.

Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points, while acupressure uses the gentle
but firm pressure of hands or any blunted objects, but acupuncture employs needles,
Acupressure has been practiced as a healing art for at least 5,000 years. This complete
health system has been documented for use in treating over 3000 conditions. Now
acupoints are commonly treated utilizing transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (aka
TENS) and laser light from laser or LED diodes in specific wavelengths shown to have
rapid and lasting effects.

Acupressure philosophy and acupoint stimulation is based on the same principles as

Acupuncture. By using pressure, electric stimulation or laser light instead of needles, it
works to stimulate specific reflex points located along the lines of energy which run
through the body, called meridians. There are 14 main meridian lines, each of which
corresponds to an individual organ of the body. When the vital energies are able to flow
through the meridians in a balanced and even way, the result is good health. When you
experience pain or illness it is an indication that there is a block or leak in the energy
flow within your body.

To find the appropriate point, gently probe the area until it is found that point which gives
a "funny bone" feeling or is sensitive, tender or sore. Then press hard enough to make
the point hurt. Stimulation is given by steady pressure or five seconds on and five
seconds off rotating pressure. Usually one minute is sufficient for each treatment
session.

Acupressure can be effective in helping relieve headaches, eyestrain, sinus problems,

neck pain, backaches, arthritis, muscle aches, and tension due to stress, ulcer pain,
menstrual cramps, lower back aches, constipation, and indigestion, anxiety, insomnia.

There are also great advantages to using acupressure as a way to balance the body and
maintain good health. The healing touch of acupressure reduces tension, increases
circulation, and enables the body to relax deeply. By relieving stress, acupressure
strengthens resistance to disease and promotes wellness.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the procedure of inserting and manipulating fine filiform needles into
specific points on the body to relieve pain or for therapeutic purposes. The word
acupuncture comes from the Latin acus, "needle", and pungere, "to prick".

According to traditional Chinese medical theory, acupuncture points are situated on

meridians along which qi, the vital energy, flows. There is no known anatomical or
histological basis for the existence of acupuncture points or meridians.

In China, the practice of acupuncture can perhaps be traced as far back as the Stone
Age, with the Bian shi, or sharpened stones. Acupuncture’s origins in China are
uncertain. The earliest Chinese medical text that first describes acupuncture is the
Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine (History of Acupuncture) Huangdi Neijing,
which was compiled around 305–204 B.C. Some hieroglyphics have been found dating
back to 1000 B.C. that may indicate an early use of acupuncture.According to one
legend, acupuncture started in China when some soldiers who were wounded by arrows
in battle experienced a relief of pain in other parts of the body, and consequently people
started experimenting with arrows (and later needles) as therapy.Acupuncture spread
from China to Korea, Japan and Vietnam and elsewhere in East Asia. Portuguese
missionaries in the 16th century were among the first to bring reports of acupuncture to
the West.
Traditional Theories of Acupuncture

In Traditional Chinese medicine, "health" is considered a condition of balance of yin and

yang within the body. Some have compared yin and yang to the sympathetic and
parasympathetic nervous systems. Particularly important in acupuncture is the free flow
of Qi, a difficult-to-translate concept that pervades Chinese philosophy and is commonly
translated as "vital energy". Qi is immaterial and hence yang; its yin, material counterpart
is Blood (capitalized to distinguish it from physiological blood, and very roughly
equivalent to it). Acupuncture treatment regulates the flow of Qi and Blood, tonifying
where there is deficiency, draining where there is excess, and promoting free flow where
there is stagnation. An axiom of the medical literature of acupuncture is "no pain, no
blockage; no blockage, no pain."

Traditional Chinese medicine treats the human body as a whole that involves several
"systems of function" generally named after anatomical organs but not directly
associated with them. The Chinese term for these systems is Zang Fu, where zang is
translated as "viscera" or solid organs and fu is translated as "bowels" or hollow organs.
In order to distinguish systems of function from physical organs, Zang Fu are capitalized
in English, thus Lung, Heart, Kidney, etc. Disease is understood as a loss of balance of
Yin, Yang, Qi and Blood (which bears some resemblance to homeostasis). Treatment of
disease is attempted by modifying the activity of one or more systems of function
through the activity of needles, pressure, heat, etc. on sensitive parts of the body of
small volume traditionally called "acupuncture points" in English, or "xue" in Chinese.
This is referred to in TCM as treating "patterns of disharmony."

Most of the main acupuncture points are found on the "twelve main meridians" and two
of the "eight extra meridians" (Du Mai and Ren Mai) a total of "fourteen channels", which
are described in classical and traditional Chinese medical texts, as pathways through
which Qi and "Blood" flow. Other tender points (known as "ashi points") may also be
needled as they are believed to be where stagnation has gathered.

