History of Healing

NATUROPATHY

a)

The theory of nature being the great physicial was developed in the early 1800s by the practical phrenologists. (Brown 1988 p.183) Following this, Naturopathy, meaning "nature disease" was developed in the late 1840s by a German man named SAebastian Kneipp. Kneip followed the Hydropathy principles of water as a cure but also used hot baths and steam baths as well as using a watering can to apply gushes to a particulat part of the body. He then introducded plants to his baths and also administered them as teas, extracts, oils and powders. (Whortom 2002 p.191) Benedict Lust, the "father of Naturopathy) was a patient of Kneipp suffering from tuberculosis (Baer et al.2012). He then went on to learn from Kneipp, buying the term "Naturopathy". In 1902 Lust opened the first Naturopathic college.

b)

During the early 20th century, students attended the American School of Naturopathy for eighteen months to attain their degree and were then deemed a Naturopathic Doctor. Today we study a Bachelor degree for four years to become a Naturopath. Naturopathic Doctors used the model of the "tree of disease" (Whorton, James C, 2000 pg 194) in which all disease had a place. It was also believed and taught by Dr. Benedict Lust that there was only one disease which was an inhibition of the body's natural power (Whorton, James C 2000 pg 195). Today we believe in a multitude of diseases with many causes, syptoms and treatments.

c)

In 1989 the American Association of Naturopathic Phusicians formally recognized the six philosophies use to guide a practitioner. These were:

Respect for the healing power of nature

Avoidance of harm to the patient

Concentration on the underlying cause of illness rather than treatment of its symptoms

Regard for the patient as a whole person

Emphasis on prevention

Promotion of wellness

The seventh principle that the healer should also be a teacher was added shortly after. (Whorton, 2002 p.304)

d)

Naturopathic Medicine is a holistic medicine system which uses the healing power of nature. It uses both traditional healing along with modern scientific knowledge to prevent and cure disease. Naturopathy focuses on the body's own healing abilities as well as encouraging and supporting positive lifestyle changes necessary for optimym health (Smith and Logan 2002 pg 173) As stated by Benedict Lust "Giving a sick man things to make him well that would make a well man sick is