Natural therapeutics

Natural therapeutics is as old as mankind itself, conveying itself in many ancient religions and cultures. Recently it has been combined with the knowledge of modern medicine and has gained new strength and validity. Ancient beliefs and practices have been studied alongside modern medicine to give way to alternative sources of therapy and healing. Natural therapeutics seeks to prevent and treat illnesses and disease through a combination of practices in the areas of nutrition, massage therapy, homeopathic and herbal medicine and mental balance.

Natural therapeutics is based on fundamental natural laws as well as modern drugless healing methods. The theories part from the idea that illness and diseases are caused by morbid and pathogenic material in the body. Different germs and bacteria feed upon specific types of pathogenic material, which accumulates due to the types of food, drink and toxins we incorporate into the body. When these pathogenic materials build up in the body’s tissues, they obstruct the capillary circulation, which interferes with the nutrition and drainage of the cells. This means that the cells both starve to death and cannot purify themselves of their own excretions. That is why the first step to natural therapeutics and also the best method of prevention, is a cleansing of the system, thereby detoxifying the body. This can be done through diet and exercise, which harmonize mental and emotional discord. Therefore the solution to sickness and disease, according to Natural Therapeutics, is not treatment through chemicals and drugs, but to purify and rid the body of the material on which the germs and bacteria feed.

Diet and exercise are very important in not only detoxifying the body, but also in maintaining health and preventing disease. According to natural therapeutics, a healthy diet means obtaining the following ratio of daily calories: 70% from complex carbohydrates, 20% from fats and 10% from protein. Complex carbohydrates are unrefined and unprocessed foods, for example whole oats, wheat, rye, rice, barley, fresh fruit, all fresh vegetables, whole white potatoes and yams. Very little meat should be eaten, as it can lead to allergies, cancer, osteoporosis, and depletion of certain nutrients like calcium. Fasting, one of the most ancient healing strategies, can also be used as a method of treatment as it triggers the body’s natural cleansing mechanisms. It eliminates accumulated waste and gives the organs a rest. In natural therapeutics, dieting is the keystone of a healthy body and can be used to both heal and prevent disease.

Other practices utilized in natural therapeutics have the ability to heal certain ailments through human touch. These practices include acupuncture, shiatsu and therapeutic massages. Acupuncture is an oriental practice that involves applying pressure at certain strategic points on a person’s body to release the flow of chi, or energy. Similarly, in Shiatsu the physician applies pressure to points on the patient’s body that affects the flow of the chi. There are two main types of shiatsu: Eastern and Western Shiatsu. Eastern Shiatsu, influenced by principle of Chinese medicine, focuses on the free circulation of the chi throughout the body and mind. Western Shiatsu intends to normalize the nervous system and release the accumulated stress from the body. Therapeutic massage is slightly different, and there are many types of massage. In general the massages aim to relax and tonify the musculature and increase the blood flow throughout the body. This will help bring nutrients to the cells as well as remove certain toxins that have accumulated in injured parts. These practices are very important in the healing process of many illnesses and injuries.

Hydrotherapy is also an age-old natural therapeutic practice involving the use of hot and cold water in order to increase the body’s blood circulation. Hydrotherapy is based on the principle that proper circulation to internal organs and tissues is a necessity for pain relief, optimal metabolic function, repair of damaged or infected tissue and for general well being. It is a simple practice that has incredible effects on certain injuries.

Homeopathy and herbal medicines are used in natural therapeutics as an alternative to chemical and synthetic medicines, which are considered to be toxins. It is widely known that plants and herbs have medicinal properties. Homeopathic remedies can be used in daily life to aid in accidents, burns, allergies and insect bites. Herbal medicines are made in the form of tinctures, salves, teas, and oils and are used to help patients overcome illnesses and diseases and reestablish well being.

It has long been known that a healthy way of living will lead to a long life, free from illness and disease. Natural therapeutics incorporates these ancient practices and knowledge with our modern practices. Natural therapeutics gives us the opportunity to balance our lives and learn to exclude the waste and toxins that continually affect our health. Through the practice of natural therapeutics we can correct our way of being to live healthier, more natural lives.