Evolution of Naturopathy....

History of Naturopathic Medicine

Some see the ancient Greek "Father of Medicine", Hippocrates, as the first advocate of naturopathic medicine. [2]. In Scotland, Dr Thomas Allinson started advocating naturopathy in the 1880s, promoting a natural diet and exercise with avoidance of tobacco and overwork. [3]
In the USA, the term naturopathy was coined before 1900, by John Scheel, and used by Benedict Lust. Lust had been schooled in hydrotherapy and other natural health practices in Germany by Father Sebastian Kneipp, who sent Lust to the United States to bring them Kneipp's methods. In 1905, Lust founded the American School of Naturopathy in New York, the first naturopathic college in the United States but "according to the New York Department of State, and the Florida Report to Governor Leroy Collins, it appears that this naturopathic school was never anything but a diploma mill". [4]. Lust took great strides in promoting the profession, culminating in passage of licensing laws in several states prior to 1935, including Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington and the founding of several naturopathic colleges.

Naturopathic medicine went into decline, along with most other natural health professions, after the 1930s, with the discovery of penicillin and advent of synthetic drugs such as antibiotics and corticosteroids. In the post-war era, Lust's death, conflict between various schools of natural medicine (homeopathy, eclectics, physio-medicalism, herbalism, naturopathy, etc.), and the rise of medical technology were all contributing factors. In 1910, when the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching published the Flexner Report which criticized many aspects of medical education in various institutions (natural and conventional), it was mostly seen as an attack on low-quality natural medicine education. It caused many such programs to shut down and contributed to the popularity of conventional medicine.

Naturopathic medicine never completely ceased to exist, however, as there were always a few states in which licensing laws existed—though at one point there were virtually no schools. One of the most visible steps towards the profession's modern renewal was the opening in 1956 of the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon. This was the first of the modern naturopathic medical schools offering four-year naturopathic medical training with the intention of integrating science with naturopathic principles and practice.

Naturopathy In India
There are also many doctors trained in conventional medicine who have acquired naturopathy degrees so as to integrate the insights gained into their system of practice.[citation needed]
The Indian stream of naturopathy differs from the Western stream in many ways, particularly in their emphasis on strict vegetarianism and yoga.[citation needed]

Naturopathic physicians and traditional naturopaths
There are two groups in North America calling themselves "naturopaths" who have recently been engaged in legal battles. The term when originally coined by John Scheel, and popularized by Dr. Benedict Lust was to apply to those receiving an education in the basic medical sciences with an emphasis on natural therapies. This usage best describes modern day naturopathic physicians. In the absence of universal regulation of naturopathy, another group of practitioners (the so-called 'traditional naturopaths') has emerged.

Naturopathic Physicians
Naturopathic physicians in North America are primary care providers trained in conventional medical sciences, diagnosis and treatment, and are experts in natural therapeutics. Licensing and training requirements vary from state to state, but at least 14 states, the District of Columbia, and four Canadian provinces have formal licensing and educational requirements. [5][6] In these jurisdictions, Naturopathic Physicians must pass comprehensive board exams set by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE)[7] after having completed academic and clinical training at a college certified by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME)[8].

Traditional Naturopaths

Traditional naturopaths are guided by the same naturopathic philosophies and principles as board-licensed Naturopathic physicians and often prescribe similar treatments but do so as alternative or complimentary practitioners rather than as primary care providers. Some may voluntarily join a professional organization, but these organizations do not accredit educational programs in any meaningful way or license practitioners per se. The training programs for traditional naturopaths can vary greatly, are less rigorous and do not provide the same basic and clinical science education as naturopathic medical schools do. The professional organizations formed by traditional naturopaths are not recognized by the U.S. Government or any U.S. State or Territory.

Regulation of naturopathic medicine

The examples and perspective in this article or section may not represent a worldwide view of the subject.Please improve this article or discuss the issue on the talk page.
In some jurisdictions the practice of naturopathic medicine is unregulated and so the titles like "naturopath", "naturopathic doctor", and "doctor of natural medicine" are not protected by law. This may lead to difficulty in ensuring that a practitioner is trained to a particular standard or has adequate liability insurance.

