National Naturopathy Day 2024: History, significance, date and more

Discover the roots of natural healing, its profound significance, and why it inspires wellness today.

Every November 18, India celebrates National Naturopathy Day to promote better mental and physical health through natural, drug-free therapies. This observance, launched in 2018 by the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy), honours Mahatma Gandhi’s advocacy for Nature Cure, which he championed in 1945.

HISTORY OF NATIONAL NATUROPATHY

Naturopathy had its roots in 19th-century Germany before making its way to the United States.

The term 'naturopathy' was first used by John Schell in 1895. Still, Benedict Lust, known as the 'Father of Modern Naturopathy,' popularised it in the U.S. Lust emphasised the 'Water Cure System,' or hydrotherapy, which became a cornerstone of naturopathy practices.

Naturopathy is one of the oldest healthcare systems, combining traditional healing methods with modern scientific knowledge.

It focuses on the body’s natural ability to heal, emphasising treatments like diet, exercise, fasting, hydrotherapy, homoeopathy, botanical medicine, detoxification, and lifestyle counselling.

SIGNIFICANCE OF NATUROPATHY IN INDIA

In India, naturopathy gained prominence with the translation of The New Science of Healing by German nutritionist Louis Kuhne.

It was first translated into Telugu by Dronamraju Venkatachalapathy Sarma in 1894 and later into Hindi and Urdu by Shri Shroti Kishan Swaroop in 1904.

These efforts helped spread the principles of naturopathy across the country.

States like Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Bengal, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh played an essential role in promoting naturopathy.

Local communities in these regions actively supported and adopted its practices, helping the movement flourish nationwide.