LESSONS

ON
HEALTH
By

KENNETH S. JAFFREY
LESSONS
ON
HEALTH
by

Kenneth S. Jaffrey

Published by
KENNETH S. JAFFREY
9 Mandalay Avenue,
Nelly Bay, Qld. 4819
Australia

1984

2
 Number II of a Series

2nd Edition 1984

COPYRIGHT

No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without written

permission of the publisher.

STATEMENT BY THE PUBLISHER

The statements made in this book are based on the naturopathic philosophy of
health. Opinions expressed do not coincide with currently-accepted medical theories.
The publisher does not claim that any advice contained herein constitutes a "cure"
for disease.

Printed by Prestige Litho Pty. Ltd., Morehead Street, South Townsville.

3
 CONTENTS

Lesson 1. The history of Natural Living and Natural Healing

Lesson 2. The primary laws of nature. The laws of natural healing.
Activities in harmony with the natural laws.
Lesson 3. The principles of Natural Healiang versus the Germ Theory.
The definition of good health.
Lesson 4. Dietetics. Composition of foods. The processes of digestion.
Lesson 5. Minerals. Vitamins (Living qualities). When to eat, what to
eat, number of meals, amount to be eaten. Proportion of
each kind of food to be eaten daily. Liquids and solids.
Mastication. Drinking.
Lesson 6. Personal Hygiene. Care of the heair, skin, eyes, teeth,
mouth, nose, bowels. Bathing, exercise, rest, sleep.
Lesson 7. Exercise. The action of muscles and organs. Non-violent
types of exercisse. The role of the spine in relaltion to health.
Lesson 8. Water. It’s role in the human body. Bathing. Hydrotherapy
and its use in health and disease.
Lesson 9. Sun, Air, Relaxation and Rest. Correct breathing, relaxation
techniques. Rest as a process of cure.
Lesson 10. First aid in emergencies. Use of all the natural remedies
such as water, air, sun, food, etc. in emergencies.
Lesson 11. Applied psychology. The natural outlook on life, health and
disease. The cultivation of the habit of positive thinking.
Lesson 12. Fasting. History. Fundamentals of the principles of
physiological rest. Its use as a process of healing. Glossary.

4
 INTRODUCTION

Some years ago the late Mr. L. O. Bailey, founder of the Natural Health
Society of N.S.W., asked me to conduct a series of study classes in
naural health. This book contains the lectures delivered at this time with
such revisions and additions as I have felt desirable. These lessons are
based on the science of Naturopathy, which is firmly based on the
irrefutable facts of biology. The fundamental central principle is that all
biological organisms (living things) are self-reproducing, self-regulating
and self-healing. If this claim is true, then no remedies or medicines of
any kind are necessary. The living organism needs only it's normal
biological requirements in a favourable environment in order to maintain
normal health. In case of trauma or disease these same requirements
are necessary but may need modification according to the
circumstances existing at the time. There is no such thing as a "cure" for
disease. The sick or injured organism heals itself automatically when the
conditions are favourable. It is my hope that the lessons which follow will
help the reader to gain an insight into the elementary principles of
natural living and natural healing.
K. S. Jaffrey

5
Lesson 1. The History of Natural Living and Natural Healing. Definition
of the terms commonly used.
The Origins of Naturopathy:
Practitioners of Naturopathy are often asked to give answers to the
questions - Where did Naturopathy come from? Who discovered
Naturopathy?
It is only natural that strangers to our way of life should be sceptical and
that they should tend to look for some historical and authoritative
background to Naturopathy.
Naturopathy is soundly based, both from a scientific and historical
viewpoint. The history of Naturopathy is a fascinating one and it may be
of interest if for a few minutes we retrace our steps, go back into the
past, and seek to discover its origin.
To those hearing of Naturopathy or Nature Cure for the first time, it will
no doubt come as a surprise to learn that it was the oldest of the healing
arts. Its origin is truly wrapped in the mists of antiquity. Owing to the lack
of scientific knowledge and technology at that time, it must have been
the first method of healing and the only one available to our primitive
ancestors.
Thousands of years ago, man had no surgical instruments, anaesthetics
and medicines, and therefore the only means he had at his disposal
were the unadulterated forces of nature. They still remain the solid core
of naturopathy and natural living to-day.
The earliest traditions and writings we have are those embodied in
Yoga, and it is to Yoga that we must look for the roots of primitive
Naturopathy. The word Yoga means a yoke or link. It implies the link
between man and nature. It envisages the optimal life in harmony with
the forces of nature.
Our earliest ancestors lived in the forests on a simple diet of raw foods.
Their bodies were active and in constant contact with the sun, air, water
and the earth. All of the energies coming to this world from outer space
by means of cosmovital radiations, served to keep them in good health.
These radiations are the source of life and hold the key to many of the
mysteries of life and health.
According to folk-legends in literature, coupled with ethnological and
archaeological evidence which has accumulated over the years, man
lived in harmony with nature for several thousands of years. It seems
quite clear that man lived on fruits, nuts and succulent vegetables. This
diet, with healthy activity outdoors, kept him in good health.

6
How or when our ancestors fell from their high state does not concern us
here. With the discovery of fire, no doubt our ancestors learnt to cook
their food and to kill animals for food. Natural philosophy indicated that
this was the turning point in the history of man's degeneration in health.
The teachings of Yoga were handed down from master to student by
oral tradition for many thousands of years and then with the
development of writing, some of the sages wrote down the principles of
Hatha Yoga. These principles were couched in a poetic and allegorical
style and in a language difficult for a westerner to grasp and interpret,
but to the earnest student they are there just the same.
Unfortunately, the principles of Yoga have been perverted in some
cases, and have become the subject of cults based on Yoga truths.
In order to give you an interesting illustration of the advanced state of
health knowledge in the distant past, I would like to tell you of a
discovery made about 30 years ago.
In 1920, Dr. W. H. Bates of New York published his book "Perfect Sight
without Glasses". He had discovered that most eye faults were caused
by tension and strain. He devised a series of eye exercises which
proved very successful in restoring normal eyesight to many people who
had previously suffered faulty vision.
In India there was a Doctor R. S. Agrawal. He had poor vision and
through practising the Bates' exercises had restored his vision to normal.
He studied further and eventually became an eyesight specialist.
He felt that the principles of Yoga might also have something to
contribute to his knowledge of the eye. He searched through the ancient
Yoga texts and interviewed all the holy men he knew. One old man had
a chart which had been found buried underground at Kashmir. It was
drawn on a Bhojpatra leaf. It was very old but still in a good state of
preservation, and proved to be of great interest.
It consists of a 16-pointed star with a large circle in the centre. In the
circle were the representations of an E in script drawn back to front.
Alongside was a large O and above this a crescent with a black dot in
the centre.
It is a strange coincidence that this chart should comprise every exercise
for developing the eye muscles that could be imagined.
Here was obviously a part of a manuscript hundreds of years old. It
proved that these eye exercises were known to the ancient Yogins.
Unfortunately Yoga died out to a large extent, until the rebirth of Yoga
which occurred in Europe.

7
The Western re-birth of Yoga occurred in Europe in 1829. A Silesian
farmer named Vincent Priessnitz rediscovered the lost truths of the
natural life and natural healing. He used exercise, fresh mountain air,
water, and a simple abstemious diet of fruit, vegetables and wholemeal
bread.
Eventually, he established a sanatarium at Grafenburg. This sanatarium
became world-famous and to this simple unlettered farmer came wealthy
people from all over the world, seeking advice and treatment.
Among these were many medical doctors, chemists, and people from all
walks of life. One was even a priest. Some of these people were inspried
to further study of Priessnitz's treatments and took their knowledge
home to foreign countries and thus spread the gospel of Naturopathy.
The actual re-birth dates from 1829. Vincent Priessnitz was born in
1799. He lived as a boy in the town of Grafenburg, in the Silesian
mountains, then Prussia, now part of Poland.
When seventeen years of age, he met with an accident which resulted in
numerous bruises and two fractured ribs. Complications set in and he
developed severe inflammation of the lungs. The physicians gave him
no hope of recovery.
Priessnitz remembered how a swollen foot had benefitted by the use of
cold water and how animals were treated by cold water. He determined
to try it on himself.
He applied cold compresses and drank freely of water. In other words -
he fasted. The result was that in a short time he was restored to health.
He resolved to make a complete investigation into the remedial powers
of nature.
He first of all made experiments in dietetics. He fed two pigs on
experimental diets. One had cold raw foods while the other had hot
cooked foods. He killed them and discovered that the pig fed on cold raw
foods had firm healthy flesh. The pig fed on hot cooked foods was
inflamed and brittle.
In the beginning, the methods used by Priessnitz were crude, but the
basis of his system was to induce perspiration and to culture the skin by
applications of cold water.
He observed how different people reacted to cold applications and soon
learned to regulate his treatments to suit the constitution of his patients.
This was something which nearly all of his copyists did not learn and is
the reason why water-cure was not always uniformly successful in other
hands.

8
Josh Billings, an old American philosopher, once said, "They can copy
our goods but they can't copy our mind, so we left em a-sweating and a-
straggling a thousand miles behind."
And the medical copyists of Priessnitz were a thousand miles behind. To
this day, they have never been able to grasp the philosophy of natural
living or natural healing.
The healing art he was to discover was still well ahead. At that time he
was unaware of the healing crisis which he was to discover later. But
Priessnitz remained calm. It seemed a certainty to him that nature never
deceives and never leads man into misery but to health. And he followed
the dictates of nature.
Priessnitz was a very quiet man, he was never known to speak about his
work nor did he write one word on paper. The records we have are those
written by patients who underwent his treatments.
His system was brought to England by a Captain Claridge who wrote a
book on the cold water cure. He also gave numerous lectures on the
subject. Soon there were large establishments all over England and
eventually the water-cure spread to America.
Naturally the water-cure was perverted by medical philosophy and was
not as effective as in Priessnitz's hands.
The water-cure, as Naturopathy was called at that time, did not meet
with the favour of the medical profession and there were many battles
between the disciples of Priessnitz and the devotees of medicine.
After many controversies, the whole thing ended in a Royal Commission.
As a result of the findings of the Royal Commission, the water-cure
became more popular than ever.
Priessnitz converted the old farmhouse into a sanatarium and thousands
of people came from all over the world to try the watercure. After a time,
Priessnitz used a crude diet of simple foods coupled with water
applications, fasting, open-air life and general hygiene to achieve his
remarkable results. His water applications consisted of shower baths,
compresses, packs and so on.
The Austrian Government granted him a diploma after an official
investigation of his work and methods. The French Government sent the
head of their medical department to study his methods and by this
means hydrotherapy was introduced into the French army a century ago.
Several other Governments did the same.
Many of the more conservative doctors heaped scorn and ridicule upon
Priessnitz, but he refused to be drawn into their arguments. Eventually

9
they were forced to admit the worth of the water-cure. The neighbouring
physicians had him charged with the unauthorized practice of medicine.
They could not charge him with malpractice as there were no plaintiffs
and it could not be proved that anyone had ever been any the worse for
the water-cure.
Priessnitz eloquently pleaded his own case and asked how the court
could force an indictment against a man who had never encouraged the
belief in medicines and had never dispensed a grain of drugs in his life.
He said that bathing with cold water was a mere sanitary habit and they
might as well arrest him for advising his neighbours to take more outdoor
exercise or try to change their diet.
The court discharged Priessntiz, but warned him to be more careful in
the future. When Priessnitz died his name was a household word all
over the world.
We must take this opportunity to examine the water-cure closely as it
was the origin of Naturopathy as we know it to-day.
Priessnitz discovered the law of crisis, the most important discovery ever
made by a healer. It still remains the key to natural healing. Priessnitz
discovered that nature healed by means of a self-instituted crisis. This
was found to be a fever which subsided gradually if the patient drank
water freely. This is a point which has been overlooked by many
superficial students of natural health, then and since.
Priessnitz found that what he called natural elements - sun, air, water,
exercise and crude simple foods, so built up the internal forces in the
body that a crisis was provoked. During the crisis the patient fasted and
allowed nature to eliminate the toxins which caused the disease.
When we realise that Priessnitz had very little formal education, the
discovery of this great truth was greatly to his credit.
Although much research and observation has added to our knowledge of
natural living and Naturopathy, the basic principles which Priessnitz
discovered are still as valid as they were in the year 1829.
Priessnitz was of the opinion that all persons may drink water without the
slightest risk, only observing that they should never drink so much as to
cause discomfort. After a little practice everyone should be able to
determine just how much water they need. In other words, they should
listen to the voice of their own organisms.
Priessnitz had under his care nearly 3000 patients within the first two
years. Fourteen of these were medical doctors. He only lost two patients
in this time. How many medical doctors to-day could equal this record?