Regulation in Australia
There is currently no state licensure in Australia, rather the industry is self regulated. There is no protection of title, meaning that technically anyone can practise as a naturopath. The only way to obtain insurance for professional indemnity or public liability is by joining a professional association, which can only be achieved having completed an accredited course and gaining professional certification. Currently the only registered modalities of natural medicine in Australia are those relating to Chinese medicine, and only in the state of Victoria.[citation needed]

Regulation in North America
See also: List of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Schools in North America
Jurisdictions that currently regulate naturopathic medicine include:
U.S. jurisdictions with full licensure: Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Montana, Vermont, New Hampshire, Oregon, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Washington.[9]

Utah licensed N.D.s can only prescribe medications listed from the Naturopathic Physician Formulary. [1]

U.S. state with registration for naturopathic physicians: Kansas[10]
U.S. jurisdictions with two-tier licensure: Puerto Rico[citation needed]
U.S. states with legal basis for practice: Minnesota, Rhode Island[citation needed]
U.S. states which specifically prohibit the practice of naturopathy: South Carolina, Tennessee
Canadian provinces with full licensure: British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan [11]

Regulation in the United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, there is no government sponsored regulation of the naturopathy profession. The largest registering body, The General Council & Register of Naturopaths, recognises three courses in the UK, two being taught at osteopathic schools: the British College of Osteopathic Medicine; The College of Osteopaths Educational Trust; and one at the University of Westminster School of Integrated Health under the auspices of the B.Sc Health Science (Naturopathy) course.
Members of this register will either have completed a three or four year full time degree level course or possibly be a healthcare professional (Medical Doctor, Osteopath, Chiropractor, Nurse) who has completed a two year post-graduate Naturopathic Diploma, the N.D. As the naturopathic profession has developed along different lines in the UK, naturopaths do not perform minor surgery or have prescribing rights.

Science and naturopathy
Naturopathic practitioners find it difficult to obtain financing for research due to the lack of prior research in many areas and the fact that whole substances from nature, such as herbs, cannot be patented and are therefore not a profitable investment. Proponents claim that this is slowly changing as naturopathic physicians develop research programs to help build up a foundation for evidence based treatment.

Naturopathic modalities may be controversial (e.g. homeopathy, which several studies have indicated to be ineffective [12]), or have proven effectiveness only for very specific conditions (eg acupuncture, aromatherapy). Some of these modalities and remedies are known to be harmful if not used properly or under the care of a trained practitioner..[13][14][15]

References
^ History of Naturopathy (2007).
^ What is Naturopathy? (1998).
^ Dr Thomas Allinson (2003).
^ Fraud In New Hampshire
^ American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
^ http://www.cand.ca/
^ http://www.nabne.org/
^ http://www.cnme.org/
^ American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
^ Kansas State Board of Healing Arts
^ Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors
^ As a fourth study says it's no better than a placebo, is this the end of homeopathy?, The Guardian, August 26, 2005.
^ An Introduction to Naturopathy. NCCAM, National Institutes of Health. Retrieved on 2007-07-04.
^ Smith C et al. (2005). "Naturopaths practice behaviour: provision and access to information on complementary and alternative medicines". BMC Complement Altern Med 5: 15. 
^ Lin V et al. (November, 2005). The Practice and Regulatory Requirements of Naturopathy and Western Herbal Medicine (pdf). Latrobe University, School of Public Health. Retrieved on 2007-07-04.

