- Orthopathy
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Alternative medical systems Acupuncture · Anthroposophic medicine · Ayurveda · Chiropractic · Herbalism · Homeopathy · Naturopathy · Qigong · Siddha medicine · Traditional medicine
(Chinese · Mongolian · Tibetan) · UnaniNCCAM classifications Whole medical systems · Mind-body interventions · Biologically based therapies · Manipulative therapy · Energy therapies See also Alternative medicine · Glossary · People Orthopathy (from the Greek ortho- right- + pathos suffering,) or natural hygiene (NH) is an alternative medicine originating from the nature cure movement. It is a form of vitalism that considers self-healing the best and only cure for disease, and favours fasting as restorative and favours dietary and other lifestyle measures as preventative.[1][2] There is no scientific or clinical evidence that supports self-healing as a general method for treating severe medical conditions such as cancer, infectious diseases, and cardiovascular disease.
Orthopathy is generally against medical treatment, with the exception of surgery in certain situations, such as for broken bones and to "remove a deadly secondary cause."[2]
Natural hygiene is often confused with naturopathy, though they differ by philosophical definition and practice.
Contents
Etymology
Orthopathy is explained by Shelton as:
Disease action no less than health action, is right action; yet it occasions suffering because of adverse conditions that have been imposed upon the body. So, by the term Orthopathy we mean right suffering.[3]History
The movement originated with Isaac Jennings, who, after practicing traditional medicine for 20 years in Derby, Connecticut, began formulating his ideas about orthopathy in 1822.[4] Several other mostly later thinkers, including Sylvester Graham, likewise from Connecticut, influenced the movement or are considered important to it. Also, during the 1880s, Thomas Allinson developed his theory of medicine, which he called "Hygienic Medicine".
The founder of natural hygiene, Herbert Shelton, became a major writer on the topic, beginning with The Hygienic System: Orthopathy[2] in 1939, bestowing a new name on the discipline.
Shelton distinguished the method of nature cure from other medical schools of thought of its time, including naturopathy, heliopathy (sun cure,) homeopathy, 'Bio-chemic', and what Shelton called allopathy (meaning medicine.) The nature cure movement and Shelton used standards of evidence that they considered ignored or underutilized by physicians, such as the observation that some sick animals will rest and fast except for water.[citation needed]
Interest in natural hygiene was renewed in the 1980s following publication of Fit for Life and Living Health by Harvey and Marilyn Diamond.[1]
Several natural hygiene associations currently exist, including the National Health Association, which was founded by Shelton as the American Natural Hygiene Society. The International Association of Hygienic Physicians was founded in 1978, and the International Natural Hygiene Society in 2003.[1]
Practice
Like many methods of treatment, natural hygiene emphasizes prevention over cure. Natural hygiene practitioners recommend clean air, water, enough sleep, wholesome food, sunlight, exercise, and a healthy psychological life.[citation needed] The recommendations for a diet low in fat and high in fiber are in line with modern nutritional practice.[1] Natural hygiene proponents do not support the use of foreign objects during treatment, whether that is drugs, herbs or excessive sunlight as in heliopathy.[citation needed] Natural hygienists also recommend rest and fasting with water for most ailments, relying on the body's vital recuperative powers. This is known as Vis medicatrix naturae, the healing power of nature. Treatment of any other kind is said to interfere with this process, and symptoms such as inflammation and vomiting are considered a natural part of healing.[2]
Food combining, consumption of 'incompatible' foods at the same meal, is said to lead to ill health, and consumption of only 'compatible' foods to restore it. Shelton defined seven groups of food, sorted by function as: supplying energy (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins); needed to build the body (proteins, salts, and water); and regulating bodily processes (minerals, vitamins, and water).[1][5]
Shelton rejected the germ theory of disease, and considered all drugs and vaccines toxic.[2] Consumption of tobacco, alcohol, coffee, tea, chocolate, and salt are likewise discouraged, and refined, i.e. white, flour and sugar, are similarly considered to induce toxicity. So are most herbs and spices, whether used for naturopathy or even a medium amount used for flavouring.
Critics of natural hygiene have stated that NH is dangerous because it encourages prolonged fasting and discourages proven medical interventions; Stephen Barrett of Quackwatch stated that "its recommended avoidance of dairy products is an invitation to osteoporosis.".[1]
See also
- Vegan nutrition
References
- ^ a b c d e f Barrett, Stephen (2007-01-01). "A Critical Look at "Natural Hygiene"". http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/natural_hygiene.html. Retrieved 2009-04-15.
- ^ a b c d e Herbert M Shelton, The Hygienic System vol. VI: Orthopathy, Dr. Shelton's Health School: San Antonio, Texas, 1941
- ^ Handbook of natural hygiene. Academy of Natural Living. 2001. ISBN 0958661154 (v.1). http://protocat.nla.gov.au/Record/1020273/Details.
- ^ Samuel Orcutt, Ambrose Beardsley, The history of the old town of Derby, Connecticut, 1642-1880: With biographies and genealogies. Press of Springfield Printing Co., 1880, p. 601
- ^ Herbert M Shelton, The Hygienic System vol. II: Orthotrophy, Dr. Shelton's Health School: San Antonio, Texas, 1941
Categories:- Alternative medical systems
- Fasting
- Naturopathic medicine
- Vitalism
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