Dr. Morse often talks about Original Naturopathy, and we know from the community, some are confused as to how this differs from today’s Naturopathy.
Originally, Naturopathy was a (w)holistic approach to health that emphasized the body’s inherent ability to heal itself by addressing the root causes of illness. Today’s Naturopathy mirrors the pharmaceutical industry by focusing on symptom suppression or alleviation using natural herbs and supplements. While the latter is far more appealing than taking synthetic chemicals, it still does not represent getting you back to true health, and this is what Dr. Morse is ALL about!
The key to this original philosophy of Naturopathy was using healing methods that encouraged the body’s natural processes, such as:
- Fasting – Fasting was and is considered one of the most powerful ways to enable the body to rest and reset its internal systems. By abstaining, the body could focus its energy on eliminating toxins, healing damaged tissues, and restoring balance. This was particularly effective in treating chronic illnesses, as it aimed to resolve the root dysfunctions. Now that we understand how the lymphatic system works, we know fasting on fruit, particularly grapes, hydrates the lymphatic system, loosening up mucus and other blockages so it can more easily be eliminated.
- Hydrotherapy – Water treatments were also central to early naturopathic practice. Cold baths, saunas, and steam therapies were believed to enhance circulation, stimulate the immune system, and encourage detoxification, allowing the body to cleanse itself naturally.
- Herbal Medicine – In the original practice of naturopathy, herbs were used not simply to alleviate symptoms as they are today, but to enhance the body’s natural functions. Herbs were prescribed to support specific organ systems or processes, such as improving gland function, aiding digestion, or balancing hormones. They were seen as tools to help the body heal itself rather than quick fixes for symptoms.
- Diet and Lifestyle – Early naturopaths placed great emphasis on diet and lifestyle changes. They believed that poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and stress were often the root causes of illness. Therefore, a clean, plant-based diet and a balanced lifestyle were essential components of treatment.
At the heart of these methods, as you have heard Dr. Morse mention on many occasions, is the principle of vitality! This is the body’s own vital force or energy that can restore health when properly supported. Original naturopathy viewed illness as an imbalance in this vital force, often caused by poor lifestyle habits or environmental factors, and sought to restore harmony through natural, non-invasive methods, hence why we say, dis-ease. Remember, all we have ever known is about the suppression of symptoms, and as much as we believe we know we are not about that, it’s still difficult to get out of that mindset. Whenever you see newcomers ask about what tinctures are good for a cough, arthritis, itchy skin, etc. the first step is to correct that thinking. This is essential to getting ourselves back on the road to Wellville.
by,
Debbie, Nichlas, Marco 💗