Early in 1940's, A Flag of The Life Natural was in existence and was published by 'The Nature Cure Publishing House, Trichy' edited by Acharya K. Lakshman Sharma in their journal, 'The Life Natüral Vol. 5 No. 3 in August 1945. It was accepted by the then Naturopaths as a representation of their commitment to Nature Cure. The following is the excerpt from the journal "This flag which has been adopted as the symbol of our allegiance to the law of The Life Natural is interpreted as is explained below.
The "Tri-colour" has came to be recognised as the a symbol of their aspirations by all the freedom loving people of India; and therefore we Nature-Curists as fighters for liberty, in its fullest sense, have adopted it as the symbol of our aspirations.
Nature-Cure has been defined as "the practical realisation of the truth that there is Divine Power behind all the workings of Life, in health and disease," and this is exemplified by the symbol in the centre-an inverted triangle with a sun in the middle.
The central symbol has got another special significance also. The two upper corners of the inverted triangle represent Life and Mind and the lower corner represents the body. Since Life and Mind form the basis for the body, the body is represented as being suspended as it were from Life and Mind. The central sun represents the Spirit or the Atman which pervades the whole of creation. This Spirit not only pervades the whole of creation but also specially resides in the centre of the Trinity, Body,
Life and Mind.
Holism emphasizes the importance of the whole and the interdependence of its parts. It is the recognition that what affects one part or system affects the whole body. Holism is an important concept in the sciences and social sciences, and especially in medicine. Holistic medicine tries to treat the 'whole person' rather than focusing too narrowly on single symptoms. Holistic medicine takes into account that the human body is in constant connection with mind and interacting with the environment around. This is evident in the practice of Yoga and Naturopathy. Why Naturopathy is called a Holistic Science: This is a philosophical perspective that views the 'universe' and its 'parts' as an organic whole. It can be synonymous with 'organicism', an important tradition within the history of natural philosophy. This perspective gave an alternative view while the science of medicine was dominated by reductionist or mechanistic view.
An example of water is often quoted to explain the nature of 'parts' and how this nature changes in combination. Hydrogen's nature is to burn, whereas the nature of oxygen is to assist burning. However, the combination of these two, as all science students know, results in formation of water. But, the nature of water is contrary to its 'parts' behavior. Thus, going deep down to the part level may not always yield desirable results. A Naturopathic physician should be acutely aware of this factor and be observant and vigilant towards the forces that are operating and the role that 'parts' play in the presence of others. The truth is that the sum of 'parts' is not necessarily the total. Naturopathy embraces an array of holistic interventions namely fasting and diet, acupressure, acupuncture, magneto therapy, heliotherapy, mud therapy etc to treat and prevent diseases.
In nature, which is organic " the sum of parts is not total". 'Whole' (Holism) is much more than total.
The 7 Naturopathy Day, which is being celebrated across the country on November 18th, with the theme *Healthy ageing and longevity According to the World Health Organization, healthy aging is "the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables well-being in older age. The healthiest seniors take measures to maintain various aspects of their health as they age. Healthy ageing is about retaining the ability to do the things that make you happy and fulfilled as you get older. Staying physically and mentally well can slow the impacts of ageing: it can also delay your need for aged care services. You may experience some health and mobility challenges as you age. Aging is the time-related deterioration of the physiological functions necessary for survival and reproduction. The phenotypic (individual observable traits) changes of senescence (the process of growing old) are not to be confused with diseases of senescence, such as cancer and heart disease which may affect individuals. Aging well or successful aging has been defined as "the ability to maintain low risk of disease-related disability, high mental and physical function, and active engagement with life", The life expectancy of the Early Bronze Age (5000 years ago) and its contemporaries is around 35-40 years. People died at a very young age. Infant and child mortality was very high. The limited food resources and infectious diseases were also factors, too." Assured food, good dwelling, improved sanitation, gainful employment, etc are some of the key points in increasing life expectancy. People are living, now, well in to their 60's. There are countries where the life expectancy is beyond 70 and 80. There are some exceptional countries where they live beyond 100 years. However, the quality of life matters along with the added number of years. Lot of evidence is generated to establish the fact that the best way to boost the chance of living a long and active life is to follow the advice you likely heard from your parents: eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and stay away from bad habits. The physiological burden of toxic stress load on the system can adversely affect the aging process and lifespan. Chronic stress can lead to heart problems, for example, that put people at risk for early mortality. Nature Cure way of life, which lays emphasis on individual's efforts and active engagement with fiull awareness makes healthy ageing more meaningful and fulfilling. On Nov. 18, 1945, Mahatma Gandhi founded the All-India Nature Cure Foundation Trust with Nature Cure Clinic and Sanatorium (current National Institute of Naturopathy), Pune