What is Naturopathy & yoga
Naturopathy is a drugless, holistic health care system which believes in the innate healing power. When given an opportunity, the body has the power to heal itself with the aid of natural treatments. Naturopathy emphasizes prevention, treatment and bringing optimal health through the use of therapeutic modalities which encourage the self-healing process. The centuries-old knowledge of natural, non-toxic therapies with current advances in health and disease prevention make the system both traditional and scientific. The modern, fast paced, haphazard lifestyle of today has adversely affected the health and happiness of people. Yoga is one of the major options that has been recommended in order to reduce the adverse impact of the aforementioned lifestyles. Until a few decades ago yoga was known only for its spiritual aims and people believed it to involve the use of magic. In recent times, application of yogic practices as a therapeutic tool has become widespread. Several studies worldwide have conclusively proven the effect of yoga in the promotion of health and prevention of disease. Most of the ills of our scientifically advanced but ethically primitive society are due to a loss of balance and lack of moderation. Yoga and naturopathy blends together perfectly in aligning the body and tuning the mind, thus bringing back the lost balance and moderation creating a new way of life.
A naturopathic diet works to prevent illness, increase energy and improve overall health. It relies on food as close to its natural state as possible. This means eating foods that do not contain artificial ingredients and are free of chemical preservatives and additives. Foods typical of a naturopathic diet include raw vegetables that are organic and seasonal. A naturopathic diet follows the six guiding principles of naturopathic medicine: trust that the body can heal itself; identify and treat the cause; treat the person as an integrative whole; use non-harming and non-invasive techniques; focus on overall health, wellness and disease prevention; and use education to allow people to take responsibility for their health.
Fasting is primarily the act of willingly abstaining from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. During fasting, the body burns up and excretes huge amounts of accumulated wastes. We can help this cleansing process by drinking alkaline juices. 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.
Yoga therapy may be defined as the application of Yogic principles to a particular person with the objective of achieving a particular spiritual, psychological, or physiological goal. Yoga therapy uses yoga postures, breathing exercises, meditation, and guided imagery and cleansing practices to improve mental and physical health. The holistic focus of yoga therapy encourages the integration of mind, body, and spirit.
This is a mode of treatment that uses water in all forms (ice, water and steam) for its application. The water is employed at different temperatures (cold, h ot, neutral) to get different therapeutic benefits.
It is given in a specially designed hip bath tub in which water is filled enough to cover the hips reaching upto the navel of the patient.
It improves blood circulation to the abdomen and pelvis. It helps in increasing the peristaltic movements and thus relieving constipation. It aids in improving the functions of the eliminative organs.
Digestive disorders, Diabetes, Constipation, Piles, Urinary incontinence, Menstrual disorders etc.
The patient is made to lie down with the entire back and spinal column immersed in water in the spinal bath tub.
It is a very good relaxative treatment.
It relieves muscular tension and tones the nerves.
It stimulates spinal nerves.
Helps in reducing blood pressure.
Hypertension, Back pain, Sciatica, Insomnia, Asthma etc.
This tub consists of perforated knobs at the centre through which water at high pressure is made to spray throughout the vertebral column, thus giving a gentle massage.
This is also a relaxative treatment, similar to spinal bath. But its effect on nervous system is more intense and long lasting. Thus, it becomes a very good treatment for insomnia, nervous irritability, hypertension etc.
The patient is made to sit comfortably on a stool. The arms up to the elbows and the legs up to the calf muscles are immersed in water in a specially designed tub. This may be given separately for arm or foot.
Relieves cerebral and chest congestion
Improves circulation to the extremities.
Relieves pain in the hands and legs
Asthma, Head ache, cold, cough, Insomnia, Menstrual disorders
The patient after drinking two to three glasses of water enters the steam cabin and is made to sweat profusely due to the emanating steam. This is immediately followed by a cold shower.
It is one of the main detoxifying treatment
Relieves pain
Aids in weight reduction
Provides muscle relaxation and relieves spasm
Improves blood circulation throughout the body
Maintains the health of the skin
Obesity, Arthritis (Osteo, Rheumatoid and Gouty), Back pain
This includes the exposure of the facial area to steam. Herbs can also be added to it.
One of the beatifying treatment
Opens the skin pores and eliminates the toxins and clogged particles
Relieves nasal and cerebral congestion
Has good mucolytic and expectorant effects
Sinusitis, Cold, cough, Migraine and other head aches, Acne vulgaris etc.
These are local application given to particular body part by means of two pieces of cotton cloth and a piece of woollen cloth. The first piece of cotton cloth is made wet and is wrapped on the body part (chest, throat, abdomen, knee etc) which is then covered by a dry cloth followed by the woollen cloth.
It has a very good smoothening effect
Aids in blood circulation due to vasodilatation
Relieves congestion
Has a good mucolytic and expectorant effect when applied on chest
Local inflammation, pain, edema
Diseases particular to the local body parts.
This involves application of mud which is collected, dried, powdered, and sieved from a non polluted and non contaminated area. The mud made into a paste is applied to the whole body or to particular parts as required. The application may be made directly on the body or may be applied as packs by means of wrapping it in a cotton cloth.
It cools the body by retaining moisture for a longer duration.
Absorbs the colors of sunlight and conveys it to the body.
Opens the skin pores, aids in elimination and improves skin complexion.
Aids in good blood circulation.
Relieves pain and inflammation.
Reduces swelling
Improves digestion and peristalsis when applied to the abdomen.
Mud pack to eyes helps in correcting eye disorders.
Skin diseases (psoriasis, urticaria, leucoderma etc), digestive disorders, constipation, insomnia, eye disorders.