A Little Herbal History

A Little Herbal History

     Naturopathy, or naturopathic medicine, is a form of alternative medicine based on a belief in vitalism, which focuses on that special energy called vital energy or vital force guides bodily processes such as metabolism, reproduction, growth, and adaptation. Naturopathy favors a holistic approach with non-invasive treatment and, similar to conventional medicine, encourages minimal use of surgery and drugs.

     The term "naturopathy" is derived from Greek and Latin, and literally translates as "nature disease". 

     The Hygeia Natural Healing Therapies were inspired by the Greek Goddess of Health in Greek Mythology Hygeia (Yyeia). 

She was the daughter of Asclepius and was the goddess of health, cleanliness and sanitation. She played an important part of her father's cult who was more concentrated on healing as she was in prevention of sickness and the maintaining of good health. The word word Hygeia (Ὑγεία) itself means health and is always wished amongst each other in the Greek community. 

     Therapies focuses on prevention and prognosis. Daily routine and habit can sometimes lead to unpleasant health situations and we tend to neglect ourselves. Hygeia-Natural Therapies can help remind our body of the remarkable healing power it has with the help of good wholesome food, vitamin & mineral supplements and massage techniques.Sometimes the solutions are simple... 

     All symptoms shown to us are warning signs from our body. Our body is so intelligent that it gives us messages before anything fatal occurs. The secret is not to ignore these symptoms even if you think they are silly. Chronic symptoms are the worst! Hygeia-Natural Therapies takes all symptoms into account and aims to heal any offenders as naturally as possible with the help of Nutrition, Reflexology and Massage .

     Naturopathy focuses on naturally occurring substances, minimally invasive methods, and encouragement of natural healing. Naturopaths generally favor an intuitive and vitalistic conception of the body, and complete rejection and a health diet and lifestyle is emphasized, and pharmaceutical drugs, ionizing radiation, and surgery are generally minimized. The tenet of naturopathic practice is self-described by six core values.

1.     First, do no harm; provide the most effective health care available with the least risk to patients at all times.

2.     Recognize, respect and promote the self-healing power of nature inherent in each individual human being.

3.     Identify and remove the causes of illness, rather than eliminate or suppress symptoms.

4.     Educate, inspire rational hope and encourage self-responsibility for health.

5.     Treat each person by considering all individual health factors and influences.

6.     Emphasize the condition of health to promote well-being and to prevent diseases for        the individual, each community and our world. 

     Naturopaths use a wide variety of treatment modalities, focusing on natural self-healing rather than any specific method. 

     A consultation with an Herbal Healer or Naturopath varies with training and scope of practice. The demonstrated efficacy and scientific rationale also varies. These include: acupuncture, acupressure, aromatherapy, color, sound and music, hot stone, massage, and yoga, applied kinesiology, botanical medicine, brainwave entrainment, chelation therapy, colonic enemas, color therapy, cranial massage, nature, sunshine, fresh air, heat or cold, nutrition (examples include vegetarian & wholefood diet, fasting, abstention from alcohol and sugar, ozone therapy, physical therapy, exercise, hydrotherapy, psychological and spiritual counseling, (meditation, relaxation, other methods of stress management) public health measures and hygiene, reflexology, rolfing, and traditional Chinese medicine.