Within every human organism there is a healing energy that includes our immune system in the fuller sense of both the physical and the psyche, which is responsible for our wellness and our ability to heal and maintain health. Fasting is nature’s way to recover since during fasting, the body concentrates its energies on just healing and elimination and not digestion.

Though naturopathy is usually discussed only in the context of nature cure, perhaps it would be better to term its principles as ‘living in harmony with nature’, as it is really about tuning our bodies to the frequency that nature intended. The panchabhootas, or five elements, namely ether, air, sun, water and earth are present not just in the universe, but in our bodies as well. Just as there can be balance only when all five exist harmoniously in the universe, such a harmony is required in our bodies also. Following are simple steps to help achieve that harmony:
1. For Ether: Leave space in your body, otherwise it will get clogged. Never overeat. Fast once a week on juices or water. Eat only when hungry and ideally, have full meals only twice a day.
2. For Air: Breathe deeply, if possible under a tree, at least 40-50 times. Never cover your face while sleeping.
3. For Sun: Spend at least 5-7 minutes a day in the sun. Allow sunlight to come in your house and office.
4. For Water: Drink water early in the morning and drink at least 9-10 glasses of water every day.
5. For Earth: Walk barefoot on the earth for at least ten minutes a day.

Basically, all diseases are due to disturbances in the body’s natural system that comprises of digestion, assimilation and elimination. Therefore, all diseases are cured by restoring the balance and equilibrium in the body’s method of working. For this, the selection of food is extremely important. Proper food provides all the therapeutic power that one needs. Even germs are destroyed by antibodies present in a healthy body. In such a case, instead of concentrating its energy on killing germs, nature cure attempts to invigorate the system, so that germ activity becomes inconsequential.

Tips for healthy living

1. In the morning, shun coffee and tea. Begin the day with water. After an hour of having water, have lime water with honey.

2. From morning till noon take water, fruit and at least one glass of fruit or vegetable juice. Eat lunch at 12 noon and dinner at 7 p.m.

3. Maintain a ratio of 80:20 in your consumption of alkaline and acidic foodstuffs. Eat amrut aahar or live food. Fruits, sprouts and green vegetables are the best. Shun stale food, fried food, too much of grains and cut down on non-vegetarian food.

4. Milk and milk products should be taken only in moderation by adults.

5. Drink fresh amla juice, an important source of Vitamin C. When fresh amla is not available, take dry amla, soak it in water and drink the water.

6. If tea is a must, opt for herbal tea.

7. At least half an hour of physical exertion is a must.

8. Get at least 6-7 hours of sleep.

9. Maintain cleanliness of both the outer body and inner mind. Bathe twice a day in summer and once a day in winter. Avoid negative thoughts like greed, jealousy and pride.

10. Have a positive attitude towards life. Leave the fruits of your actions to the Almighty and work sincerely.

Each of the points may seem minor but are extremely significant. For instance, the meal times are linked to the functions of the body. As the three processes of digestion, assimilation and elimination are linked to the day’s cycle, the body works best when we follow its pattern. The sun helps in digestion, therefore we must try and have our food in this period. In the next eight hours, assimilation of the digested food takes place. In the last eight hours, in the night, the process of elimination takes over. Therefore, just following the simple regimen of timely and proper meals eliminates 50 to 60 per cent of health problems.

So, what are we waiting for? Let’s begin living in synergy with nature, taking small but sure steps in this direction.