See also
Allopathic Medicine
Alternative medicine
Essential nutrient
Health freedom movement
Hydrotherapy
Homeopathy
Medicine
Megavitamin therapy
Metamorphic Technique
Multivitamin
Orthomolecular medicine
Osteopathy and osteopathic medicine

External links

Advocacy
Profile of Profession: Naturopathic Practice (312 Kb PDF file) Center for the Health Professions, UCSF
Naturopathic physician associations
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians - AANP
Canadian Association of Naturopathic doctors
British Columbia Naturopathic Association
Arizona Naturopathic Medical Association
North Carolina Association of Naturopathic Physicians
California Naturopathic Doctors Association
Connecticut Naturopathic Association
Oregon Association of Naturopathic Physicians
Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians
Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians
American College of Naturopathic Obstetricians
Certifying Organizations
North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners
Council on Naturopathic Medical Education
UK General Council and Register of Naturopaths
Traditional naturopaths
Association of Naturopathic Practitioners
Coalition for Natural Health

Criticism
Naturopathy by Robert T. Carroll – The Skeptic's Dictionary
Naturopathy: A Critical Analysis by Barry L. Beyerstein, PhD, and Susan Downie
Licensed to Kill: Some Doctors Are Real Naturals by Chris Wanjek

Current events and News

History of Naturopathy..

Reflexology

From the authors of Reflexology, Health at Your Fingertips
Reflexions: The Journal of Reflexology Research Project
Barbara and Kevin Kunz, editors
Volume 25, Number 2, January 2004
Reflexology Paths around the World

"In nearly every village in Taiwan they have built special paths of pebbles and every morning at 3 or 4 o'clock, people walk barefoot around the pebble path for a half hour before they go to work. Hundreds, even thousands do this. It has become a way of life. I think this is very important. We eat three times a day for our health. For me it is like praying or meditation, I need it for my bodily health and I think every body needs it." (Father Josef Eugster, (British) Reflexions , March 1995, pp. 16-17.)

Call it stone stepping or cobblestone-mat walking. Or, call it walking on a Reflexology Path or a Barefoot Path. By any name, it's the tradition of walking on a surface specifically designed to pursue health. Reports of associated health benefits typically are based on word-of-mouth - until now. The Chinese tradition of "stone stepping" has been undergone controlled testing at the Oregon Research Institute. Scientists found that the older adult participants "experienced significant improvements in mental and physical well-being." In addition the study found the activity to be an answer to the quest for a "simple, convenient, and readily accessible exercise programs that will reduce health problems and improve quality of life of the aging population."
To the bare-footed reflexology path users around the world, the proof is in what they've been doing for years. The bare-footed exercise is grounded in the traditions of its location. Special paths have been built in parks, spas, condominium complexes and country clubs across Asia. In Germany and Austria, one embarks on a hike through nature with bare feet making contact with specially selected surfaces. Ideas of "acupoints" in Asia and "reflexzonmassage" in Germany tie the walking to the health of the whole body.

History

In Asia, the history of the reflexology path begins with cobblestone paths. Cobblestone was the common building material for paths and roads. One elderly Japanese remembers villagers volunteering their time to repair the roads near the village. The availability of these surfaces for transportation probably lead informally to the tradition of walking on them for health.
Kunz and Kunz currently speculate that the recent interest and building boom in cobblestone paths in Asia is a further impact of the work of one man, Father Josef Eugster. Thanks to the work of this Swiss Jesuit priest who heads a parish in Taiwan attention was rekindled in ancient Chinese foot working traditions some twenty- five years ago. Since that time foot work has spread throughout Asia. All across Asia, in China, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore, the impact has reverberated. Reflexology practitioners have set up shop. Singapore's Chinatown is known for its reflexology clinics. Singapore malls include reflexology businesses. Japanese tourists travel to Taiwan to experience the work of that country's reflexology practitioners. A Japanese woman who operates a chain of reflexology parlors in Japan is noted to be one of Japan's leading taxpayers. Research is conducted by Chinese medical doctors and reflexology is a common therapy in the Chinese medical system.

In Germany and Austria, attention has been paid to the feet throughout history. Both water and pressure applied to the feet are traditionally seen to impact the whole body. One traditional practice, kneippen, popularized by Pastor Sebastian Kneipp in the 1800's, consists of "wading" on wet grass or in shallow water to stimulate the internal organs, strengthen the immune system, and help the body to heal itself. "Reflezonmassage" began in the early 1900's simultaneously with the development of zone therapy in the US. The practices were both further refined to the application of pressure techniques to the feet to impact specific parts of the body.