10
His teaching was that health was possible only by abstinence from
everything against which the instinct of a man of nature warns,
especially from the poisons which it has pleased man to call medicines
and from those drinks and potions which the chemical art prepares and
which are the enemies to human reason. Cure is alone possible by
means of the abundant use of the elements of sun, air, water and earth.
This short history of Vincent Priessnitz may come as a surprise to many
of you. For some reason or other his name has been forgotten. Many of
the present-day prophets of natural healing who are claiming to have
made original discoveries in this field, are, in reality, indebted to this
man, and I feel that an appreciation of his work is long overdue.
Since the passing of Priessnitz, we have had other great Naturopathic
leaders who have added their quota to our knowledge and rounded out
the theory and practice of our art.
There was Sebastian Kneipp, a Catholic priest who devoted his life to
natural healing. Kneipp used several applications of cold water designed
to restore the skin action to normal. The basic principles are still used in
Naturopathy to-day.
Louis Kuhne was a bootmaker. He developed the water-cure and
simplified it considerably. He also used fasting, diet, sun and air to
achieve his remarkable results.
In Europe we had Lahman, Bilz, J. H. Rausse and Adolf Just. All of
these men conducted institutions where they practised the simple
methods of nature.
In America we had Drs. Trall, Jackson, and Kellogg, Sylvester Graham,
Dr. Dewey, Charles E. Page, Isaac Jennings and several others.
In more modern times we had Benedict Lust, Otto Carque, Herward
Carrington, Arnold Ehrett, James C. Thomson, Henry Lindlahr, Horace
Fletcher, D. D. Palmer, Dr. Tilden and many more too numerous to
mention.
I have left to the last the name of the man whom I believe to be the
greatest living authority on natural living and natural healing. I rank him
with Preissnitz as one of the greatest Naturopaths and one of the
greatest minds of all times. His name is Prof. Edmond Szekely.
Prof. Szekely is a Romanian by birth. He was an orthodox doctor who
became a professor of philosophy and experimental psychology at the
University of Cluj in Romania.

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Applying a keenly analytical mind, he related the principles of
Naturopathy to every phase of life. His genius has raised the inexact art
of Naturopathy to the status of an exact science.
Unfortunately, like most great men, he is largely unappreciated to-day.
His conception is so sublime, so all-embracing, that his work will only be
fully appreciated in the distant future.
We have now brought our history of Naturopathy up to date. Naturally,
some of those who have contributed to the development and
advancement of Naturopathy have not been mentioned, as the reading
of a list of them would only be tedious.
Suffice it to say that all of these people have bequeathed to us the
purest philosophy and way of life and a sure way to the highest level of
health without drugs, medicines or operations.
Many are the claims to the discovery of Naturopathy and anyone reading
the recent literature must be confused at so many confliction claims
made on behalf of so many people.
When the facts are made known, there can be no doubt that in modern
times, there can be only one valid claimant to this honour, and that man
is Vincenz Priessnitz, the true father of natural healing.

Other good books to read on this subject:

THE LIFE OF VINCENT PRIESSNITZ by Metcalfe.
HYDROPATHY by R. T. Claridge.
THE HISTORY OF OSTEOPATHY by E. R. Booth.
HEALTH AND NATURE CURE HANDBOOK by the N. C. Ed. Assn.

Lesson 2. The Primary laws of nature.

The law of natural healing.
Activities in harmony with the natural laws.

The Laws of Nature and why we should obey them:

Everyone needs health. Health is that condition in which man
experiences the greatest efficiency of his physical life and enjoys the
greatest happiness in his mental life.
Not everyone wants health. Unfortunately needs and wants are often at
variance. In order for us to understand the needs of the human body for

12
the highest level of mental and physical health, it is necessary for us to
study the so-called laws of Nature.
As for us, "Man is the measure of all things", we must define what life
and health are, then try to observe the laws of Nature relating to life and
health.
Our definition of life will be wholly related to man on this earth. My
definition of life is this - "Human life is the mode of existence of
albuminous matter, created and sustained by the vast ocean of cosmic,
solar, human and terrestrial radiations surrounding the earth."
As these radiations gave us birth and sustain life, it follows that they are
the only forces which can restore health when it is lost. Health is the
adaptation of the organism to the forces of Nature.
Ill-health is the maladaptation or neglect of these forces. Partial neglect
of these forces produces ill-health of one kind or another. Total neglect
leads to death in every case.!
A healthy human being is one who obeys the seven primary laws of
Nature and who indulges in those activities which are in harmony with
the natural laws. In so far as a person complies with the laws, so will he
live a full and happy life. In so far as he ignores and neglects the laws,
so will he suffer ill-health in proportion.
Wnat are the primary laws of nature and where do they come from?
Actually there are no laws of Nature. Nature has never written them
down. But Man, over the centuries, has patiently observed the
phenomena of life and we are able to state certain facts and that certain
phenomena are produced by doing certain things and living in a certain
way. It is essential for us to know the laws based on the phenomena of
Nature.
There are seven primary laws of Nature. They deal with temperature, air,
water, sun, activity, thought and harmony.

The First law is the law of temperature:

Human life can exist only between two limits of temperature. Extreme
heat and extreme cold both destroy life. These limits vary a little at
different times of the year and different places and in different
organisms.
By observing this law and by not subjecting our bodies to extremes of
heat and cold we will be taking the first step towards health. We should
live only in the zones on the earth's surface which are favourable to
man. We should live in the tropical and temperate zones.

13
Our foods should be only those grown or produced in these areas. We
should eat only raw fruit and vegetables which do not require heat or
cold in their preparation.
The second law is the law of air:
Without oxygen, there can be no human life. Respiration is therefore one
of the most important functions of our bodies. The need for air to oxidise
the nutrients and waste products in the bloodstream is so vital that the
cessation of life occurs almost simultaneously with the cessation of
breath.
The third law is the law of water:
Life on earth would not be possible without water. All organisms consist
mainly of water and so do their foods. We need sun-irradiated water
contained in fruits and vegetables to keep the blood in good condition.
The circulation of the blood in the human organism bears the same
relationship to the body as the circulation of water does to the earth.
The fourth law is the law of the sun:
Human life is not possible without the sun. The radiations of the sun are
necessary for vitalizing the air, water and the earth.
The fifth law is the law of activity:
In health we must be active. Benjamin Franklin once said, "When I rest I
rust" and this is true. The ancient philosopher, Heraclitus, formulated a
statement on activity. He said, "All things exist and at the same time do
not exist. No sooner do they exist than they cease to exist. Everything
flows back and forth eternally. The clash of opposites is the origin of life."
In other words, movement is one of the main essentials of life. Activity is
an essential function. Stagnation or lack of movement can only lead to
death.
The sixth law is the law of thought:
The degree of perfection of every organism depends on the degree of
superiority of its capacity for thought. Thoughts are sources of
knowledge, strength, harmony and perfection.
The seventh and final law is the law of harmony:
The world (including man on it) exists owing to the fundamental law that
all parts of the universe must be in harmony with themselves and with
Nature. Those organisms which are out of harmony with themselves or
Nature must perish. This is the primary cause of ill-health.
Millions of people are not only out of harmony with the universe, but are
also riddled with internal contradictions. They break the laws by self-

14
indulgence and then try to compensate by breaking another law. In this
way, their lives are masses of contradictions and internal and external
harmony is impossible. This is what we call ill-health.
These seven laws concern the most basic requirements of life. As
necessary as it may be to observe these always, we could not exist as
human beings by simply observing these laws as they stand. Even the
simplest organisms and animals obey these laws.
In order to achieve the greatest happiness and efficiency we must
indulge in those activities which are in harmony with the seven primary
laws of Nature.
Here are the activities which I believe to be necessary to total high-level
health: Respiration (or breathing), muscular exercise, skin-reaction,
glandular activity, integrity of the bone structure, magnetism, electricity,
colours, sounds, aromas, taste, mastication, fasting and sleep. These
are all physical states.
Then there are the psychic states of thought, feeling and activity of the
nervous system. These comprise what is known as culture. Culture is
divided into groups such as work, social life, philosophy, truth and
morals, literature, art, sports, and sexuality. Let us consider these
activities singularly.
Respiration: Man must absorb unadulterated air by rhythmic breathing
in conjunction with physical exercise in order to oxidise the waste
products produced by his organism and to absorb energy.
Muscular Exercise: Non-violent exercise is essential for health. All
those exercises which stretch, twist and flex the muscles slowly and
rhythmically are most favourable.
Skin Reaction: Skin reaction is required to harden the organism against
sudden changes of temperature. The skin is our largest organ and can
be cultivated by skin friction, stretching and alternating use of heat and
cold.
Glandular Activity: All glands must function properly. The glands have
a tremendous influence on the activities of the essential functions as well
as in maintaining an influence on thought and character.
Integrity of bone structure: This implies the correct functioning of all
bony joints, including the spine. Exercises, posture and relaxation are
used to achieve this condition. In serious cases of illhealth, chiropractic
adjustments and oseopathic manipulations can be used to assist in
establishing normal functions.

15
Magnetism: Magnetism is essential for the functioning of all the cellular
structures of the body. We need frequent contact with the earth in order
to absorb terrestrial radiations which are so essential to health.
Electricity: The body is now known to be essentially an electrical
machine and not exclusively a chemical one, as was once believed. The
body needs the electricity of the atmosphere in the form of radiations to
maintain life at its highest level.
Colours: Colours are not entities, but the visible indication of radiations
of a certain wavelength. Colours have a harmonizing and balancing
influence on the nervous system.
Sounds: Sounds of all kinds affect the body through the nervous
system. Dicordant sounds and those of too high or too low a frequency
have an adverse effect on the nerves. Music can be used as a therapy if
classical compositions are used in the right place at the right time. It
creates a highly favourable environment for normalization.
Aromas: The sense of smell is a valuable guide to a good environment.
If an environment smells pleasant it is a good place to live. If food smells
clean and attractive it is good to eat. This does not apply to substances
used in an unnatural way to mask wrong foods. Man enjoys the aromas
of foods as well as the taste, and aromatic foods have an important role
in dietetics.
Taste: In a healthy animal, the sense of taste is so acute that it will not
eat anything unfavourable to it. Human beings in good health are also
subject to this law. It is a good axiom, never to eat any food which is
disagreeable to the taste. Eat only those foods you enjoy.
Mastication: All vegetarian animals need to masticate their food
thoroughly. The digestive fluids are not strong enough to break down
solid food for complete digestion. Slow chewing with conscious attention
to the reduction of each mouthful to an emulsion is desirable. All teeth
are necessary and if any are missing, they should be replaced to ensure
maximum mastication.
Fasting: Fasting is physiological rest of the digestive system. The
average human being fasts completely for more than 12 hours per day
and sometimes much more than this. Fasting is Nature's own way of
repairing damage and ridding itself of unwanted material. An acutely sick
person should never eat food until the acute phase has passed.
Sleep: Everybody needs sleep. This is the period of absorption and
accumulation of strength and energy. Energy does not come from food
alone.