as its nucleus. The object of making this trust has been specified as "spreading the knowledge of the science of nature cure in all its aspects'. For 90days, from Aug 2 1st to Nov 18th 1945, Gandhi ji along with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel took a course of Nature cure treatment as in-patients under the supervision of Dr Dinshah K Mehta. Gandhiji's health improved and gained 6 lbs in weight. Then, he confidently remarked: "I shall now live for 120 years'' With this message we, as naturopathy enthusiasts, should spread this knowledge for the benefit of humanity, and to promote healthy ageing and longevity. As we observe Naturopathy Day, let us commit to spread awareness about healthy aging and longevity. By integrating the wisdom of nature cure with contemporary health practices, we can empower individuals to lead fulfilling ives, well into their later years. The journey towards healthy aging is a shared responsibility that involves not only personal choices but also societal support systems that nurture and respect the elderly. Together, we can create a future where aging is synonymous with vitality and purpose, Naturally Yours Prof. (Dr) K. Satya Lakshmi
Food is the building material which gives energy but ndoesot increase vitality. Thus proper food selection is a practice to be adopted for economy of vital force by each and every human being which can be achieved with thorough practice and understanding. healthy way to meet the nutritional needs. Plant-based a well planned vegetarian diet is a diet includes foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices. "We are what we eat?⁃ Every cell in our body is made from the nutritional content of our food. Plant-based diet is beneficial for human health because it promotes the development of more diverse microbial flora, Vegetarian diet helps to balance the gut micro biota and improves the gut health. Vegetarian diet or plant-based diet is rich in fibers which are complex carbohydrates found exclusively in plant foods. Being vegetarian does not always guarantee health. It is how you approach a vegetarian lifestyle that matters. A vegetarian who consumes legumes, fruits, seeds, vegetables, nuts will have a different health profile than a vegetarian who consumes a diet high in refined carbohydrates like pasta cookies and cake. While following vegetarian diet we have to be mindful what we are putting in to our body because food has direct impact on vitality.
Mahatma Gandhi not only practiced, experimented Nature Cure for himself; he also experimented on his family members and close associates. Later in life with gained knowledge and confidence experimented on patients also. Who is a Nature Curist according Mahatma Gandhi? The Nature Cure man does not 'sell a cure' to the patient. He teaches him the right way of living in his home, which would not only cure him of his particular ailment but also save him from falling ill in future. The ordinary doctor or vaidya is interested mostly in the study of disease. The Nature Curist is interested more in the study of health. His real interest begins where that of the ordinary doctor ends; the eradication of the patient's ailments under Nature Cure marks only the beginning of a way of life in which there is no room for illness or disease. Nature Cure is thus a way of life, not a course of 'treatment'. It is not claimed that Nature Cure can cure all disease No system of medicine can do that or else we should all be immortals. Harijan, 7-4-1946 The man who accepts Nature Cure never begs. 'Self-help enhances Self-respect". He takes steps to cure himself by eliminating poisons from the system and takes precautions against falling ill in the future. Mahatma Gandhi
How toxins form and accumulate in the body:
In the tissue-building process of metabolism, cell building is called anabolism and cell destruction is known as catabolism. Both the processes occur simultaneously in the living organism. The broken down tissue along with tissue exudates are taken out of the system through lymphatic drainage. When nerve energy is normal, it is eliminated as soon as it is produced. When nerve energy is low due to any reason such as physical exertion mental excitement or bad habits, the body becomes enervated. In an enervated body, elimination is poor, causing retention of toxin in the blood which leads to toxemia. JH Tilden says 'This accumulation of toxin when once established will continue until nerve energy is restored by removing the causes. So-called disease is nature's effort at eliminating the toxin from the blood. All so-called diseases are crises of Toxemia. Elimination of the waste-products of tissue-building is just as necessary as the building-up process. These two important functions depend on each other. And as both depend on the proper amount of nerve-energy to do their work well, people should know to use nerve-energy prudently. This idea laid foundation to the concept of vital economy. How to live frugally is the benchmark of Naturopathic preventive and promotive' care. Food is a stimulant. Overeating is over-stimulating. Add to this excess one or two other stimulants such as excess tea, coffee, use of tobacco, alcohol, overwork and worry, and so on will amount to draining of nerve-energy. Elimination falls far short of requirements; consequently toxin accumulates in the blood. This adds pronounced auto-toxin stimulation to that coming from over-stimulating habits, and completes a vicious circle. This complex stands for a disease-producing toxemia, which will be permanent except as a way of toxic crises known as acute elimination/diseases'. Any treatment that obstructs this effort of elimination leads to hoarding of toxins and thereby chronic afflictions in future.
What is Vitality?
It is the capacity for survival or for continuation of a meaningful or purposeful existence.
What is vital force?
A hypothetical force, independent of physical and chemical forces, regarded as being the causative of the evolution and physical development of living organisms.
What is immunity?