Today, some call the Barefoot Path " do-it-yourself" reflexology. In the tradition of Kneipp, walkers on the Barefoot Path might have access to "kneippen," a walk through water with rocks.
American reflexologists first became aware of Asian interest in walking on varied surfaces for health purposes following presentations at the Rwo Shr Health '90 Worldwide Conference Tokyo in July 1990. (The organization is named for Father Josef. Rwo Shr is Mandarin Chinese for Josef.) Participants Barbara and Kevin Kunz became interested and, over the years, have written about the ideas surrounding the presentations. The 1990 presentations were: "Healthy Stroll Path" at a Shiseido factory in Japan, a scientific study of walking on a beaded mat, and a moving personal account of the benefits of walking on a varied surface by the 80 year-old Mr. Keichi.

Differences and Similarities

The similarities between Asian and European traditions and paths are striking:
(1) Traditions of doing something actively to impact one's health
(2) Traditions of doing something to one part of the body to impact the whole body
(3) Traditions of doing something to specific parts of the feet to impact specific parts of the body (4) Doing something natural to improve one's health
(5) Use of materials found commonly in one's surroundings to construct paths
(6) Building paths in public areas
(7) Use of the paths as an inducement to entice potential visitors or customers.


The differences are striking as well:
(1) The size of the path system - compact in Asia and sprawling in Europe. Think 75 m. in Asia and 3500 m. in Europe
(2) The surface underfoot - cobblestone in Asia and mud, logs, stone, moss and more in Europe(3) Stone placement - embedded in concrete in Asia and loose on the ground in Europe
(4) The sensory experience - varied surface in Asia with the addition of balance opportunities in Europe. (Interestingly, Asian traditions also include takefumi, stepping on bamboo as well as tai chi with its practice of balance.) ©Kunz and Kunz 2004
Take a virtual Reflexology TourReflexology Pathways of AsiaReflexology Pathways of Europe

Visit Our BookstoreCall Toll Free 1-877-344-9392 or email us Click Herehttp://www.reflexology-research.com/http://www.myreflexologist.com/

The Swedish Massage

Of all types of massage techniques, what is known as Swedish massage is probably the most commonly known। Introduced by a Swedish physiologist named Henri Peter Ling at the University of Stockholm in 1812, Swedish massage is used to improve circulation and ease muscle aches and tension। The technique involves the use of a number of strokes and hand movements including long, gliding strokes, muscle kneading, ‘hacking’ of tapping various parts of the body with the hand, and muscle vibration.

In Swedish massage, the practitioner incorporates long, firm strokes with gentle tapping। In this manner, what are known as ‘long muscles’ i.e., muscles in the legs, back etc, are stimulated on a large area, increasing blood circulation and helping to limber stiff joints and relieve feelings of stress. In addition to using these various hand movements, the practitioner uses special “massage oils” and lotions to decrease friction and give a more pleasurable effect. Strokes known as ‘pressure strokes’ are used to ‘heat’ up the body areas being massaged.
Swedish massage is often used in conjunction with other types of massage, including sport and deep tissue massage. A common technique is to stimulate the blood flow towards the heart by stimulating blood circulation. Benefits from Swedish massage techniques include relaxation, blood flow stimulation, removing muscular tension discomfort, especially following fractures and severe sprains, and as a healing technique in stress management. The treatment should not be used if a person is suffering from any health problem dealing with or indicating a serious illness including fever, jaundice, diarrhea, vomiting, etc.