16
Psychic States: Thought, feeling and activity are the main states of the
nervous system and there should be a balance between the use of all
three states. A positive, fearless and cheerful outlook reacts favourably
on the glands and brain, thereby establishing a favourable mental
climate for cure of disease and maintenance of health.
Culture: This consists of all the higher values of human existence. They
consist of work, social life, philosophy, truth and morals, literature,
music, art, sports and sexuality.
Work: This should be in harmony with individual tastes and inclination.
Work then becomes a pleasure, not a drudge, and is a source of
harmony and health.
Social Life: This is the expression of thoughts, feelings and arts. Man is
a social animal and derives great satisfaction and benefit from the
expression of his thoughts and feelings through social contacts and
artistic endeavour.
Philosophy: Man is the only animal who is conscious of and is able to
speculate on the meaning and purpose of life. He derives benefit from
the search for the meaning and purpose of life. It acts as a rudder to
guide him on his course, a guide to action.
Truth and Morals: Man is the only animal who is conscious of the
necessity for truth and moral behaviour. If man lives according to his
individual moral standard, it becomes a source of harmony and health.
Hypocrites are never healthy.
Literature: Man is the only animal who finds expression in and draws
satisfaction from literature. The classics of literature are sources of
harmony and strength and should be used as often as possible to
reinforce the purely physical therapies.
Arts: Man is the only animal who finds inspiration and value in the
expression and enjoyment of the arts of music, painting, sculpture and
dancing. All of the arts may be used in the search for health. So far, they
have been almost neglected, but there is evidence of a growing
awareness of their importance.
Sports: Man derives considerable relaxation and satisfaction from the
performance of the most valuable sports and games. Sports can be
utilised as a source of mental harmony and physical culture.
Sexuality: This envisages a normal life of sexual activity in conformity
with the normal natural demands of a healthy organism. Sexual
problems seem to attain great importance when unsolved, but can be a
source of harmony and health if solved correctly. The aim is balance of

17
mind and body through knowledge of sexual function and its rational
application.
As well as the laws which apply to man in general there are other laws
which apply specifically to those who are ill and wish to restore their
health. There are four laws which are applicable to naturopathy or the art
of healing by Nature. We should keep them in mind and use them as our
guide posts:
The first is the law of druglessness: This is aimed mainly at the tak-
ing of medicines, but naturally applies equally to dietetics. The law of
druglessness says that we should not put into a sick body any substance
which if put into a well body, would make it sick. As foods are our
medicine, we must see that only the correct foods, the cleanest, mildest
and purest foods ever enter our digestive systems.
The second law is the law of non-violence: We must not make use of
any treatments which are violent in character and which could do any
harm to the system. We must not indulge in violent thoughts. Any act of
violence is one which so exceeds the natural actions of the body as to
cause an excessive breaking down of tissues, enervation or interference
with the normal functions of the organs.
The third law is the so-called law of Karma or the law of cause and
effect: Every effect has a good and sufficient cause. Applied to the
human organism, it means that the health we enjoy or the ill-health we
suffer is the direct result of the living habits of ourselves, and/or our
ancestors. "As we sow, so shall we reap."
The laws of nature are inexorable. If sometimes we feel that the
punishment meted out to those who break the natural laws is too severe
we must remember that the choice is ours. If we wish to indulge our own
whims instead of obeying the natural laws, we cannot complain if the
maximum of pain, discomfort, or even death, is the penalty.
The fourth law is the law of crisis: Without crisis there can be no
cure. The healing crisis is the acute reaction instigated by the internal
mechanism of the body, resulting from the ascendancy of natural vitality
over the disease-producing factors. A disease crisis is the ascendancy
of the disease-producing factors over the vitality of the organism,
proceeds towards and terminates in death.
Now that we know the laws of natural health and natural healing, we
should try to observe them in our daily lives and to indulge in those
activities which will produce harmony and balance in our lives. We must
shun all those habits which are enervating and disease-producing. By
observing the laws, healthy people will be able to maintain high level

18
health to an advanced age. Those who are now in ill-health will be able
to restore their bodies and minds to normal so they too will be able to
enjoy the most basic need of man - good health.
Having analysed the forces of nature, and the laws derived from them,
let us ask ourselves a question - are there any healthy people? If so,
where are they, and how do they live, what lessons can we learn from
their way of life?
Over the last sixty years, several scientists have devoted a great deal of
time to the consideration of this subject. Their findings are very
significant in that they confirm what we of the natural school of health
have been saying for hundreds of years.
In the North of India where Pakistan and Tibet meet, there is a valley. It
has been isolated for 600 years. This isolation has caused the
inhabitants to develop a way of life which produces the highest degree of
health, strength and happiness. It is called the Hunza Valley and the
people are called Hunzakuts. The mountains are so high and the terrain
so difficult that the Hunzakuts have to walk and climb around narrow
ledges on the mountain sides for 60 miles to reach the nearest village of
Gilgit.
The facts will give you an idea of what life is like in this region. Ill-health
and disease are unknown. Accidents are very rare as the people are so
sturdy and tough.
They live to an average age of 120 years in health and vigour. At 90
years of age they play a strenuous game of polo which is their native
sport. They carry heavy loads on their backs for many miles without
fatigue. Their clothing is simple. Their habits are simple and healthy.
There are no laws, no police force, no army, no divorce.
What is the secret of this healthy happy life that they led in Hunza?
Prof. Robert McCarrison was the first to record the existence of these
people and to study their living habits in 1904. Since then G. T. Wrench
in 1938 and Sir Albert Howard in 1940 and Dr. Allen Banik in 1940 have
investigated these people.
Then Stefanson the Explorer discussed the Hunzakuts in his latest book
published in 1960. All of these Scientists studied the living habits of the
Hunzakuts and were unanimous that their living habits and diet alone
were responsible for their health, happiness and longevity. They found
that it depended on three factors.

19
Firstly: The Hunzakuts believe that the critical period for any human
being is the few months before birth. A healthy mother eating healthy
foods is a prerequisite for a healthy child.
Secondly: The Hunzakuts breast feed their babies for three years. In
other words, infants are reared as nature intended them to be - at the
breast.
Thirdly: The predominant use of fresh and raw foods of vegetable
origin, with a bare minimum of processing. They live mostly on raw fruits
and vegetables in the summer and sundried apricots and germinated
grains in the winter. So here we have scientific evidence of all we have
been teaching for so many years.
Unfortunately, the majority of mankind are not living this kind of life and
are therefore paying the penalty with sickness, a reduced life span and
in many cases, premature death.
What lesson can we learn from all of this?
The sensible thing would seem to be to give up the bad habits which are
causing so much disease to-day and to return to a simple natural life
which produces good health. To the extent to which we do this, our
health will improve.
Those methods of natural healing which assist the organism to achieve
normality can be called natural.
By living in harmony with the forces of nature, by normalizing your body,
the inherent forces will restore health, no matter what the name of the
disease may be.
There is no incurable disease, but there are incurable people - those
who lack the intelligence to comprehend the laws of nature will not have
the will power to discipline themselves to be able to take advantage of
the natural forces. Given these - Nature heals - so why be sick?

Lesson 3. The principles of natural healing versus the germ

theory.
The definition of good health.
The definition of good health.
Before we can compare the Naturopathic and medical theories of health
and disease, we must be sure of what we mean by these words.
In normal health we have supple muscles, firm tissues, ample strength
and vitality, freedom from aches, pains and discomfort, a natural

20
immunity to germ or virus infection, and a high-spirited, positive
mentality.
This is the positive condition called health. The negative state of disease
means that the body lacks ease or wellbeing. It is an unnatural state.
Natural Living: Natural health is the result of living in harmony with the
laws of nature. Certain conditions must be present. We need wholesome
foods, correctly selected for their freshness and food quality. These
foods must contain all of the elements required to sustain life and
provide the basic materials for efficient repair of injured tissues.
We need clean fresh air, irradiated by the sun for perfect oxidation of
toxic waste matter in our blood stream. We need nonviolent exercise
and its counterpart, relaxation. We should keep the body as clean as
possible. We need rest and sufficient sleep to allow the body to
recuperate after exertion and work. Our thoughts should be positive and
constructive. Given these hygienic essentials there is no reason why we
should not keep in perfect health from birth to death.
The human body is the most perfect machine and we are duty bound to
see that it is cared for correctly.
Natural living takes all of these essential factors of health into account.
Natural healing is based on natural living. All of the factors which make
for normal health are also required for natural healing.
Natural Healing: Natural healing is based on the fact that all of the
forces within the body are continually striving to maintain good health. If
we break the laws of nature, the body will still try to maintain good
health. Natural healing takes advantage of the self-healing principle and
strives to assist, rather than hinder, the natural healing processes. The
essential difference between natural healing and medical treatment is
the philosophy behind each one.
Natural healing may be defined as "that philosophy which uses as many
as possible of the forces of nature to raise the level of health of the
organism, so that the inherent healing forces and mechanism can
institute a healing crisis, which in turn will terminate in the normalizing of
the organism."
In order to decide what natural forces are to be used we fall back on the
teachings of the past, coupled with the experiences and discoveries of
the present period. What we call Naturopathy today, originated as Yoga
some thousands of years ago. The teachings of natural living and
natural healing were lost and disregarded for many years. It remained
for Vincent Preissnitz to re-discover the law of nature cure.

21
Naturopathy was re-discovered, piecemeal by many people in many
different countries of the world. Some of the people were medical
doctors, but the majority were laymen.
To-day, it is possible for us to take the best of all of the natural healing
schools and to combine these methods into a homogeneous system
without contradictions. The purest and best school of thought is that
which uses a Raw Fruit and Vegetable Diet, Fasting, Sunbathing,
Airbathing, Exercise, Relaxation and a Positive mental outlook in
harmony with the forces of nature.
Natural healing is known under various names, such as Natural
Hygiene, Naturopathy, Nature Cure, or Naturo-therapy.
Natural healing is not just fasting, just diet, just exercise, just relaxation,
just positive thinking. While all of the above methods are quite effective,
and essential, the full force of natural treatment does not become
apparent until all of the methods are used simultaneously. These simple
methods take on a surprising and unsuspected potency when used
together.
There are two opposing schools of thought in natural healing. They are
the Reform School and the Crisis School. The reform school consists of
those people who believe that the masses are not ready for the full truth
of natural living, or that their particular method is all-sufficient. These
people may believe in diet alone, fasting alone or any one of the many
therapies used one-sidedly. These do show some improvement when
used in a one-sided way but never achieve the positive results which
follow the use of a number of methods in combination. Nearly all of the
followers of the one-sided Reform school are still under the influence of
medical philosophy and are looking for a specific remedy for disease.
The Crisis School is that embraced by the "Pure" or "Straight"
naturopath. This school teaches that while each of the therapies used by
the reform school is very good and necessary, they must be intelligently
and scientifically combined in order to achieve the best results.
The Crisis school believes that the forces latent in natural diet, fasting,
water, air, sun, earth, exercise, relaxation and a positive mental outlook
should all be used simultaneously to raise the general level of health of
the organism. When this is achieved, nature will institute a healing crisis.
This crisis is not, as the name usually implies, something to be feared,
but is a sign of vital activity and as such, something to be welcomed.
The crisis may take the form of excessive perspiration, diarrhoea,
vomiting, inflammation, headache, pain or a skin eruption. A true crisis is
always accompanied by a rise in temperature.