It is a biological term that describes a state of having sufficient biological defenses to avoid infection, disease or other unwanted biological invasions. Immunity is more to do with physical matter, whereas vitality operates in the realms of physical, mental and spiritual entities. To get a perspective on vitality, a re-look into what was substantiated by Dr Henry Lindlahr would suffice here (for clinical application). His method of 'economy of vital force' is a guiding principle in working out a treatment regimen.
Economy of vital force necessitates:
1. Prevention of waste of vital force by the stoppage of all leaks 2. Scientific relaxation, proper rest, and sleep. 3.Proper food selection, magnetic treatment, etc. 4. The right mental attitude. Symptoms of optimum vitality : • Imaginative • Creative • Inspired • Cheerful • Optimum healing • Physically strong • Perceptive • Mental alertness • Powerful intellect • Abundant energy • Acute energy • Acute senses • Radiant appearance Symptoms of lowered vitality : • Dullness • Depression • Heaviness • Unhealthy appearance • Slow healing • Lethargy .Fatigue • Pain and sickness • Low energy • Sluggish metabolism Here are some of the most important factors that can conserve and build vitality today: A. Food and diet include eating habits such as food quantity, food habits, chewing, etc. B. Drinking water is most important. C. Rest and sleep includes going to bed by 9 pm, taking naps when needed, sleeping at least eight hours daily, and other factors such as having fresh air when sleeping D. Deep breathing can do much for healing in some cases E. Avoiding all toxic exposures. These include toxic metals, toxic chemicals, and even electromagnetic toxins found in cell phone emissions, computer emissions etc F. Sexual continence can be another important factor in building vitality for everyone today.
Physiology of How Mind Affects Vitality Our body is made up of trillions of cells. We are a colony and not a single unit. Each cell is an individual unit which is a miniature representation of human body. Cells are not in competition with one another for the most resources. Instead, they work collaboratively and cooperatively, allowing multi-celled organisms to evolve and thrive in changing environments If we can understand the factors providing vitality and health to a single cell, we can unlock the secret to health of our human body. With the emerging researches done in the field of epigenetics, it is proven beyond doubt that we are no longer victims to our genetics. The key points that we need to understand are: 1. Genes do not control the functions in a cell but merely is a blueprint for making new proteins. 2. Genes can be switched on or off in accordance to the environment 3. Our nutrition, stress and emotions can modify our genes. 4. Our emotions are the language of our subconscious minds, influencing ourcells in ways we're just beginning to understand Growth vs Survival Mode : If a cell perceives the environment to be safe, all the growth activities inside it will enhance. If there is a threat in its environment, the growth and repair slows down and the cell moves into an alert or protective mode. As our human body is a colony of cells governed by our subconscious mind , if your mind perceives our environment to be unsafe you are hitting the alarm button and all the growth and repairing function slows down and the body moves in to an alert mode. The work of perception is done by our mind and this decides the fate of our biology. Our perception is formed from our beliefs that we hold in our subconscious mind. So it is very important to hold vitality supporting beliefs. Examples for positive core beliefs are: 1. Everything happens for a reason and a purpose, and it serves. 2. There is no such thing as failure. There are only results. 3. Whatever happens, take responsibility and change accordingly. 4. Work is play and I enjoy it the most 5. Every day in every way my life is getting better etc.
So, if you can set positive beliefs and generate positive thoughts constantly, you will start to experience optimum level of health naturally. Make a habit of thinking thoughts of appreciation and gratitude which will keep you in resourceful state. "Accept -Then Act. Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you have chosen it. Always work with it, not against it.
Henry Lindlahr’s Upas Tree of disease illustrated that the soil that bred disease began by violating Nature’s laws. An image of a person eating healthily, drinking pure water, breathing clean air, working meaningfully, receiving lots of exercise, getting enough rest, and being exposed to sunshine can serve as a counterimage to the Upas Tree. These actions would counteract the Upas Tree's harmful effects. The point is that Lindlahr was pointing out with his metaphor that the roots of disease consisted of human vices such as self-indulgence, lack of self-control, ignorance and indifference to healthy choices. Cumulatively and collective such choices establish in the body a threshold and eventual foundation of lowered vitality, abnormal composition of blood and lymph, and the accumulation of morbid matter and poisons in the body. Essentially, Lindlahr and his colleagues contended, it was the wrong ways of living that resulted in acute or chronic diseases. When disease germs find in the human body the necessary conditions for growth and propagation—namely, lowered vitality, and their congenial morbid soil—they multiply very rapidly and develop all the symptoms of that particular germ disease. The causes of disease and sickness was seen through the lens of Nature. Lindlahr writes: “Barring injury by accident (trauma), and conditions uncongenial to life and health, there is but one primary cause of disease, namely, violations of nature’s laws in our habits of living, and in our treatment of the acute diseases resulting therefrom.” .
