Naturopathic Philosophy

Cindy Heaster

Life has never been as polluted, modified, fast paced and discordant with nature as it is in the Twenty-First century. Humankind has polluted even the most remote parts of the planet in the industrial struggle to produce more, compete more effectively and squeeze more hours into each working day at the expense of both environment and human wellness. Air pollution, ozone layer damage, labour saving devices, artificial food processing, and disregard of mental well being hinder complete harmony with the laws of nature. Everything from the water we drink and the air we breathe, to the sun rays shining down on us has been damaged and changed by human existence. Nature is being destroyed. Both physical and mental wellbeing is deteriorating because of this. However, it is possible to increase the level of harmony between nature and individuals who are prepared to make intelligent lifestyle changes which draw them closer to nature, and the healing power it offers.

To live in harmony with the laws of nature requires that nature itself is harmonious. Unfortunately, for the majority, if not the whole planet, one or more aspects of nature have been damaged by humans;

-         The air is not fresh. For those living near cities and towns, exposure to air pollution is the main environmental threat to human health. Emissions have an environmental impact over long distances, affecting animals, minerals and plants (The World Bank, 2006). Pollutants are not only outside the home; low levels of volatile organic compounds released from building materials pollute the indoor environment for many years (Brown, 2002; Chattopadhyay, Lin & Feitz, 2003). These problems are especially poignant in the Twenty-First century, when industrial pollution and the use of synthetic building materials has almost become a way of life, a life very far removed from nature.

-         The effects of pollution have even influenced the sunshine shining down on us, with holes in the ozone layer exposing Earth’s inhabitants to high UV-B levels, contributing to immune suppression and cataracts (U.N. Environmental Effects Assessment Panel, 2004).

-         Modern food is not natural. It is processed, packed, transported, refrigerated, frozen, genetically modified and flavour enhanced before it even reaches supermarket shelves. Even ‘fresh’ supermarket foods such as vegetables are sprayed with cancer causing chemicals (Montague, 2001) or irradiated. For many in Western countries, large proportions of the diet are eaten in restaurants (Micozzi, 2006), many of which don’t publicize the ingredients used, or how natural their cuisine is. And even if food is cooked at home, faster, unnatural, packaged alternatives are being prepared in order to keep up with the fast pace of the Twenty-First century lifestyle.

The practicalities of a typical twenty-first century lifestyle are inherently opposed to nature:

-         Modern transport and labour saving devices have massively reduced daily physical activity. Instead of returning to natural exercise, the modern fitness trend is to use work out machines in order to make up for lack of exercise due to use of labour saving machines!

-         Hygiene in the twenty first century is anything but natural – soaps are scented with artificial chemicals, skin care products are made of petroleum by-products, and even artificial the water has small amounts of poison added to it before it comes out the tap.

Twenty-First century breakdown of family structures, instability, unemployment, and lack of parental authority have led to a definite decline in mental well being, especially in city areas (Tubiana, 2001). An imbalanced focus on materialism at the expense of spiritual and mental wellness has led to an increased level of global stress.

Although the harmonious balance between nature and humanity has been disrupted, all is not lost. It is possible for each individual to choose to defy the Twenty-First century burden of pollution and lack of wellness and for them to live more harmoniously with nature. How?

-         Patient and public education, with an emphasis on holistic wellness and lifestyle modification which engenders a sense of responsibility in individuals is fundamental to nature cure (Micozzi, 2006).

-         Air quality can be improved by diminishing the sources of air pollution (Robinson, 2005), or by physically removing the individual to a place where there is really fresh air, deep in the heart of nature.

-         Although the ozone layer has been damaged, the sun continues to exert an overall therapeutic effect on health (Fuchs, n.d.; Lucas, Repacholi & McMichael, 2006). Individuals should be sun smart, and avoid excess exposure, whilst still enjoying the healing energy the sun has to offer.

-         Really fresh food can be enjoyed by going back to nature, and eating home grown, unrefined produce. Even in cities it is possible to buy organic foods, which are much more natural and reduce intoxication with pesticides (Lu C, 2006). Buying local produce decreases the impact of transportation and storage on the freshness of food.

-         In order to facilitate the removal of the toxins that inevitably build up in the body, periodical fasting is recommended. Hydrotherapy in the form of hot water can also be used to promote relief of toxins, as it increases circulation (Balch, 2000).

-         Adequate, quality physical exercise improves well being (Penedo & Dahn, 2005). Aerobic, flexibility, balancing and strength exercises can be combined to aid digestion, reduce stress and improve mental well being (Micozzi, 2006).

-         Mental well being can be enhanced through positive illusions (Brookings & Serratelli, 2006), constructive thoughts (Micozzi, 2006) and emotional control (Phillips, Henry, Hosie & Milne, 2006).

Harmony is “the pleasing or congruent arrangement of parts” (Merriam-Webster, 2005). Due to pollution, lifestyle choices which ignore nature and social, spiritual and emotional decline, it is difficult to live in harmony with the laws of nature in the twenty first century. The relationship between nature and the individual can become more harmonious, more congruous by utilising nature cure techniques such as therapeutic nutrition, detoxification, hydrotherapy and lifestyle modification. It’s time for the human race to get back to nature, to slow down and to let their bodies realise the wonderful holistic healing potential our Great Creator has instilled in all creation.

Reference List

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