travelandleisureindia.inNATUROPATHY
According to the British Naturopathic
Association, ‘Naturopathy is a system of
treatment, which recognises the existence of
the vital curative force within the body’. The
drugless system of healing stresses on the
importance of the maintenance of health,
disease prevention, and patient education.
This form of therapy was first used by the
Hippocratic School of Medicine in 400 BCE.
Dr Krishna Maurya tells us that Naturopathy
works against the accumulation of toxins in the
body. The system works on six fundamental
principles: the healing powers of nature,
do no harm, treat the cause and not only
the symptoms, treat the person as a whole,
education, and prevention. In Naturopathy,
there is a mixed approach using the orthodox
and traditional systems, which includes
treatments that bring about a balance in the
body with the help of herbs and natural elements
such as air, water, and heat. The build-up of
toxins can be caused by improper diet, sleep
deprivation, or a hectic lifestyle—situations
in which the optimum balance required by the
body is not being maintained. The main reason
for the imbalance comes from an overworked
and tired nervous system, and irregular nerve
supply. He says, “We tackle issues like these by
using natural methods, so that your body can get
back to functioning at its optimum standard.”
Media planner Aditi Mishra found
Naturopathy to be a great alternative to
medicine for her kids. She says, “I switched
from modern medicine to the basics after I had
my children. Earlier, my idea of treatment was
based on quick recovery since I was working
and didn’t have much time. However, as far as
my children are concerned, I wanted to keep
chemicals at bay, as far as possible. That’s when
SHUTTERSTOCK (2)I found Naturopathy to be a perfect fit.”
Naturopathy is a drugless
system of healing the body of
ailments and disease.WHERETO
EXPERIENCE
Consulta
Naturopathydoctor
atAahana–The
CorbettWilderness
(aahanaresort.com)
inUttarakhand,
andatYork
NaturalHealth
(yorknaturalhealth.
co.uk)intheUK.WHERE TO
EXPERIENCE
Try Reflexology
at Ananda in
the Himalayas
(anandaspa.com)
in Uttarakhand, and
at VILA VITA Parc
(vilavitaparc.com)
in Portugal.REFLEXOLOGY
A method of relieving pain, Reflexology works
on the pressure points on the hands, feet, and
ears. The method involves applying pressure on
specific points that are connected to the nervous
system, and target specific organs and glands.
The practice can be used to complement other
treatments addressing anxiety, asthma, cancer,
diabetes, headaches, kidney function, etc. Its
origins, though disputed, can be traced back to
Egypt, China, India, and the US.
Dr Ansar C. A from Kerala says that
understanding Reflexology is fairly simple.
The key points to keep in mind are the
‘reflex points’ that are located on the soles
of the feet. These points coincide with each
organ and system in the body, and are
linked to these organs via energy channels,
zones, or meridians. Each internal organ
in our body is wired to our feet through
nerve endings. In alternative medicine,
particularly in Reflexology, we can diagnose
and correct numerous aliments such as
back pain, Parkinson’s disease, prostate
problems, wounds, stress or anxiety, high
blood pressure, circulation issues, migraines,
and brain-related problems. He says, “Illnessor imbalance is a result of blocked energy
channels. Reflexology aims to remove these
blocks, allowing the energy to flow freely
again. We have successfully used Reflexology
to cure several patients.”
Blogger Priyadarshini Saha believes that
reflexology helps relax the body. She says, “In
this age of stressful and hectic lifestyles, a couple
of hours at a good spa and foot Reflexology are a
blessing. I come out feeling absolutely relaxed.”During a Reflexology session,
the therapist focusses on
pressure points on feet, hands,
and ears.