From time to time, symptoms of less than perfect health arise.  Then, we need to know the factors and influences that can contribute to a quick recovery! Here is an outline of some of the principles of the Natural Hygiene school. They will help you understand the causes of health. And how to regain our vitality and energy.

Focus on the Causes, not on the Symptoms

The symptoms are surface-level marks of a more profound process or condition. Many popular so-called “cures” focus on suppressing or eliminating the symptoms. The symptoms can manifest as pain, a runny nose, or high cholesterol.

A better approach is to understand the causes of the symptoms and address them. This way, we can find a lasting cure for an illness.

Yet, most people prefer to rely on a symptom suppression method. They feel an attachment to the causes of the disease. For example, they do not want to give up their poor diet. Or an addiction to smoking, alcohol, or another toxic and self-injuring pattern. 

Symptom suppression leads from an acute stage of the disease to a chronic illness. The only way to move out of the disease cycle is to address the cause. 

A natural hygienist or holistic healer can help you identify the causes of ill-being. They can provide reliable lifestyle suggestions and guidance towards better health.

Causes of Disease

There are many disease causes, and some are out of our control. Still, there is much we can do to stop the causes of illness still within our reach. Below are some causes of sickness that cause a lowered vitality of the organism. This is enervation. Enervation reduces the ability of the body to eliminate toxins. (The body’s metabolism produces endotoxins. Exotoxins are those we ingest, inhale or absorb from the environment.)

Our lowered capacity to deal with toxins can lead to a toxic buildup. And this can cause an acute crisis by which the body strives to eliminate the excess toxins. This crisis is known as an ongoing acute disease stage.

Some of the causes of toxic buildup and enervation

• Foods that are not fit for the human race: grains, meat, dairy, and refined foods
• Toxic stimulants: coffee, alcohol, cacao, illegal or pharmaceutical drugs, herbs, food additives, salt, condiments
• Stress, sleep deprivation, overwork, and overexertion
• Excess fat in the diet
• Overeating
• Negative emotions such as jealousy, anger, grief
• Lack of affection and love
• Cooking of foods, especially frying
• Bad food combining
• Exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures, wind, sun
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Lack of purpose in life, boredom, passivity
• Lack of sun
• Lack of pure air rich in oxygen

Secondary causes of ill-being

It is impossible to eliminate all causes, so it is essential to focus on the primary. This way, we have greater control over our health. Focusing on the secondary in most cases is a waste of time. It diverts attention from what you have greater control over.

• Chlorine in drinking water and showers
• Pesticide residues on fruit and vegetables
• Air conditioning
• Polluted air
• EMF radiations from wireless devices
• Mercury tooth fillings
• Sleeping on the wrong bed or pillow
• Using artificial fibers for clothing

Natural Hygiene and Holistic Health’s View on Health

Health is a condition of thriving and well-being. You experience the full function of your body and mind. You have all your capacity without being hampered by any malfunction or pain. When this balance is shaking, and there are symptoms, it is crucial to regain it by health-promoting practices of recovery and healing. Healing comes from eliminating the root causes of the disease. It establishes an energetic and physiological equilibrium once again.

Some factors of health, according to T.C. Fry.

• Proper diet
• Sleep
• Proper hygiene
• Pure water
• Pure air
• Comfortable temperature
• Sunshine
• Movement and exercise
• Rest
• Creativity, art, and recreation
• Mental and emotional stability
• Self-esteem
• Pleasant environment
• Sense of belonging to a group
• Useful work
• Purpose in Life
• Security of life and its means
• Proper expression of intimacy and closeness
• Love and appreciation

Methods of Natural Hygiene and Holistic Healing

The methods of Natural Hygiene and Holistic healing are different than Allopathic Medicine. They promote the elimination of the causes, not suppression of the symptoms. 

Natural Hygiene and Holistic Medicine include ways to restore the balance of the body and energy.  This allows natural healing to occur. First, it investigates the cause of the imbalance. Then, following the causes, holistic methods are introduced. They can include a healthy diet, fasting period, rest, and lifestyle changes. 

Natural Hygiene promotes the same methods and influences both sickness and health. They aim to enhance the organism’s energy and vitality. 

These holistic methods are empowering. They do not create dependence upon substances or individual. A person learns what contributes to their health and thriving.  And can use this knowledge every time they experience lowered vitality.

Healing “Crisis”

A person with a chronic condition that tries such methods can go through a so-called “crisis.”  This is an initial amplification of the symptoms. Body’s energy and vitality increase through healthful practices. The first thing that is triggered is an active cleansing process. The buildup of toxins causing an illness is getting eliminated. Thus, there is a passage from a chronic to an “acute” form. This is a reverse path from the typical “acute” to “chronic” phase caused by symptom suppression.

Not every person heads towards health restoration. The point is not to blame a new exercise plan or a cleaner diet. The healthier regimen is not making you sicker. The underlying chronic issues do. 

In these cases, it is imperative to have advice and guidance from a trusted natural health practitioner.

Same Factors in Health and Sickness

Natural and holistic healing approaches use the same methods in health as in sickness. The point is to balance an organism’s energies. 

These can include a proper healing diet consisting of natural, mostly raw foods. They have their complete set of enzymes, vitamins, and nutrients unaltered. The meals are simple and not conducive to overeating. When appropriate, fasting is advised.

Other factors contributing to healing are fresh air and a sufficient quantity of pure water. Sunshine, contact with the earth, and nature are other health-promoting factors. 

Appropriate movement practice alternated with physiological rest is another essential component of well-being.

Holistic healing can include methods to stimulate the body’s energetic system. Breathing exercises, acupuncture, acupressure, massage, and others aim to enhance energy flow. And also, they can speed up recovery time.

First Signs of Disease – What to Do

No disease comes overnight. There are minor signs that manifest in the early stages of the disease development. They warn us to change before we suffer from a full-fledged illness. 

Examples of such symptoms are:

• indigestion
• spaciness
• pessimistic outlook
• constipation
• irritability
• grumpiness
• headaches
• etc. 

As soon as the first symptoms of ill-being are there, it is time to take action! A trusted health advisor can help identify the causes of the disease. Careful screening of the lifestyle and habits of the person is necessary. The health advisor should take note of bad habits and trends, as well as ongoing events in life, such as a toxic work environment or partnership.

Evolution of Disease according to Natural Hygiene

• Anti-physiological causes
• Enervation (lowering of nervous energy)
• Toxemia
• Elimination crisis, or chronic illness
• Progressive destruction of tissues and organs
• Irreversible state

Health recuperation process

• Elimination of the primary causes of sickness
• Recovery of energy through physiological rest (fasting and resting)
• Provide essential causes of health in the proper dosage for each case

Signs of inner cleanliness

• No strong body odor
• Odorless stools
• Pure taste in the mouth in the morning
• Sweet breath

In conclusion:

The approach of Natural Hygiene and Holistic practitioners does not involve a quick fix. It implies a complete change in lifestyle and mentality and adopting new habits conducive to a more healthful living. It addresses the causes and not the symptoms. It demands self-reflection, study, and dedication. But the rewards in terms of health and vitality are priceless.

Source:

The article is based on the writings of F. Patenaude and Doughlas Graham and contains the principles of the Natural Hygiene approach.