Ujire (Dharamasthla): Naturopathy works as a bridge between nature and the human body. The concept of naturopathy is based on the five elements of nature – Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether, which are also the fundamental elements of the human body.
People from across the country, particularly visit Karnataka for this ancient form of therapy dispensed at its two naturopathy centers – one in Bangalore and the other in Dharamasthala. Both are popularly known for their reflective treatments; for years these centers have attracted several politicians, film stars, singers and other eminent personalities from all walks of life.
The therapy
Naturopathy treatment is principally segregated into three parts:
a) Detoxification
b) Strengthening
c) Toning
These three fundamental naturopathic modes are divided into several therapies and treatments such as hydro therapy (water treatments), diet therapy, yoga therapy, acupuncture, magneto therapy, helio therapy, air therapy, fasting, oil massages etc., are the several such mediums, which rejuvenate patients without any intake of medicines.
Ailments such as bronchial asthma, nasal allergy, diabetes, high and low blood pressure, migraine, hyper-tension, arthritis, gastritis, obesity are being treated at these naturopathy centers.
“We do not promise to cure any disease from the root, but through naturopathy one can surely balance their body and can lead a healthy life according to the instructions prescribed to a particular person,” says Dr Selva Kumar, Shantivana.
However, Kumar adds that any disease generally originates because of an incorrect diet and lifestyle, so naturopathy’s role is to teach the correct way of modification of lifestyle and thus rectify our incorrect approach to life and balance our routine.
A soothing atmosphere
Renuka Gowthami (2
5), a naturopathy aficionado from Bangalore, says, “I am suffering from a chronic migraine henceforth I prefer to get treated with the naturopathy therapies. Acupuncture was one of the therapies, which helped me to minimize the effect of migraine, also to get a sound sleep.”
Gowthami finds Shantivana (Dharmasthala center) soothing, and says that that people from the metro cities will find Shantivana very peaceful because of its lush lawns, walking tracks and greenery.
“It is actually hard to follow the routine prescribed and taught at these centers in daily life, especially for working people; however I try to manage time for yogas, jal-neti and a diet of raw vegetables and fresh fruits,” she concerned.
Manjunath Krishnamurthy (37) joined naturopathy at the turn of the millennium, and since then, goes there every six months for 10 days. “I cannot carry out naturopathy’s routine in my daily life because of my profession in marketing; hence I go there for rejuvenation of my entire body and soul in every six months.”
Naturopathy – a bright future
Naturopathy is an ancient Indian wisdom, and was the natural lifestyle of people, more than 5,000 years ago, but due to the extreme westernization and urbanization, this primeval wisdom is losing its required attention.
Kumar, however, sees a bright future for naturopathy. “I see a bright approach towards naturopathy in coming year as well, because people now are getting more aware about its benefits, and are also implementing it in their lives. Hence, such people need not go through any other treatments for petty problems.”
A grand heritage
The term ‘naturopathy’ was coined by a German naturopath. Later in India, people became aware of this lifestyle, through the life of Mahatma Gandhi as well, as he was a keen follower of naturopathy and also taught this ancient lifestyle to his disciples.