Series of diseases, symptoms or conditions for which acupuncture has been

demonstrated as an effective treatment:

1. Allergic rhinitis
2. Depression
3. Headache
4. Nausea and vomiting including morning sickness
5. Pain in the epigastrium, face, neck, tennis elbow, lower back, knee, during
dentistry and after operations
6. Primary dysmenorrhea
7. Rheumatoid arthritis
8. Sciatica
9. Cervical and Lumbar Sponsylosis
10. Bronchial Asthma
11. Insomnia

Chromo Therapy

Seven colours of Sun rays have different therapeutic effects. These colours are-Violet,
Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange and Red. For being healthy and in treatment of
different diseases, these colours work effectively. Water and oil exposed to sun for
specified hours in coloured bottles and coloured glasses, are used as devices of Chromo
Therapy for treating different disorders. The simple methods of Chromo Therapy help in
the process of recovery in a very effective manner.

Air Therapy

Fresh air is most essential for good health. The advantage of air therapy can be
achieved by means of Air bath. Everybody should take an air bath daily for 20 minutes or
longer if possible. It is more advantageous when combined with morning cold rub and
exercises. In this process, one should walk daily after removing the clothes or wearing
light clothes at a lonely clean place where adequate fresh air is available. Another
alternate method is in a constructed room without roof and surrounded by shutter like
walls so as to allow free passage of air but prevent any view of the interior.

Mechanism

In order to react against the chilling effect of cold air or water, the nerve centers, which
control the circulation, send the blood to the surface in large quantities, flushing the skin
with warm, red, arterial blood. The flow of the blood stream is greatly accelerated and
elimination of morbid matter on the surface of the body is correspondingly increased.

Benefits

Air bath has soothing and tonic effect upon the millions of nerve endings all over the
surface of the body. It has good results in cases of nervousness, neurasthenia,
rheumatism, skin, mental and various other chronic disorders.

Magnet Therapy
Magnet therapy is a clinical system in which human ailments are treated and cured
through the application of magnets to the body of the patients. It is the simplest,
cheapest and entirely painless system of treatment with almost no side or after effects.
The only tool used is the magnet.

Magnetic treatment is applied directly to the body parts by the therapeutic magnets
available in different powers or as general treatment to the body. Also magnetic belts are
available for different parts e.g. Abdomen, knee, wrist etc. Magnetic necklaces, glasses
and bracelets are also used for treatment.

Benefits

Helps in balancing the energy; Improves circulation to the applied area; Increases the
warmthness in the body.

Education in Naturopathy
The development and promotion of Yoga and Naturopathy could not be attained as
expected at par with Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy due to huge dearth for
qualified manpower. However, in the recent years, many NGOs and Voluntary
Organizations have come up to establish Yoga and Naturopathy Health Homes as well
as Degree Colleges.

At present, there are 12 such Colleges in India,

1. Three in Karnataka affiliated to Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences,

Bangalore
2. Four in Tamil Nadu MGR Medical University, Chennai
3. Two in Andhra Pradesh, University of Health Sciences, Vijayawada
4. One in AYUSH University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh
5. One in Bharkatulla University, Bhopal & Ayurveda University, Jamnagar,
Gujarat

Course available on Naturopathy & Yoga: 5 ½ years (4 ½ yr course + 1 yr Internship)

Degree course leading to “Bachelor of Naturopathy & Yogic Sciences (B.N.Y.S.)”

The approach of this medical education course not only encompasses Yoga and
Naturopathy philosophy but also emphasizes the clinical tools and modalities necessary
to establish a successful practice. These Colleges are endowed with theoretical,
practical, clinical facilities which help to train the students multi-dimensionally. In this
course, the students are offered to study diverse holistic treatment modalities which are
totally drugless and natural in all aspects.

It is quite interesting that many of the Modern Medical Institutes of the country took a
serious effort to prove the efficacy of Yoga and its various aspects. Accepting Yoga as a
tool for balanced and all-round development of human personality, some of the
Universities have established Yoga Department, where Teacher’s Training Programmes
of one year duration are going on. There are 18 Universities which impart Certificate,
Diploma and Degree courses in Yoga. UGC is also promoting Yoga by financing the
Universities to start the Yoga courses in the Universities. Some Universities are
imparting Yoga education ranging from Certificate to Ph.D level courses. Many
Universities are likely to start Yoga Department in the years to come. In many of the
foreign Universities, the faculty of Yoga has been established and the research work is
in progress. Some of the States are proposing to adopt Yoga in their educational
curriculum. About one thousand Yoga teachers have been appointed in different Schools
of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Delhi Government and New Delhi Municipal Corporation. There
are many countries other than India where Yoga is being practiced regularly for
treatment of psychosomatic disorders.

It is quite encouraging to know that in many of the western countries, the education of
Naturopathy is greatly emphasised and due recognition has been given. There are
several Colleges in various parts of USA, Germany, Britain like National College of
Naturopathic Medicine, Oregon and British College of Naturopathy and Osteopathy,
London.