The history of naturopathy dates back to Ancient Greece and the teachings of Hygeia, the goddess of health, and the daughter of Asclepius, the god of medicine.
From Farmer to Naturopath
Vincent Priessnitz stumbled upon the health benefits of nature while caring for his animals on his farm in Silesia, Eastern Europe. He dedicated the rest of his life to helping others through the benefits of:
• Cold baths
• Drinking lots of water
• Daily brisk walks
Naturopathy Flourished in Germany
The history of naturopathy has roots firmly planted in 19th century Germany by innovators like Aernold Rikli and Sebastian Kneipp. Kneipp opened a water cure center after he was convinced that his tuberculosis was cured from bathing in the Danube River. Benedict Lust heard of Kneipp’s miraculous recovery from tuberculosis and went to the water center hoping to be cured from his tuberculosis as well.
Naturopathy comes to America
After he was cured, Lust remained at the Center to learn all that he could about water therapy. Following the naturopathic teachings of Kneipp, Lust came to America and opened the first water cure center in New York, and later founded the American School of Naturopathy.
Naturopathy Declines, sees Resurgence
Naturopathy peaked in the 1920’s and 1930’s, but its popularity soon declined with the introduction of antibiotics and other conventional medical treatments. Naturopathy found its calling again in the 1970’s with the holistic health movement.
Naturopathy Today
Founded in 1981, the American Naturopathic Medical Association broke new ground. Today, naturopathic schools are springing up all across America where students can become board certified in traditional naturopathy.
BIO: Dr. Mundorff is a Registered Nurse and Board Certified Naturopath, and not a medical doctor. Dr. Mundorff is the author of several books. Her latest book, Take Control: A Guide to Holistic Living is an innovative health guide, which helps the reader learn how to regain control of their health by discovering the practical effectiveness of combining alternative and modern medicine. Contact her at bridges2hlth@aol.com
Also by this author, Polyarthralgia/Fibromyalgia Connection, Polyarthralgia/Fibromyalgia Treatment, Healthy Eating for Osteoporosis: The Importance of Vitamin D, and Health Transitions from Summer to Fall: Boosting the Immune System.