22
When a crisis occurs, the patient is ordered to fast completely on pure
water until the signs of crisis are past. When the crisis subsides, the
patient then resumes his natural healthy way of life. This is the
reconstructive period, during which the tissues which have been
depleted during the fast are rebuilt and strengthened.
A patient may have more than one crisis before he can be said to be
cured. In fact, a patient following the system of nature cure, relives in a
mild form, all the diseases which he has had in the past.
Orthodox methods do not cure disease, but simply suppress symptoms.
It is quite natural that nature will not only remove the toxins which are
causing a disease, but also the drugs which have been used in an effort
to cure the patient of his previous disease. It is only when all toxins have
been removed from the body that a patient can be said to be cured.
When all the toxins have been eliminated, no crisis will occur and the
patient can now adopt a normal healthy diet and hygienic living habits.
Of course, it goes without saying that he should not return to his old
habits nor to the custom of eating foodless foods and the poisonous
substitutes for foods which largely caused his sickness in the first place.
There are other schools of healing such as Herbalism, Homeopathy,
Tissue-salt therapy, Electropathy, which could be best described as
drugless healing. They are all less harmful than medical treatments, but
in the final analysis are still "Medical" and have no place in "pure" nature
cure.
We believe that the body has within itself all of the powers of regulation
and healing necessary to maintain health.
It is interesting to note that although they do not make use of this
inherent healing power, the medical profession sometimes admits that it
exists.
One of the bitterest opponents of natural healing is Dr. Morris Fishbein.
In his book "The Medical Follies", Dr. Fishbein says: "There seems to be
inherent within the cells of all living substances a WILL TO LIVE, a
tendency towards recovery from disease, the Vis Medicatrix Naturae.
This salutary activity of the organism is the secret of the success of
those cults (including Naturopathy) that occupy the twilight zone of
medical practice."
In his latest book "The New Medical Follies" Dr. Fishbein says: "The
Doctor relied, in the past, most of all on the Vis Medicatrix Naturae, the
natural tendency of the body to get well anyway, and on the fact that
many common ailments seem to be self-limited." No Naturopath could
have phrased it better.

23
Naturopathy is not simply another way of making sick people feel better;
it is a way of life which, if adopted, will prevent or minimize sickness and
progressively build a more vital, healthier, happier and better race of
human beings.
The Germ Theory of Disease: The medical profession is wedded
largely to the germ theory. This is a loose definition for a philosophy
which says that some diseases are caused by microorganisms which
invade the human body.
According to the dictionary, a germ is a microscopic organism which is
apt to cause disease.
These infinitesimal beings are credited with amost miraculous powers by
the medical profession. It would seem that a tiny germ can mulitply and
eventually kill a human being which is many million times its size. These
germs are supposed to be present in great numbers in our atmosphere,
the food we eat, the clothes we wear, and everything we touch.
One extraordinary fact about the germ theory is that it breaks down in so
many cases. Even assuming that germs do exist, this does not mean
that they are the cause of diseases. Germs do exist and man could not
live in a perfectly germ-free environment.
Specific germs are supposed to cause specific diseases, yet in many
cases of disease, no germs can be found. In other cases, the germs are
present but there are no symptoms of disease. When no germs can be
found, the medical profession then conveniently find that a virus is
responsible for the disease. In cases where the person has a germ but
no disease, the person is then said to be a carrier, and is presumably
immune. No explanation is given for the fact that this person is immune
except that he is said to possess some mysterious anti-bodies within his
bloodstream. Even the virus theory breaks down too, and we find that
most of the commonest diseases do not demonstrate the presence of
either germ or virus. This is, of course, very embarrassing, so the search
is still going on for the elusive germ or virus for every disease.
The principle of immunization then comes into the picture. It is claimed
that when a person is once attacked by the mysterious germs or viruses,
they do not get the disease again. So disease germs or viruses are
deliberately injected directly into the bloodstream.
Of course, the procedures are doomed to failure. Diseases are not
caused by germ invasion. The germ invasion is a direct result of suitable
environment for their development. Germs are no different from any
other organism. They thrive where their living conditions are most
favourable. Just as human beings thrive where the food is best,

24
temperature favourable, humidity is just right, and so on, so do germs
thrive. Germs thrive in darkness, humidity and warmth, and where there
is a medium which carries organic matter in the process of
disintegration. Highly toxic matter provides the ideal diet for these tiny
organisms. Wherever a body is heavily encumbered with toxic waste
matter, germs find their foothold.
Germs, like human beings and other animals, cannot live unless they
have a suitable diet provided for them. An unhealthy body provides the
breeding ground for germs. Filth and retained waste forms the ideal diet
for germs. They multiply in billions and their activity is in direct proportion
to the amount of food they are able to find.
The excreta from these germs is highly toxic and this adds to the general
toxic condition of the body.
The orthodox method of treatment is to find the specific germ and then
attempt to kill it by means of drugs or other violent measures.
The idea that a specific germ disease would give a person protection
against another germ disease was the brainchild of Louis Pasteur.
Pasteur was inspired by the example of Edward Jenner, the Englishman,
who believed that a person who had suffered from Cowpox could not
develop Smallpox.
Pasteur was a chemist who had no knowledge of biology and less of the
true nature of health and disease. When Jenner became famous through
his new treament by injection of vaccines, Pasteur looked upon Jenner
as a great scientist and decided to follow his lead.
Antoine Bechamp had been doing a great deal of research work into the
causation of disease. He worked on the germ theory and quietly set
about tracing the origins of germs.
Pasteur used his original material and discoveries for his own ends.
Instead of waiting until Bechamp's researches were completed, he came
out with the announcement that he had made a great discovery. Pasteur
distorted Bechamp's teachings and by astute publicrelations work,
managed to gain the ascendancy.
Bechamp was a scientist and not a showman. In a short time Pasteur
was hailed as a genius. Pasteur suggested that he could protect human
beings from disease by inoculating everybody with the specific germs in
a mild form and thus everybody inoculated would get the disease in a
mild form and would never be subject to the disease in a virulent form.

25
Pasteur acted on the assumption that everybody is liable to contract a
certain disease. He disregarded the fact that many people do not get the
specific disease, even if they literally swim in a bath of these germs.
The idea that germs cause disease is contrary to the facts. One good
reason for doubting this hypothesis is that in most cases, there is
disease present when there is no germ to be found. This is because the
germs have not had time to multiply. In other cases one type of germ is
found and another disease altogether different is present.
Since we know that germs do exist and since we claim that the germ
does not cause the disease, we must seek for the true explanation of
this mystery. The explanation can be found in the theory of the
Microzyma.
Antoine Bechamp continued his researches and found that the germ
was not the basic unit. Going further, he discovered a tinier, simpler,
organism which he called the Microzyma. The presence of this organism
explains the anomaly in the germ theory.
Bechamp found that the microzyma is benign and plays a vital part in the
human body. Germs are derived from the microzyma. When the waste
matter on which the germs thrive is all consumed, the germs return to
their former state as microzyma. This explains the disappearance of
germs when the body is able to overcome its toxic state. It explains
where germs come from and where they go to.
It is now clear that the microzyma is the link between the simplest form
of life in the body and the complex mechanism of germs. The microzyma
theory also explains why it is possible to disregard germs when treating
disease conditions under nature cure.
Naturopaths entirely disregard germs in their treatment of disease. All of
our efforts are directed towards the detoxication of the organism. When
the organism is thoroughly cleansed of accumulations of poisonous
waste matter, the germs mysteriously disappear without leaving a trace.
Where do they go ? It is obvious that they revert to the microzyma stage
where they are quite harmless. Our theory is that when a human body
becomes saturated with poisonous toxic matter, the microzyma
automatically develop into germs. These germs immediately set about
the work of devouring this toxic matter. As long as we do not continue
producing toxic matter, it will not be long before the germs, acting as
scavengers, will rid the body of the offending matter. The germs will then
revert to their state as microzyma and the disease will subside.
All germ diseases are thus seen to be self-limiting if treated correctly. If
we listen to the voice of our organisms and treat the condition by natural

26
means, there will be no danger of germs overrunning the body and
poisoning it by excessive excretions.
The naturopathic method of treating a germ disease is very simlple. All
we have to do is to cleanse the body by every means at our disposal.
We should rest and allow all the forces within to be exerted in the
direction of cleansing. This rest is called Fasting. By cleansing our
bodies, the toxic matter which is providing suitable food for the germs, is
removed through the natural channels. No drugs or chemicals are
required to kill the germs because they become innocuous as soon as
their work is completed.
The notion that germs are our enemies is seen to be a false one. It is
based on a negative philosophy of life. Where the philosophy is wrong,
then the practice must be wrong also. Our theory is based on our
philosophy, and where a theory is wrong, it naturally follows that the
practice based on that theory must also be wrong.
When we know the theory of the microzyma we can see that any method
of treatment which depends on the killing of germs must fail. Even if we
succeed in producing a poison which will kill a germ this does not
improve our health. The toxic condition which produced the environment
favourable to germ invasion has not been eliminated.
Germ diseases are caused by Toxaemia. Toxaemia is the result of
wrong living. It is a poisoned condition of the blood, caused through
wrong living habits such as the consumption of unsuitable food, lack of
rest, excesses of all kinds. The body becomes enervated. Enervation
means loss of nervous energy. When the body is enervated, it is unable
to eliminate the toxic waste matter which is being accumulated. This
retention of toxic matter leads to a condition of poisoned blood which we
call Toxaemia. The killing of germs does nothing to reduce this
accumulation of toxic matter and so the real disease - Toxaemia is still
present.
Orthodox medicine treats symptoms only. It does not seek to eliminate
the cause of the disease. Naturopathy does not treat symptoms as such,
but seeks to discover causes and to correct the incorrect living habits
which produce disease.
In Naturopathic philosophy diseases do not exist as entities. They are
simply a reflection of the body at work. There are only two basic types of
disease, Chronic and Acute. In the Acute stage when there is a fever or
rise in temperature, the correct method of treatment is to use the total
Fast until the symptoms subside. the Acute stage is an example of true
nature cure. The Chronic stage of disease is one in which the vitality of
the body is not sufficient to enable the forces within to heal.

27
The Chronic stage is produced by retention of waste products and
enervating habits over a long period of time. It is also aggravated by the
taking of drugs which suppress the efforts of nature to heal.
All of the natural methods of treatment have but one object and that is to
produce a favourable environment for healing. If there are vertebrae out
of position to such an extent that nerve force and blood circulation are
impeded, then an adjustment may be needed to correct this anomaly.
Other bony joints may also be. misaligned and cause the same trouble.
These may be corrected also.
Sunbaths, Airbaths, Exercises, Relaxation, and all of the other natural
methods may be used to raise the vitality of the body. These things do
not, in themselves, cure anything. All they do is to normalize the body
structure and body chemistry. It is then necessary to wait until the body
is ready to heal itself. When the body is ready, the acute stage is
produced. This is the healing crisis. If we fast during the healing crisis,
nature will be allowed to do her work uninterrupted.
Health is not achieved at once. When a body has been broken down by
many years of wrong living, it will take time to rebuild the cells which
have become degenerated.
Restoration of health is a progressive process. Complete cure cannot be
expected in a short time in those who are old. Young people respond
very quickly, but older people will need to have patience.
After adopting the natural way of life, there is always a period of
adaptation. The body will still crave for the poisons of which it is built. At
this stage, self-discipline is required. After this initial period of settling-
down, there will be a period of slow building and reconstruction.
Natural healing is based on the principles of natural living. It is based on
the principle that it is natural to be healthy. Those wishing to know more
should read:
THE TRUE HEALING ART by R. T. Trall.
TOXAEMIA EXPLAINED by J. H. Tilden.
THE CAUSE OF DISEASE by K. S. Jaffrey.
BECHAMP OR PASTEUR? by E. D. Hume.
BECHAMP an appreciation. By H. Grasset.
THE COMMON COLD by K. S. Jaffrey.

