Читать книгу Natural Environments and Human Health - Alan W Ewert - Страница 38

In 1796 another medical system relying on nature was developed. Using theory from the 16th century, Samuel Hanhnemann, a German physician, developed principles for a medical system in which remedies from plants, animals, and minerals in non-material doses stimulate the body to heal itself and cure symptoms in ill people, while these same substances often would cause ill symptoms in healthy people. This medical practice used observation and an understanding of the characteristics of the plants, animals, and minerals to connect the natural item to healing, demonstrating a belief and practice in humans’ connection to the natural world. Hahnemann, followed by others, developed over 3500 remedies. Homeopathy was brought to the US in 1825. A number of hospitals in the US were homeopathic hospitals, such as the Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia affiliated with Drexel University College of Medicine, the Massachusetts Homeopathic Hospital that combined with the Female Medical College of Boston in 1873 to become the Boston University School of Medicine, and the Minnesota Homeopathic Medical College established in 1886. By 1862, 110 hospitals were homeopathic in practice as well as over 30 nursing homes, 62 orphan asylums and retirement homes, and 16 insane asylums. By 1888 there were over 2400 homeopathic physicians in the US. The American Institute of Homeopathy was founded in 1844 as the first national medical organization in the US and many medical schools in the US taught homeopathy well into the 20th century. However, homeopathy was almost eradicated in the US after the American Medical Association (AMA), founded in 1847, created a charter containing specific language against what they labeled alternative practices and forbid consultation with homeopathic physicians. While homeopathy struggled with the AMA in the US, it has been practiced beside allopathic medicine in many countries, including the UK, and is seeing a revival since the late 20th century in the US. It has come back into some medical schools and alternative schools, including the University of Minnesota.

Both homeopathy and naturopathy are modern whole medical systems classified as alternative medicine by NCCAM. The 2007 National Health Interview Survey asked about the use of Ayurveda, homeopathy, and naturopathy. Although relatively few respondents said they had used Ayurveda or naturopathy, homeopathy ranked tenth in usage among adults (1.8%) and fifth among children (1.3%) (Barnes et al., 2007).

Naturopathic medicine at its core has the principle of the healing power of nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae). For naturopathic medicine this refers to the belief in an inherent selfhealing process in individuals that is ordered and intelligent. In this systems approach an inherent self-organizing and healing process establishes, maintains, and restores health when the physician and patient work together to create a healthy internal and external environment. The origin that the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians claims for first formulating the concept of ‘the healing power of nature’ is Hippocrates, a Greek physician who lived 2400 years ago. This concept is at the core of many medical systems. In this integrative system, natural healing methods such as botanical medicine, homeopathy, nutritional therapy, hydrotherapy, manipulative therapy, acupuncture, and lifestyle coaching are employed. Naturopathy has its roots in the 19th century Nature Cure movement of Europe exemplified by Thomas Allinson of Scotland who in the 1880s advocated his hygienic medicine, which promoted a natural diet and exercise while avoiding coffee, alcohol, tobacco, and overwork. In the US Dr Benedict Lust founded The American School of Naturopathy, graduating the first class in 1902. After enjoying popularity, advances in surgical techniques, the discovery of antibiotics, and the growth of the pharmaceutical industries replaced the more low-tech traditional healing processes. This period of deep scientific reductionism lasted through the 1950s and now naturopathy is becoming more popular again.

In the 1930s Dr Edward Bach, a British physician, homeopath, bacteriologist/pathologist, and spiritual writer, inspired by classical homeopathy, developed Bach flower remedies based on his philosophy that disease was caused by a disharmony between body and mind. He believed that a new system of medicine could be derived from nature and he focused on plants. Intuitively derived, using the scientific method, Bach discerned the energy of the flower. He believed the dew or morning water on the leaves contained healing powers and bottled this water with brandy. The remedy is prescribed based on the patient’s personality rather than the specific aliment. Today Bach flower remedies can be found in most health shops in the US and other countries.