Naturopathy- the Whole Healing System

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This essay will consider the philosophies behind the whole healing System, Naturopathy and the modality acupuncture; delving into how they began, how they have changed and how they define ‘health’ and ‘disease’. My personal views will also be discussed on health and disease. In 1900, Doctor Benedict Lust, a German physician who immigrated to America, bought the term ‘naturopathy’ from Dr. John Schell to define the diverse compilation of principles of natural healing (Thiel 2000, p.3). Lust’s intrigue in naturopathy was fueled by the treatment aim to increase the vital force (Thiel 2000, p.3). In 1902, Lust founded the American School of Naturopathy, which taught of the healing power of nature and importance of increasing the vital force (Thiel 2000, p.3). Acupuncture is an ancient method of healing originating in China, dating back to approximately 6000 years ago to which credit cannot be given to a singular founder (Chang 1976, p.3). The oldest known text, dating back to the first century BC is the Yellow Emperor’s classic of Internal Medicine, which defines acupuncture as a valid medical system (Chang 1976, p.14). However by the time of this text, Acupuncture was already an established practice of medicine flourishing in and throughout China (Chang 1976, p.14). From these origins, both naturopathy and acupuncture have grown and advanced to the more scientific based practice they are today (Thiel 2000, p.5). Naturopathy originated as a science distinct from loosely gathered fragments of natural therapy (Trattler & Jones 2001, p.3). Of these natural therapies was; primarily hydrotherapy, and natural cure involving basic elements of food, water, air, light, rest, and herbs to combat disease (Thiel 2000, p.3). For centuries naturopathy has remained a vital practice of medicine alongside orthodox medicine’s methods of drugs and surgery, continuing to provide

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