28
Lesson 4. Introduction to Dietetics.

As the basic requirement of all living things, whether vegetable or animal

is the nutriment we derive from food, one would naturally expect that a
great deal of thought would be given to it.
While a farmer tries to the best of his knowledge to give his crops the
best of food, and owners of animals recognise, in the main, the
necessity for correct feeding, human beings are still lacking in the
consciousness of the necessity for correct nutrition. This stems from the
fact that a human organism craves and demands the same food as it is
accustomed to, and which indirectly makes up its cells.
If, over a period of thousands of years, man has habitually eaten certain
foods, he naturally has a liking for the kind of food which has built his
body. The cells of which our bodies are built have an innate urge to
reproduce themselves. This is quite natural and is indeed the very
mainspring of life. Even if we eat wrong foods, the cells which are built
by these wrong foods will want them in order to faithfully reproduce
themselves. This would be quite satisfactory if the foods were favourable
to high-level health. As often happens, men and women have built their
bodies from inferior and second-rate foods. The urge is to continue
eating these foods.
When our health is depleted to such an extent that we are forced to think
about our diet, it sometimes happens that there is violent opposition to
any change in our dietetic habits. This is unfortunate, but must be faced.
The question inevitably arises. If my ill-health is caused by incorrect
foods, what must I do to correct this situation? What are the correct
foods? This is where we encounter such wide divergences of opinion.
There is probably no sphere where so many fads are current. We have
societies and individuals propagating their own particular beliefs by
means of books, magazine and newspaper articles. In the bookshops
we find books with titles such as these:- The Lemon Cure, The Grape
Cure, Potatoes as a Food and Medicine, The Miracle of Milk, The Elixir
of Life, The Natural Food of Man and so on - indefinitely.
Delving into the origin for these food-cures, we find that in ignorance,
man believed that certain foods were appropriate to certian conditions
owing to a similarity that existed between the organs affected and the
appearance of the substance or food. As bile is green, the lemon and
orange were thought to be good for liver complaints. Fruits red in colour
were good for the blood and so on. Of course, anyone who ceased
eating the wrong foods and concentrated on lemons or oranges would

29
be bound to feel relief from any liver complaint. Anyone eating red fruits
would most certainly notice an improvement in the condition of the
blood. In recent years a whole system of curing diseases has developed.
Charts are compiled showing the foods which are said to be richest in
certain minerals. Still other charts tell us what complaints follow on a
lack of certain minerals.
If a person is suffering from anaemia, the doctor dietitian, or even the
patient himself, runs down the chart until the name anaemia is reached.
Reading across the chart he finds that lack of iron is the cause. Then
looking up the other chart, he finds that the mineral iron is most plentiful
in such foods as lettuce, spinach, prunes, raisins, cherries, strawberries
and so on. So the patient eats large quantities of these foods which are
supposed to supply iron and subsequently to cure the patient of
anaemia.
This example can be extended to cover almost every known disease.
While there is no doubt that in some cases people do derive benefit from
such a procedure, there are many people who do not derive any benefit.
In fact, they may become worse if anything. Carrots are said to be good
for the eyes, especially in cases of nightblindness. Yet in the majority of
cases no benefit accrues from many months of drinking carrot juices.
The layman or woman is quite entitled to ask and is justified in doing so,
"What is the reason for success in one case and failure in another? I
know that there are many quite genuine people who recommend and
use this kind of treatment. Some tell their patients and friends to eat the
foods, while others prescribe large quantities of the juices only. What is
the truth? I believe the truth to be very simple, as it usually is. It is the
falsehood or error which is obscure and difficult to detect and explain
away.
It is true that the body does require certain minerals in order to achieve
and maintain health. The minerals are the building-stones which the
body uses to replace those worn out cells and to maintain correct
functioning of all the organs. If certain minerals are lacking, it is quite
conceivable that loss of function of some organs can result, and the
quality of tissues can be lowered. However, this does not happen as
often as some people think. Most disease is caused, not by a lack or
shortage of certain minerals, but by an over-supply of other minerals.
This occurs usually through retention of waste products. When the body
is enervated and vital energy is depleted, the eliminative organs are
quite unable to cope with the excess of waste matter which they have to
deal with. If we increase certain minerals by accumulating an excess of
them, this gives an illusion of lack of the other minerals.

30
To feed this body with large quantities of foods, no matter how desirable
they may be normally, is folly. How can a body which is already
embarrassed by a surfeit of toxic matter, deal with large quantities of
food materials? What this body needs is not more food, but, for the time
being, less food.
At all times, the body needs a balanced ration of food. If by some
mischance the body becomes unbalanced and excesses of toxic matter
accumulate, the correct procedure is to rid the body of the unwanted
material, and then to eat a balanced diet of natural foods. When this is
done, the body quickly takes what it wants from the foods supplied, and
discards what it does not want. Two wrongs do not make a right. It is just
not possible to over eat on one thing in order to compensate for over
consumption of another.
Some years ago, the grape cure was very much in vogue. Before that,
lemons and apples had their periods of popularity. The consumption of
large quantities of grapes was thought to be a specific cure for cancer.
The origin of these specific cures lies in a wrong conception of disease
and health. If grapes in fact are a specific cure for cancer, how can we
explain the fact that many people who eat grapes are not cured of
cancer, while those who do not eat grapes are cured of cancer? The
answer again, like all truth, is very simple. Those people who were cured
of cancer by eating grapes were not cured simply by eating grapes only.
In order to cure any disease and to restore high-level, health, several
requirements must be met. While the living habits of a patient are
contrary to the requirements of the body, no foods will be of any avail. If,
on the other hand, a patient suffering from cancer, changes his living
habits in such a way as to bring them in to line with nature, and lives on
grapes only, it is quite possible that the body can heal itself and restore
health. This can only be done when the vitality is still high. The important
fact is that under these conditions, the patient could have eaten apples,
paw-paws, pineapples or any one of the dozens of fruits and vegetables
to achieve the same result. It is the simplicity of treatment which is the
cardinal truth of all these cures. When a food is eaten to the exclusion of
all other foods, it is called a mono-diet. A mono-diet requires a minimum
of effort for digestion. In a tired, enervated body this is a most important
factor.
It has been proved time and time again that it is not the specific food
which restores health, but a reduction in quantity eaten, thorough
mastication and consumption of whole natural foods which produces
these results. I believe also that foods which are fresh and in season are
of higher value than those stale and out of season. Apples from cold

31
storage will not have much food value, but eaten in season will be most
effective. The same can be said of any other fruit or vegetable. It will
now be seen that the secret of curative dietetics is a properly balanced
ration of fresh foods, preferably grown in your locality and in season at
the time.
There are many food fads and to examine them all in detail would take
many hours. One current misconception is that anything of vegetable
origin must be good for you. While it is undoubtedly true that the highest
class of foods are those of vegetable origin, and that they should
constitute the bulk of our diet, not all foods of plant or vegetable origin
are suitable for our use as foods.
There are some foods which in their natural state can be eaten with
impunity, yet prepared by manufacturing processes, they become deadly
poisons. A person can eat large quantities of grapes without doing any
harm, yet the same quantity of grapes made into wine by a process of
fermentation can produce temporary insanity and eventually if persisted
in, can cause death. Many foods commonly eaten to-day are rendered
unfit for human consumption by manufacturing processes. Tartaric acid
is made from grapes. Oxalic acid is made from tomatoes. Lactucarium
comes from lettuce. All of these substances are dangerous poisons. The
list could be extended indefinitely. Foods of vegetable origin can be
rendered unfit for human consumption by cooking, soaking in vinegar,
saturating with salt or sugar, and many other poisons.
A food fad which has captured the public imagination is the fad of
vitamins. Practically the whole of the health world is in the grip of vitamin
fever. Although it is obvious that despite what is said in contradiction,
there will be millions who will still pin their faith in vitamins, it is
necessary for someone to take a stand and attempt to break the vicious
circle. I believe that the whole theory of vitamins is a fallacy.
Going back a few years, we find that orthodox scientists had made
authoritative pronouncements concerning the food requirements of the
human body. We were told exactly what amounts and kinds of foods
were necessary to keep the body in good health. Unfortunately, when
people kept strictly to this regimen, they still became ill. It was then
discovered that there were certain mineral salts which were essential to
health. If they were lacking certain well-defined disease symptoms would
appear.
One of the earliest propagators of this theory was Heinrich Lahman, a
German Heil-Praktiker or naturopath. The mineral salts now received
special attention. At first the medical profession scoffed at the idea and
the naturopathic fraternity had the mineral salts to themselves. Then the

32
medical profession adopted this philosophy. Their approach was to
prescribe minerals in the form of chemical combinations called tissue-
salts. Still, health continued to evade them. People became ill just the
same. So the vitamin theory was born.
The word vitamin seems to have come from the words vita meaning life
and mineral, which combined, meant essential life-minerals. However,
there was a difference. The new claims were that although all of the
elements were present, there was something imponderable which
caused all the difference between health and ill-health. These were
called vitamins. The list commences with "A" and continues on right
through the alphabet. Nobody seems to know exactly how many
vitamins there are. Every vitamin seems to be anti-something. One is
anti-neuritic, another anti-sterility, another anti-rachitic, another anti-
scorbutic.
With vitamin B they really ran into trouble. After making claims for it, they
found that results were not uniform, so they divided vitamin B into B1
and B2. Still they had trouble. Now they have added numbers until we
have the spectacle of vitamins B1 to B14. Where will it all end? I
prophesy that it will all end in chaos and discredit. To make matters
worse, we find that scientists have now discovered that far from being
the imponderable qualities which they were thought to be originally, they
are, in reality, chemical combinations. We find them listed as ascorbic
acid, pantothenic acid, and so on.
So we find that they are drugs after all. Although naturopaths are not
supposed to be believers in drugs, we find them prescribing and using
these drugs under the guise of synthetic vitamins. What is the truth
about vitamins? To answer this question we have to expose that most
colossal hoax ever perpetrated in the health field.
Here is the answer. There are no such things as vitamins. They have
never existed and the origin of the substances sold as vitamins, and
their chemical analysis confirms this statement. They are chemicals and
should be referred to as ascorbic acid, pantothenic acid and so on,
instead of by vitamin letters and numbers.
Like all things, there is a grain of truth behind the vitamin theory. Those
qualities which have been ascribed to vitamins rightly belong to the
forces of nature which we now know to be rays or radiations. The
common rays, such as the solar rays from the sun, the lunar rays from
the moon, magnetic rays from the earth, x-rays, infra-red rays and ultra-
violet rays have been known for some time, but the cosmic rays,
vegetable radiations and animal radiations have only been discovered,
detected and measured in recent years.