Tibetan-Hydrotherapy

Taking a bath in Tibetan medicinal water
14:37:13 24-12-2007

Lighting incense in a room and planting oneself into the environment scented by the smoke is one of the ways Tibetans keep fit. And they say they are taking a bath when doing so.
According to the Tibetan medical code, the Tibetans had long produced many ways for “taking baths” to cleanse themselves, build up their physique and prolong life. Most popular ones include taking baths in rivers or in medicated water, or by exposing themselves to steam or sunshine, plus the above-mentioned method.
The seventh Tibetan month is the best season for taking baths. The rainy season has ended, and river water temperature begins to pick up. Most of the plants have ripened. Tibetans believe the deity in charge of medicine will descend to the earth to gather medicinal herbs at this time.
Manager of the China Tibetan Medicinal Water Bathing Center in Beijing explaining the history of Tibetans taking baths in medicinal water to Wang Zhaoguo and other State leaders.
A bright star called Garma Duiba is the incarnation of the deity, who appears for seven days in early autumn. All water receiving his light becomes dew. Taking a dip in the dew will help build up one’s health and remove one’s sins. This marks the Bathing Festival, during which Tibetans rush to rivers for the purpose, especially at night when the deity star appears in the sky.
Bathing in medicated water is the continuation of the Bathing Festival. It takes in the good points of taking baths in rivers, in a smoky environment and in a house filled with steam.
What is popularly used for bathing in medicated water is “the five-taste dew”. It is actually a kind of soup prepared with cypress and azalea leaves and three kinds of medicinal herbs. Taking a bath in the soup does not mean dipping oneself in it. The soup is boiled and the steam produced provides the “smoke” for the bather. Tibetans believe such bathing is good for blood circulation and the kidney.
Through generations of research and study, more preparations have been developed to help treat internal diseases, skin diseases and those related to arthritis and nervous disability. In recent years, Tibetan medical circles have been encouraging the general public to adopt the bathing treatment.
In December 2001, the China Tibetan Medicinal Water Bathing Center, the first of its kind in China, was built in Beijing. It has since received many people from government and art circles in and outside China. The former premier of Kazakhstan took a special trip by air here for a dip in the medicated water for nine days running. He returned home lauding its magical effect.
Address:
The China Tibetan Medicinal Water Bathing Center,
located at No.133 Beisihuan Ring Road, Beijing.

Effect Of Jalandhar Bandh On Blood Pressure

Jalandhar bandha is one of the three important Bandhas which are essentially required to be performed during Kumbhaka in Pranayama। Excessive pressure is developed in the lungs during Kumbhaka which elevates the blood pressure. Hence it is interesting to know the effect of Jalandhar Bandh on the Blood Pressure.This paper aims towards the effect of Jalandhar Bandh practiced properly during the Kumbhaka, on Blood Pressure (Systolic & Diastolic)।

Background:It is observed that the blood pressure increases during the practice of Kumbhaka as there is excessive pressure developed in the lungs during the Kumbhaka। It is also warned strictly in all Yogic Texts to perform all the three Bandhas during Kumbhaka। The position and the description of the Jalandhar Bandha indicates that there is some relation in between increased blood pressure and Jalandhar Bandha. Jalandhar Bandha creates the pressure on the Carotial Sinus which in turn reduces the Blood Pressure. Hence the hypothesis is " Performing the Jalandhar Bandha in the proper way helps to reduce the Blood Pressure.
Subjects: Subjects (21 nos।)were chosen from the Yoga Praveen Class which was being conducted at our center. These subjects were practicing all types of Pranayamas twice every day with all three Bandhas.
The Design:The subjects were asked to sit in Padmasana for one minute and B.P. was measured. They were asked to practice one round of Purak and Kumbhaka with bending the neck and fixing the chin in the jugular notch only. They were asked not to use the proper technique of Jalandhar Bandha i.e. to contract the muscles of the neck. The BP was measured in this position. (Table No.1) Similarly the BP was measured during Kumbhaka but with proper Jalandhar Bandha i.e. by contracting the muscles of the neck from all sides and then bending the neck little forward. (Table No.2).

