People use Yoga and Naturopathy interchangeably as a form of natural healing. The word ‘Yoga’ has its origin in the Sanskrit Language. ‘Yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’ which means ‘to unite’.In the literal sense, the word means the union of the Soul with the Universe. This ancient art has recently gained popularity due to celebrity endorsements. However, for the most part, yoga is limited to some asanas practised by the naive.
India’s Yoga and Naturopathy Influencers
Some of the leading advocates of Yoga have been Baba Ramdev, Shilpa Shetty, Milind Soman and Akshay Kumar to name a few. Prime Minister Modi has long been an advocate of Yoga. He is a regular participant of the International Day celebrated on June 21st. Indian sports organised a yoga event that included world-record-breaking participation from 114 nationalities. Also, during a historical world record-breaking event in Qatar, he acknowledged the achievement in his monthly radio address – ‘Mann ki Baat’.
Yoga and Naturopathy are Interrelated
Yoga and Naturopathy are used interchangeably for all the right reasons. First, they rely on natural techniques to treat the ailment. Second both use herbal medicines, a healthy natural diet and exercise. Yoga is an extension of Naturopathy and is regarded as a complete body strengthening exercise. Together, both are used to restore the body’s strength and immunity against future disease attacks. Similarly, both Yoga and Naturopathy utilise natural healing remedies to elevate the healing of the body and mind. In other words, the art of Naturopathy applies the simple laws of nature. Allopathy is the treatment of the disease through the use of chemicals. On the contrary, ‘Naturopathy’ is distinguished as ‘Drugless Therapy’. Rather, it is a way of leading a life. Dr Benedict Lust,a German origin advocate of ‘Drugless Nature medicine’ proposed the following 7 principles of Naturopathy.
Principles of Naturopathy
- Healing Power of Nature
- Identify and treat the cause.
- First do no harm.
- Doctor means “teacher.”
- “healing by means of nature.”
- Medicine means “to heal.”
- Recognize the multifactorial nature of health and disease.
Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathy heals the mind and body through otherwise unorthodox terms. Furthermore, it includes the least invasive techniques such as diet control and exercise. Naturopathy is a firm believer of herbal benefits for the healing part.As a result natural herbs are an integral component of the medicine.Another important component is physical exercise, that involves, both mind and Yoga.
The connection between Yoga and Naturopathy
The ideologies of both Yoga and naturopathy are the same. Both Yoga and Naturopathy heal the body as a whole(body, mind and heart). Various scientific studies conducted earlier support the benefits to the body.
Drugless Interventions of Yoga and Naturopathy
Yoga and Naturopathy are based on various drugless treatments like Acupuncture, acupressure, meditation, fasting therapy, Diet and nutrition, mud therapy, hydrotherapy, chiropractic and Osteopathy, Manipulation therapy, exercise and electrotherapy, reflexology, counselling and lots more.
Both Yoga and Naturotherapy are the holistic way of achieving great health at the multi-dimensional level. In order to reap the full benefits of the two, it is highly recommended that one adopts it as a way of life.