33
It was the genius of Einstein which brought these radiations into
prominence. What was once ridiculed is now common knowledge. But,
what is still largely unaccepted is the fact that all life is a mode of
existence of radiations. All living matter is a form of radiation. All energy
is a form of radiation.
The main point of departure is that whereas the medical school seeks to
get their vitamins or radiations from synthetic chemical sources, we of
the naturopathic school believe that the correct way to absorb the solar
rays is to take sunbaths, and not by sitting in front of an ultra-violet
machine or an infra-red ray lamp. Taken in this way, the rays are
unbalanced and in the wrong proportions. The same line of reasoning
applies to tablets or liquids taken orally. The cosmic, terrestrial and solar
radiations should also be absorbed by eating the foods grown in healthy
soil. Foods which have been converted into animal tissues have altered
their rate of vibration and when eaten secondhand have a much lower
quality than when eaten directly from the soil through plant-life. The
processing, heating, freezing and chemicalization of foods naturally
destroys the radiations too.
Some of my listeners may be uncredulous and may wish to contradict
me by asserting that they know positively of good results produced by
taking these synthetic vitamins. To this I can only say that this kind of
proof is not good enough and is not scientific.
Medical men can also point to their patients who drink hydrochloric acid,
arsenic, strychnine, human urine, and have their organs removed by
surgery, burned with radium and cobalt. Don't they get better too? My
answer is that if these things did in fact restore good health, we are all
wasting our time talking about these things.
The very fact that naturopaths, osteopaths, chiropractors and other
unorthodox practitioners exist at all is because unnatural methods do not
produce health. They do produce effects and change the course of
disease but they have never cured anyone yet.
Many people have been restored to a certain degree of health, but this
has occurred despite anything which has been done and not because of
it. This is proved by the fact that a wound will heal more quickly and
more efficiently if nothing is done, than if ointments and dressings are
applied.
Now that we know the origin of the vitamin theory, what are we to do
about it? The remedy, as usual, is simple. By living naturally, eating the
most wholesome foods, and observing the rules of hygiene, we will
absorb all of the vitamins (or radiations as they should be called), which
are essential to health.

34
We have devoted too much time to vitamins and must pass on to other
food-fads.
We commonly hear that honey is a wonder-food. Yet Herbert Shelton
says that it is not a good food at all. In fact, it is a very dangerous one.
Peanuts have been condemned as being highly acid forming and
therefore not to be eaten. Such statements are without foundation. I
refuse to believe that honey is a wonder-food. I refuse to believe that it is
a danger to health. I do not believe that peanuts are acid-forming or
harmful. Where do these people get their ideas from?
We will deal first with honey. What is so miraculous about it? Let us look
at the chemical analysis. We find that it is true that it has a nice balance
of chemical and mineral elements but there is nothing remarkable about
the composition. It is simply a good nutritious food, easily digested and
highly concentrated. We should eat honey, but should also see that we
do not over eat, as the tendency is to do.
Herbert Shelton says that we should not eat honey. He claims that it
contains mannite acid which is said to cause gas and indigestion. He
offers no proof. I have made enquiries and have also studied the subject
myself. Those who have done research work on honey claim that they
have not detected mannite acid in honey and, on the contrary, the
minerals are strongly alkaline in balance. Patients suffering from
digestive complaints have never had any illeffects from eating honey,
and we would expect them, of all people, to be sensitive to any
substances which produced indigestion. Until proof is provided that
honey is harmful, and while people eating honey do achieve good
health, this claim must remain unproved.
What about peanuts? We are told that they are highly aicdforming, and
therefore not good food. Again we should look at the analysis. What is
wrong with them? We find that they compare favourably with other nuts.
Some of the elements are slightly lower and others higher in proportion,
but this is also true of all other nuts. Its analysis, in some respects, is
even better than that of other nuts which are highly respected. It is true
that peanuts are often over-roasted, but this is also applicable to other
foods. Peanuts are a good wholesome food and certianly do not produce
the dire results predicted by some people.
Herbs are also credited with miraculous healing powers. Herbalism has
been raised to the dignity of a healing art. Since herbs are supposed to
be nature's remedies, where do they fit into the natural school of health?
With some naturists, whereas some drugs are beyond the pale, herbs
are still considered safe and beneficial. A herb is nothing more than a
vegetable. If a herb is pleasant to taste in its raw state, then it is good for

35
us to eat. If it must be cooked, then obviously it is not so good for us to
eat. I do not know of any herb which has any more value when over-
heated than when eaten normally as food. If a herb, or indeed any other
vegetable, is cooked, dried, powdered, preserved, boiled, infused or
soaked in alcohol, it is obviously not any longer a legitimate food but a
drug. Even though the resultant drug may not be so injurious as an
allopathic medicine, it is a drug just the same.
Another food fad concerns hot drinks such as tea, coffee and cocoa. For
many years manufacturers have tried to cash in on the discovery that
tea, coffee and cocoa contained toxic materials, mainly in the form of
alkaloids. Imitation and synthetic drinks have been produced which
trusting customers have accepted as being health drinks. I can assure
you that these so-called health drinks are no more health drinks than
their predecessors.
The chemical analysis shows that while certain dangerous toxins are
less in the health drinks, others just as undesirable are there in the same
proportions. So we are back again where we started. The person
consuming them is no better off in health than others drinking the old
poisons.
What are we to do? What is the proper food for man? If we human
beings were static, the answer would be a simple matter. As it is, we
must be realists. Man is a dynamic ever-changing organism, he is
subject to the same laws of continuous change and evolution as all other
animals.
If man could lead a wholly healthy outdoor life under the ideal conditions,
there is no question that raw fruit and nuts would suffice to keep him in
good health. As it is, there are people who for many generations have
lived on perverted and devitalised foods. We have adapted certain foods
of animal origin such as honey, eggs, milk, cheese and butter to our use.
While these foods, in a perfect environment are not necessary and could
be done without, there is a demand by the body cells for these foods
which they have become accustomed to over many thousands of years.
It is not necessary nor desirable to deny ourselves cereals, dried fruits,
eggs, cheese butter and other near-natural foods.
It is not the origin of a food which determines its suitability as a food, but
its chemical analysis. We are not dealing here with a moral issue such
as vegetariansim versus meat-eating. If an egg or cereal has the
minerals in the right proportions and they are eaten in the right pro-
portions, there is nothing biologically against doing so.

36
Man is the measure of all things. If man can achieve high-level health
and maintain it while living on a certian diet, then this diet must be a
satisfactory one for him, surely that is all that matters.
What about pure vegetarianism? If you can live in good health on fruit
and nuts, then, I say, by all means do so. But, the average person needs
a balanced diet of raw vegetables, raw fruits, cereals, nuts and dried
fruits.
Some naturopaths are still clinging to the belief that animal food of some
kind is necessary. By doing so, they are denying themselves the
experience of really high-level health. All of the arguments, both
theoretical and experimental in favour of meat-eating are invalid. Even
meat-eating scientists admit that a total vegetable diet is adequate for
complete nutrition.
On several occasions I have had patients tell me that after some time,
they reverted to a partial meat diet hoping that they would derive added
power or strength. In every case they reported that they were quite
convinced that the idea that meat gives strength and health was a myth.
The food faddist is the most difficult of all people to deal with. He eats
large quantities of honey, molasses, wheat germ, olive oil or anything
else, even on retiring to bed at night in the mistaken belief that he is
stealing a march on nature and getting some added advantage behind
nature's back. These efforts, or course, are doomed to failure. Such ill-
conceived tricks are simply disguised gluttony. The person concerned
would be far better off going for a brisk walk or a trot and then going to
sleep on an empty stomach. Any slight nutriment gained from this extra
feeding between meals and on retiring is offset by the depletion of vital
energy and disturbed sleep as a result of extra digestion required for this
food.
Food faddism is based either on a misconception of the role of food or
on a desire to take some short-cut to health. If such a short-cut was
possible, I would not be writing this book. I would be selling these patent
foods by the bottle and reaping a fortune from their sale. If the eating of
a tablespoonful of molasses, or yeast or honey at bedtime really did
assist in the achievement of health, how simple it would all be. But of
course this is all wishful thinking. These things do not happen. We do
not get health in this way.
The world's greatest dietitions have at least one thing in common. They
all believe that the secret of good nutrition is the consumption of a
balanced diet of raw fruit, vegetables, cereals, dried fruit, nuts and so,
eaten in the right proportions, eaten in the smallest quantity which will

37
satisfy hunger and masticated thoroughly, they provide the most
favourable basis for high-level health.
To achieve this diet requires will-power and intelligence. The rewards to
whose who do adopt this diet are high-level health and a pride in
achievement which is in itself its own reward.
If you are in ill-health, then probably the best course is to seek the
advice of a naturopath in whom you may have confidence. You could not
do better than join the Natural Health Society. Meet and talk to people
who are living on a natural diet. Hear lectures on the various aspects of
natural health and diet. Read all you can from good books. Above all -
do not experiment with the most valuable machine you will ever own -
your own body.
Talk it over. Ask questions. Think it over. Read about it, and if
necessary, seek competent advice.
A good book dealing with this subject is: LIVING NATURALLY by K. S.
Jaffrey

Lesson 5 Dietetics. Composition of foods. Food selection.

Composition of foods.
An analysis of the human body discloses that it is composed of certain
elements.
Sixty per cent of the body is water. Nineteen per cent is protein. Fifteen
per cent of fat. Five per cent is carbohydrates and one per cent mineral
matter.
The minerals are Potassium, Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron,
Phosphorous, Sulphur, Silicon, Chlorine. The first five are those which
are alkaline in reaction, Potassium, Sodium, Calcium and Magnesium,
Iron. The last four are acid in reaction, Phosphorous, Sulphur, Silicon
and chlorine. All are essential to health. Other minerals are sometimes
found in the body in minute traces.
As well as those minerals which are essential, we also find some
minerals which are present as impurities. There is no general agreement
on these minerals. We find Iodine, Cobalt, Zinc, Aluminium, Gold,
Fluorine and other minerals in infinitessimal amounts.
Most of these are not essential, but are present because our bodies do
not eliminate them efficiently. Some of these are cumulative poisons and
are the prime cause of many mysterious modern diseases.