Results:The extract from the Table No। 1। is as followsThe Jalandhar Bandha is performed with only bending the neck & fixing the chin in the jugular notch।It is observed that the Systolic BP is decreased in 6 subjects, increased in 10 subjects and there was no change in 5 subjects। The Diastolic BP was decreased in 7 subjects, increased in 7 subjects and there was no change

Introduce Yourself here.............

orkut - Messages

Fasting ----Myths and Facts.

"Fasting allows the digestive system to rest and heal itself"

"Many people report striking clarifications, new and clearer ways of seeing things:

breakthroughs in resolving difficulties and coming to resolutions in their lives"

The body eliminates toxins

It gives the body a rest: it "does not have to process the food it would otherwise be exposed to. There is a lot of scientific data showing that the most likely way to extend life is to restrict calories."


Definitions vary. To some, a day without meat is a day of fasting. SThe body eliminates toxins ome think fasting means skipping one meal, others think it's eating just one. It could be partaking of water and breadstuffs only; clear liquids only; or "liquid diet foods" only (Slim-Fast, Ensure, and the like). For a time in the sixties, you could call it fasting if you ingested liquified anything -- put your baked lasagne in the blender, whir until it would go through a straw, and bon fast!

According to Registered Dietitian Gail Sommerfeld of Loyola University and Peter Vash, M.D., Medical Director of Lindora (Calif.) Medical Clinic and past president of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians, a fast means no food whatsoever and no liquid except water. And if it is for less than 24 hours it isn't a fast, it's skipped meals.

Portland, Oregon chef Paul Wenner, creator of the Gardenburger and founder of Wholesome & Hearty Foods, Inc., strongly advocates fasting. In his book, Garden Cuisine, Wenner recommends ingesting nothing but distilled water, at least sixteen 8-ounce glasses of it, for 24 hours once a week for three weeks. Once a month, make it a three-day fast, and take one seven-day fast yearly. But if you go without food for more than three consecutive days, Wenner cautions, you will need supervision.

Why do this?

Wenner says the Bible tells him so. He quotes Matthew 6: 17-18: "When thou fastest (don't talk about it, do it in secret)". It's a spiritual experience.

Beyond that, Wenner says, there are physiological benefits. "Give the body a rest from what?" counters Edith Hogan, a Registered Dietitian and spokesperson for The American Dietetic Association in Washington, D.C. Food is an ongoing requirement; the human body is designed to process it.
That's right, dietitian Elizabeth Somer says in her book Food & Mood. "Expecting your body to (function) in full gear without refueling is like assuming your car will run on empty."
"If you eat right, your system isn't going to be overworked in the first place," Hogan told FitnessLink. Eating right, she explained, means "variety and moderation" all the time. "But 'variety' doesn't mean variety of your pattern of eating; it doesn't mean food today, no food tomorrow."

A lot of people regard fasting as good for the soul, noted Dr. Vash, "but it certainly isn't good for the body. Going from food to fast shocks the system." Fasting lowers glucose "by 50 percent after 24 hours, and that's a lot of stress on the system," adds Robert Rakowski, clinic director of Natural Medical Center, Clear Lake, Texas.

As a result of that glucose depletion, "Three to five days without food brings about confusion; a trance-like effect." said Dr. Vash. Going foodless "has an alcohol-like effect on the brain."

After fasting only ten to 12 hours, the body starts using stored glucose, then begins to break down protein, said Dr. Mark DeMeao, assistant professor of medicine and associate director of nutrition at Loyola University Medical Center. "I don't know of any positive effects of fasting. I don't recommend it."

And Dr. Rakowski, despite his misgivings about stressing the body, is not totally opposed, either. Fasting "one day a week, and/or a weekend a month clears the digestive system." But a better choice, he said, is to "cut calories by 50 percent by eating nutrient dense, plant-source foods" regularly, as an ongoing lifestyle.
Fasting, even for 10 to 12 hours, causes the body to lose calcium, according to a study reported in The Journal of Nutrition. Any calcium depletion is particularly ominous for persons under twenty, whose bones are still gaining mass, and over forty, who tend to begin losing bone density.