The Origin of Naturopathy Naturopathy is practiced in different forms in United States, Germany and India among many other civilizations. In India it started in early 1900s. Unlike in the west, Indian naturopathy requires strict vegetarian regimen and yoga practices. Underlining concepts of Indian and western naturopathy bear some similarities. Both tell body has innate capacity to restore physical health. Naturopathy also doesn't approve surgery and use of chemical drugs. Herbs, whole grain food items and other naturally available substances are used in naturopathy. While some of us may be aware of the term "naturopathy," not all of us completely understand the origins and foundations of this relatively unique system of integrated healthcare. Historically, naturopathic medicine was founded on many of the philosophies and teachings of Hippocrates; but the actual development of naturopathy was begun by Dr. Thomas Allinson during the late 1800's in Scotland. After that time, naturopathy expanded to various regions of the world; including North America. Defined by the principles of the Greek philosopher Hippocrates, naturopathy is founded on the healing powers of nature, and its inherent healing abilities. Seeking to identify and treat underlying causes of dis-ease, naturopathic medicine believes in the principle of first doing no harm, and treating the whole person with respect to that person's whole being. The basic concepts of naturopathy have far reaching similarities with that of Ayurveda. According to naturopathy the cause of all diseases is one and has same cure. Naturopathy proclaims a morbid matter theory. According to this theory, accumulation of morbid matter in human body is basic reason for all kinds of diseases. The second concept is of abnormal composition of blood and lymph. The third concept is that diseases are caused due to lowered vitality. Among the many principles of naturopathy, one can find that nature is the best healer and body has the capacity to restore its balanced, healthy state, suppressed diseases and holistic approach to treat the patient on a physical, mental, social (moral) and spiritual level. According to naturopathy principles, body has self-curing capacity, which is suppressed by accumulation of morbid matter. Removal of this matter brings cure to the condition. Unlike looking for specific causes for a disease, a naturopath or a naturopathy practitioner looks into the whole lifestyle of the person. His or her thinking process, sleeping hours, sexual indulgence, food habits, conduct, emotional barrage and many overlooked items. Naturopathy in India got much mileage with Mahatma Gandhi promoting this kind of treatment as the most affordable treatment method for people of India. His quote 'Rama Nama (the name of Lord Rama) is the best natural treatment' is famous. It suggests one must have faith in his God and prayer is an important part of treatment. Naturopathy also doesn't approve surgery and use of chemical drugs. Herbs, whole grain food items and other naturally available substances are used in naturopathy. Naturopathy can include hydrotherapy, soil therapy, acupressure, aromatherapy and items like that. Many of the treatment methods followed in naturopathy are not approved by most people of India and the scope of naturopathy is not anywhere near Ayurveda. However naturopathy institutes and training centers in India try to make a difference to this situation. The concepts of naturopathy are really great to read about and listen to. More scientific research, documentation of treatments and compilation of case studies are needed before promoting naturopathy in full scale. The Principles of Naturopathy In order to encourage the body to heal naturally, naturopathy follows seven basic principles. These include: Do no harm to the body by providing the most effective health care possible while putting the patient at the least amount of risk Respect and promote the body’s self-healing power Remove all causes of illness rather than simply suppressing the symptoms Inspire hope and encourage the patient to take responsibility for his or her health Consider individual health influences and factors when treating a patient Promote well being in individuals and throughout the world