38
We shall consider each mineral in turn.
Potassium is found in only small amounts in the body but it plays a vital
role in good health. Potassium plays an important role in the formation of
Glycogen from the liver. It makes muscular tissues elastic. It is a
balancing ingredient. It is an important constituent of the brain tissues.
The main biological functions of Potassium are that it aids muscle
growth and activity. It increases the recuperative powers of the whole
body. It is essential for liver health. It eliminates toxins from the blood
stream. It counteracts constipation. Potassium is found in large
quantities in lettuce, and all green vegetables.
Sodium is another important mineral found in small quantities in the
body. It is also alkaline in reaction. Sodium is usually combined with
Chlorine. It forms an essential part of all the body fluids. The best
sources of Sodium are lettuce, celery cress, spinach and other leafy
vegetables of a like nature.
Probably the best known of all body minerals is Calcium. The human
body has more Calcium than any other mineral. The bulk of this calcium
is found in the bones, but there is also a high proportion in the blood and
the spleen. Calcium is an alkaline element. It is vital for the formation of
bones and teeth. As milk is rich in Calcium, it is essential for lactation.
Calcium ensures coagulation of the blood during repair of injuries. It
maintains a balance in the organism. The best dietary sources of
Calcium are milk products such as cheese, also cabbage, nuts and
green vegetables.
Magnesium is not as well known as other minerals, but it is a very
important one. Magnesium is a very important ingredient of all green
vegetables, particularly the green parts which produce Chlorophyll.
Magnesium is also alkaline in reaction. It is necessary for the utilization
of fat in the diet. The bones are rich in magnesium, and it is essential to
provide the qualities of hardness and firmness. Magnesium has an
affinity for the brain and nerves and those who lack magnesium will be
mentally backward or irritable. It is essential for muscular activity too,
plays an important role in the building of muscles, lungs and nerves. The
best sources of magnesium are tomatoes, all the green leafy vegetables
such as lettuce, spinach, dandelion, cress and cabbage.
Iron is another well-known element. There is not much iron in the body
and it is mostly in the bones and blood. However, it is very important
despite its scarcity. Iron builds the haemoglobin in the blood, transmits
oxygen and is an indispensible ingredient in the enzymes of the body. It
is alkaline in reaction. The best sources of iron are the green leafy

39
vegetables, nuts, dried fruits, eggs and the outer skins and coverings of
all foods.
Now that we have dealt with the most important alkaline elements, we
will examine the acid-forming elements. Although we must realise that
the body needs an alkaline balance in order to maintain health, we must
also realise that the alkaline-balance means only a preponderance, not
alkaline elements exclusively. The acid-forming elements are also vital
to our well-being, and, providing they are kept in proper balance, are
most beneficial.
Phosphorous is an essential element for bones and teeth. It also figures
largely in the lungs, brain, liver, spleen and muscles. Phosphorous has
an affinity for Calcium and largely combines as calcium phosphate to
make bones and teeth. Phosphorous also makes strong hair, nails and
muscles. It is an active enzyme stimulant and stimulates blood
circulation and blood pressure. It is a dynamic element. The best dietary
sources of phosphorous are cheese, wheat, nuts and all cereals. It is
acid in reaction.
Sulphur is also an acid element. It is a constituent of all proteins. It is
always found in combination with other elements such as oxygen.
Sulphur acts as an oxidising agent in the blood. It activates the secretion
of bile during digestion. It is active in the elimination of toxic waste from
the body. Sulphur is found in cabbage, watercress, spinach, parsnips,
radishes, celery, and, in fact, all root vegetables.
Silicon is one of the commonest of the elements. It is the main ingredient
in pure sand. Silicon gives hardness to bones and firmness to tissues
and muscles. It is cleansing in effect and is an important element in
healing of wounds. Silicon is found in almost every food, but those
richest in silicon are all of the leafy vegetables, root vegetables and the
onion family. Silicon is acid in reaction.
Chlorine is found in large amounts in most foods. It is an acid element. It
is always found in combination with other elements. The commonest
combination is with Sodium to form Sodium Chloride or common salt.
Chlorine is also a cleansing agent in the human body. It detoxicates the
body, keeps the blood clean and expels excessive fat. It is essential for
digestion and other essential processes of the body. The best sources of
chlorine are tomato, all the green leafy vegetables and root vegetables.
Food Selection.
The most favourable foods for consumption by man are those which
contain all of the essential minerals in organic form and in combination
which makes them readily available to our tissues. A diet composed of

40
fruit, vegetables, cereals, nuts, dried fruits, eggs, cheese and culinary
herbs provides the best source of elements for nutrition of the human
body. We therefore recommend a vegetarian diet of wholly raw foods or
in which cooking is reduced to a bare minimum.
When should we eat? Nature tells us that we should have our first meal
at midday. To those who work orthodox hours this is the most favourable
time to break your fast. The second meal should be taken at dusk, about
six o'clock. Those who work irregular hours or hours in reverse of the
orthodox, should regulate their meal hours accordingly.
How much food should we eat each day? This is somewhere about
three pounds of food daily. There is no set rule, but those who are able
to achieve good health doing normal sedentary work will find that this
amount is ample. Those who do excessively laborious work or indulge in
demanding sports will have to increase this ration. Those who suffer
from a lack of assimilation of their digestive systems will also have to
make a slight increase in the amount eaten. However, it should always
be our aim to eat as little as will satisfy us and maintain our health,
vigour and weight.
What foods precisely shall we eat ? We can best decide this by drawing
up lists of the best foods procurable in Australia and separating them
into their various categories according to their chemical analyses.
The first list would be List 1. This would contain all of the fruits with the
exception of bananas, plantains, and the avocado. The fruits are the
highest class of foods for man and should constitute 50% of his total
diet. Half of your food intake each day should consist of fruit. Where
possible the skins of fruits should be eaten. Such fruits as loquat, citrus
fruits, paw paws, pineapple, melons, have skins which cannot be eaten.
Those skins which can be eaten have valuable mineral elements in them
and should always be eaten.
The next category of foods is List 2 which contains all the vegetables
which can be eaten raw. Milk comes into this category, too, but should
only be taken when vegetables are unprocurable. The skins of all
vegetables should be eaten with the exception of kohl rabi. Potatoes are
not included in this category. Vegetables should make 35% of our daily
intake.
The next category of foods is that of the Starches. We put them into List
3. All of the cereals are in this category. Bananas, plaintains, potatoes,
rice, barley and corn are starches. All of the breads made from wheat,
soya beans, rye, millet etc. are in this category. Starches should form
about 10% of our daily intake.

41
List 4 contains all of the Concentrates. This list covers all of the protein
foods, concentrated sugars such as dried fruits, oils, eggs, cheese and
the avocado. Nuts of all kinds are in this category. The concentrates
should form only about 5% of the total diet.
There is another category which includes all vegetables which must be
cooked. This list naturally embraces all vegetables given in List 2 as well
as those like beans, peas, etc. which can only be eaten cooked. This is
list 5. It is important to remember that cabbage should never be cooked
as it becomes highly toxic to the human organism. Cooked foods are
unessential and lose much of their living and cleansing qualities. They
should not be eaten more than once or twice a week if eaten at all. They
are regarded as a concession and not an essential. Vegetables should
be lightly steamed and not subjected to tremendous pressure and high
degrees of heat. They should be revitalised by dressing with herbs and
aromatic foods.
List 6 contains all of the culinary herbs, aromatic vegetables, oils and
other ingredients used in making garnishings and salad dressings. Mint,
parsley, sage, thyme, marjoram and all of the other culinary herbs
should be used freely. They may be combined with all of the vegetable
oils and aromatic foods such as garlic, shallots, leeks and onions. These
foods should constitute about one per cent of our diet.
Those people doing sedentary work should eat about 25 ounces of fruit
a day Those doing heavy manual work may decrease this to 20 ounces
daily Those doing sedentary work may eat up to 17 ounces of raw
vegetables daily. Manual workers may reduce this to 15 ounces daily.
Sedentary workers may eat up to 5 ounces of starchy foods daily.
Manual workers may eat up to 10 ounces daily.
The foods on List 4, the Concentrates, should be eaten sparingly. They
are essential to health but must be kept in proportion. Sedentary workers
need only about 3 ounces daily. Manual workers should not exceed 6
ounces daily.
If you are able to stabilize your weight while eating these foods in these
proportions and amounts this is the right diet for you. If you gain weight
you should reduce your total intake until you reduce to normal. If you
lose weight you may increase your total intake until you achieve normal
weight.
All foods should be eaten in their solid state. It is futile for normal people
to attempt to live on liquid foods. Foods should be reduced to an
emulsion by thorough chewing only. We should drink only between
meals if we are thirsty. If we drink fruit or vegetable juices they should be
diluted with water. Natural thirst must be our indicator.

42
The no-breakfast plan is the most favourable for those who are prepared
to take this step. If you decide that you do not want to eliminate your
early morning breakfast, then it should consist of fruit only.
Now that we know what kinds of food are most favourable, how much
we should eat daily, what proportions we should eat of each kind of food
and when we should eat, we should consider how we should eat.
There should be a harmonious atmosphere at mealtimes. We should not
indulge in controversies or arguments. Violent thoughts produce
excessive glandular secretions and these intoxicate the blood stream.
Deep thought and reading of heavy literature diverts blood from the
stomach to the brain and thus leads to indigestion.
The best place to eat is out in the open-air and preferably standing up.
We should eat slowly as though each mouthful is the last.
Food should be thoroughly chewed. About 40 times for each mouthful is
regarded as the correct number. It is essential to have good teeth.
Those who have teeth missing or have teeth which do not meet correctly
would be well advised to have their missing teeth replaced or faulty teeth
corrected.
NATURAL FOODS
List 1. FRUIT
All to be eaten raw
50% of total diet
Loquat Peach Water melon Paw Paw
Custard Apple Apricot Sugar melon Pineapple
Rock Melon Plum Lemon Guava
Honey dew melon Nectarine Grapefruit Soursop
Cantaloupe Strawberry Mandarine Monsteria
Tomato Blackberry Orange Passionfruit
Cucumber Gooseberry Pomelo Granadilla
Apple Mulberry Mango Cherry
Pear Grapes Mangosteen

43
Rhubarb and Quince are toxic and should not be eaten.
The skins of all fruit except the following to be eaten; Melons, Loquat,
Guava, Paw Paw, Pineapple, Mango, Custard apple, Citrus Fruits,
Soursop, Monsteria, Passionfruit, Mangosteen.

List 2. VEGETABLES
All to be eaten raw.
35% of total diet.
Tomato Beetroot Cauliflower Asparagus
Cucumber Kohl rabi Dandelion Wate Cress
Silver Beet Carrot Celery Land cress
Turnip Salsify Spinach Pepper (capsicum)
Radish Artichoke Leek Aniseed
Pigweed Lettuce Endive Nasturtium leaves
The skins of all above to be eaten with exception of Kohl rabi.
Unpasteurized goats' milk or cows' milk may be taken when vegetables
are not procurable.

List 3. STARCHES
To be eaten raw or conservatively cooked.
10% to 20% of total diet
Banana
Plantain
Potato (baked)
Whole wheat products
Whole wheat bread
Rye products
Germinated grains
Yellow corn
Unpolished rice
Unpearled barley
Oats

44
Sorghum
Millet
Soya Beans

List 4. CONCENTRATES
(Concentrated sugars, proteins and fats)
5% to 10% of total diet
Muscatels Queensland nuts
Raisins Coconuts
Sultanas Peanuts
Currants Peanut butter(unsalted)
Prunes
Dates Cashew butter
Figs Sesame butter
Dried fruits from List 1
Honey Sesame seed
Molasses Sunflower seed
Raw sugar Barcelona nuts
Blanched almonds Cashew nuts
Walnuts Avocado
Brazil nuts Cottage cheese
Pecan nuts Butter (unsalted)
Eggs Cream

List 5. COOKED VEGETABLES

Once or twice a week only

Not recommended
This list includes all vegetables which are cooked;
To be steamed or conservatively cooked for as short a time as possible.
Cabbage must never be cooked.

45
Nuts may be grated or creamed.
Dried fruits may be soaked in water overnight.

List 6. CONDIMENTS

Safflower Oil Sage

Sunflower Oil Thyme
Sesame Oil Marjoram
Peanut Oil Nasturtium leaves
Olive Oil Chives
Sesame Butter Cream
Cashew butter Honey
Vegetable salt Raw sugar
Onion Cottage Cheese
Shallots Lemon juice
Leeks Orange juice
Garlic Pineapple juice
Parsley Grapefruit juice
Mint
Any two, three, four or five of these ingredients may be mixed to make a
salad dressing or savoury mixture.

Other good books on this subject are:

NATURAL FOODS by D. and P. Weaver.
VITAL FACTS ABOUT FOOD BY O. Carque.
UNCOOKED FOOD by E. Christian.
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF DIET by E. Christian.
AN AGRICULTURAL TESTAMENT by Sir Albert Howard.
HEALTHY SOIL by the New Zealand Organic Compost Society.

