Good health must be everybody’s concern, and to be healthy, a person must take initiatives to motivate self in terms of a healthy diet, exercise, and getting healed by naturopathy; however the nature cure is being concerned with both fitness and long life that finally becomes a survival issue. As stated by Lindlahr, Henry, (1913) Nature Cure is not only a system of curing aches and pains, but also a total uprising in the art of science and living. Nature cure is a helpful treatment method to remove the simple cause of illness by using the natural components available in nature. The natural components not only heal the human system, but also provide a new way of life. Every human is born healthy in accordance with the laws of nature, however if there are some hereditary illnesses, the individual can wipe out those diseases by using the natural means of healing. A proper diet, fresh air, exercise, meditation with prayers, maintaining hygiene, sunshine, and the right mental attitude towards life, play an important role in keeping a sound mind in a sound body. This paper explains how nature cure influences an individual to be in harmony and lead an idealistic lifestyle.
Keywords: Nature, survival, health, sound, illness.
The Nature Cure
Vincent Priessnitz founded 'Nature Cure' at the turn of the 19th century using the practices of a good diet combined with periods of fasting, regular exercise and water therapy to assist the body to maintain health and rid itself of biochemical imbalances as stated by (Bakhru, HK, 2000). We live in a world where wealth can be generated by constantly being in par with the latest technologies in every domain; however in the run for the wealth we have lost the significance of good health in this generation, and have forgotten that “Health is Wealth”. Regardless of our age, stress is caused in many forms because of the tough life that we all live. Life is moving faster with innovative technologies, and the main hazard affecting the environment is the pollution in many forms. Our ancestors kept a glowing health away from any allergies living on a diet of raw live fruits, drinking clean and pure water from the stream, absorbing sunlight for vitamin D, inhaling pure air, and lots of physical activities in the farms and fields. Though, the present generation is conscious about their health and the advantages of the nature cure, not many people indulge in the naturopathy as most of their time is spent trying to move up the ladder in this competitive world.
One view expressed by Priessnitz, Vincent, (1939) is that “Nature provides sufficient supply of oxygen besides what is taken by the lungs; a large quantity is obtained by means of saliva”. The modern system method gets aggressive after the disease has set in, whereas the nature cure system puts more importance on preventive method and adopts measures to cure in a natural manner. We have more parks to walk, lots of information on the internet, multiple choices of food, and readily available organic herbs in the market, to be sound and healthy; however many people get lethargic to try these resources and lead a stress free life. As a substitute to try the naturopathy, we have faith in the internet medication or self-medication to get rid of any ailments. Is it really difficult for us to lead a stress free life or step away for awhile and give ourselves time to heal? The answer lies in the way we deal with stress that will allow us to live and maintain a healthy body.
The nature cure is unnoticed in the modern life; however it is still considered to be the best philosophy in leading a healthy life. To imbibe nature cure in our daily routine is possible by dedicating some time that would surely lead to a positive healthy lifestyle. Develop an exercise routine and adhere to it, find a nurturing place that keeps your mind relaxed, make a group of like-minded people who can work towards Go-Green, learn the joy of giving without any expectations, laugh, think positive, indulge in a natural health treatment, avoid junk food as much as possible, learn yoga and meditation.
The nature has lots to offer to us, and we keep ignoring the benefits. We can still have a long life with all the new medicines in market, but not a healthy life that we would get by following naturopathy. By making the slight changes in our daily routine and abiding by the points mentioned above it is possible to live in harmony with the influences of the laws of nature in the 21st century.
References
Lindlahr, Henry, MD, 1922. Nature Cure: Philosophy & Practice Based on the Unity of Disease & Cure. 25th ed. The Nature Cure Publishing Company 525 South Ashland Boulevard, Chicago.
Bakhru, HK, May 2000. A complete handbook of nature cure, volume 1. [e-book] Jaico, Available at: Google Books [Accessed 10 October 2012].
Priessnitz, Vincent, 2005, The cold water cure. 4th ed. [e-book], Kessinger Publishing, Available at: Google Books [Accessed 10 October 2012].