46
Lesson 6. Personal Hygiene
This lesson deals with personal hygiene. We have learned something
about the foods to eat to enable us to maintain good health. There are
many other factors which must receive attention if we are to be balanced
human beings. Health does not depend wholly upon good food, although
this is essential. Our daily living habits must be in conformity with
nature's laws otherwise we will become enervated and thus lay the
foundation for ill-health.
We must not become pre-occupied with our stomachs. Once we know
how to eat correctly we should simply accept this diet and enjoy it. Our
skin, hair, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, teeth all need daily attention. Not
that these organs are naturally troublesome, to the contrary, our advice
will mainly concern what not to do, rather than what to do.
Our skin is the largest single organ. It is usually thought of exclusively as
a covering for the body. The neglect or incorrect treatment of the skin
has led to many serious diseases. The skin perspires and everyone
knows this, but how many know how important this function is?
One of the main functions of the skin is to act as a heat regulation
mechanism. The normal temperature is between 98.4 and 98.6 degrees.
If the body is subjected to changes in temeprature, the skin should react.
If the temperature is too high the sweat glands should exude
perspiration. This has a refrigerating effect and the body cools down. If
the body is too cold, the blood is first driven internally. There should then
be a reaction and the blood should be sent back to the skin in larger
quantities. This causes heat and the temperature will rise. In this way the
body regulates its temperature.
The sweat is not water only, although it is largely composed of water.
The water carries with it salt, ammonia, urea and other toxic matter. So
we see that the skin is also a cleansing organ. If we neglect our skin by
wearing excessive clothing, restrictive clothing or by subjecting it to
excessive heat or cold, we eventually overwork and enervate the skin
and its nerves.
The toxins which should leave by way of the skin must then be
eliminated through the kidneys and lungs. This further enervates these
organs. If we could lead a wholly outdoor life, wearing the minimum of
clothing, the custom of bathing would hardly be necessary. Under
modern living conditions, we wear unsuitable clothing. The highly irritant
poisons which are eliminated through the skin are absorbed and held in
contact with the body. Restrictive clothing hinders the free circulation of

47
the blood. Heavy clothing prevents the air from reaching the skin and
thus the skin loses tone.
The skin is also an absorptive organ. The Solar radiations from the sun
act upon the cell layer just beneath the skin and form chlorophyll which
is so vital for good rich blood. Periodical exposures to the sun are
indicated.
Our nerves also receive electrical energy from the sun and outer space
and therefore airbaths are beneficial. In your daily bath do not use
excessively hot or cold water. It should be just cool enough to produce a
pleasant reaction and to invigorate the nervous system. Use as little
soap as possible. The best cleansing agents for the skin are loofahs or
friction brushes. Make-up should be removed as soon as possible. If the
skin is excessively dry through the use of make-up which leaches the
skin of oil, it may be advisable to use a little bland oil such as almond oil.
However, if the skin is correctly cared for, this should not be necessary.
The hair has been pampered over the centuries, with the result that
mankind is in danger of losing it unless something is done. Like every
other part of the body, the hair needs nourishment. Unless the blood
supply to the head is maintained, the hair cannot be nourished.
Unfortunately, through wrong living, many of us are born with very thin
scalps over our skulls. This also complicates matters. The hair should
not be pampered. Do not be afraid to treat it roughly. Pull your hair and
brush the scalp with a friction brush as frequently as possible. Douse it
with cold water and dry it briskly. Oils or creams, if used to control the
hair, should be washed off frequently.
The eyes need very little attention apart from relaxing them periodically.
Most eye troubles are caused by strain. Muscular tension impedes
circulation, nutrition and drainage. Eyes should be exercised regularly. If
you do work which necessitates constant focusing on near objects, this
will produce strain. A few simple exercises will keep the eye muscles
supple. If strain appears likely, the eyes can be rested by a process
knows as Palming. Your cupped hands are crossed over your nose and
all light is excluded. When you can see perfect blackness, close your
eyes gently. Stay in this position as long as you are able.
The ears need no special care, except washing externally. A good rule is
never to put anything smaller than your elbow into your ears. The
treatment for ear troubles will be given in a later lesson.
The nose needs no special attention. The mouth needs very little either.
To those who have teeth which have little or no space between them, it
is advisable to brush with a soft brush and water immediately after each

48
meal in order to remove particles of food which may be lodged between
teeth. Tooth pastes are unnecessary.
Clothing such as shoes, socks and hats should not restrict the circulation
of the blood. The neck and waist particularly, should be kept free. All
underclothing should be washed daily.
The feet do not need much attention. Shoes and socks should be free
enough to allow the toes to move about freely. High heels throw the
body off balance and cause spinal curvatures. Many internal troubles are
indirectly caused by this habit of tilting the body forward unnaturally.
We could not speak about personal hygiene without mentioning air. The
air we breathe should be fresh and sun-irraddiated. Foul smells indicate
poisoned air. We will deal more fully with this subject in a subsequent
class. Discordant noises and vibrations are unfavourable to health. The
nervous system is very sensitive to noise. Continued loud and
discordant noise will enervate the body.
Relaxation is a hygienic process too and those who wish to live a
balanced healthy life should see that they relax themselves periodically.
The technique of relaxation will be fully explained and taught in a later
lesson. Exercise is a prime essential and this also will be the subject of a
special lesson. We will learn how to do a few simple exercises which will
suffice to keep us in good condition.
Efficient and regular bowel action is essential to health. Unless the end-
products of digestion are expelled automatically and efficiently, it follows
that a retention of toxic waste must result. Whenever toxic matter is
delayed, it is inevitably re-absorbed into the bloodstream. To achieve
normal bowel action, many factors have to be taken into account. Our
food must be correctly proportioned. We must eat as little as will satisfy
our wants. The quality of the food is most important. A digestive system
which is habitually over-loaded or which has to handle foods which are
predominantly acid-forming, must be subject to constipation sooner or
later. Nervous tension, lack of rest, emotional disturbances, all cause
enervation and lead to constipation. Our abdominal muscles must have
sufficient tone. The intestines themselves must have tone. If we allow
them to become flabby it will be impossible for the faeces to be carried
along efficiently.
The mental state is an important one. Business worries, fear, arguments,
and all of the negative psychological states cause tension and impede
the intestines in their work. Sound sleep is vital. It is the period of
absorption of the cosmic radiations which revitalize the tired body. This
quality is not found in food alone. Only the perfect state of relaxation
produced by the state of unconsciousness we call sleep will allow this

49
force to rejuvenate our bodies. A body filled with toxins, imperfectly
digested food, and under nervous strain will not achieve restful sleep.
The only other hygienic measure we have to discuss is the sexual factor.
We believe that the excessive and unnecessary expenditure of nervous
energy is disease-producing. Over stimulation, and acid-forming foods
are important factors in producing an abnormal sexual appetite. A diet of
correct proportions of properly selected food will assist normal people to
keep their passions under control. Self-discipline is essential in the use
of all of our facilities.
We have been discussing some of the factors which come under the
heading of personal hygiene. There are others, but the correct
application of the principles underlying natural living will enable each one
of us to make a correct decision when in doubt.
Self-discipline is necessary, but this is easiest to achieve when the diet
and other hygienic processes are adopted.

Lesson 7. The action of muscles and organs.

Non-violent types of exercise.
The spine in relation to health.
Six basic exercises which will keep the whole body in
good condition.

We now deal with a subject which is often wrongly called physical

culture. Physical culture rightly embraces all phases of health, but the
term physical exercise seems to have become synonymous with
physical culture.
One of the most important laws of nature is the law of activity. We
learned in a previous lesson that activity is vital for maintenance of
health. We must exercise mentally and physically. Thought and physical
activity go hand in hand. Mental exercise will be dealt with in a later
lesson.
Activity is essential for full and efficient elimination of toxic wastes from
our system. The breaking-down and elimination ot worn-out cells is
facilitated by regular exercise. The efficiency of our muscles depends on
the quality of the cells and the kind of exercise we indulge in.
The external functions of our body, such as locomotion, walking,
running, swimming and jumping are all carried out by the alternate
contraction and expansion of muscles which are attached to our bones

50
in such a way as to cause certain movements. Some muscles expand,
others contract and thus exert a pull on bones.
Others cause a twisting movement. Whatever they do, they enable us to
meet the demands of work or play. The bony structure of the body is
maintained erect and in its correct position and integrity by the quality of
the muscle tissues surrounding it.
We must aim for complete mobility. Every joint must move easily and
quickly. The spine, particularly, must be completely mobile. As nerves
and blood vessels emerge from small openings in the joints of the spine,
it is essential that these vertebrae be correctly positioned. Each vertebra
must bear a certain relation to another. If the muscles which hold the
vertebrae are weak or hardened and shrunk, it is obvious that an
unequal pull will be maintained. This is turn leads to faulty nutrition to the
part being fed or to faulty drainage of waste products from that part. Both
effects lead to ill-health.
If we lived a completlely natural life, it is conceivable that we would not
need to indulge in organized exercise. But living under unnatural
conditions, we suffer strain from long hours in unfavourable postures. In
order to counteract this to a certain extent we may carry out a short
programme of organized exercises. All exercises must follow natural
laws.
Those exercises which are non-violent in character are best for us.
These are the exercises which stretch, twist, flex the muscles slowly and
rhythmically, with alternating periods of relaxation. In order to devise
suitable exercises we need only to exaggerate the natural movements of
the body. The most natural of all exercises are walking, running and
swimming as long as these are done to the point of fatigue only. In this
way they are all quite safe.
What should be the duration of exercises? The safest rule is to
remember that the mouth should be kept closed during all exercises.
When it is necessary to open the mouth in order to receive more oxygen,
then it is time to rest. This is the point of fatigue, beyond which it is not
normally advisable to go.
All exercise should be accompanied by rhythmic breathing, that is, the
breathing should be appropriate to the exercise being done. Whenever
the muscles are tensed or the body is flexed, the lungs should breathe
out. When the body or limbs return to normal position the lungs should
breathe in. If you touch your toes with your fingers you should breathe
out. As you raise your body and your hands are raised above the head,
you should breathe in. This principle can be applied to every part of the
body. The best exercises are those based on traditional Yoga asanas.

51
Relaxation is the opposite to exercise and will be fully dealt with in a
future lesson.
We will study six exercises which will cater for every part of the body.
The first will be designed to increase the chest capacity, to develop the
arms, neck and shoulders. The second will increase the mobility of the
spine, strenghten the thigh muscles and abdominal muscles. The third
exercise will strenghten the abdominal and thigh muscles, also those of
the spine and legs generally. The fourth exercise will strengthen the
muscles of the neck, head and shoulders and will ensure complete
mobility of this area. It helps to improves the circulation to the ears,
eyes, nose and hair. The fifth exercise strengthens the legs and
abdominal muscles and helps to oxygenate the blood. The sixth exercise
is a complete exercise for the whole body and is a traditional Yoga
exercise known as Surya Namasker or obeisance to the sun.
Exercise No. I. Breathing Exercise: Stand erect, feet together, fists
clenched, hanging at the side of the body. Fill the lungs fully; now raise
the arms in front ot the body until they are fully extended above the
head. As you raise your arms, you take in more air. Now, hold this air in
your lungs while you count to ten slowly. Now, exhale slowly and lower
the arms. Now, keep the lungs deflated while you count to ten. Fill the
lungs and repeat the exercise. Always keep the lungs deflated while you
count to ten. Fill the lungs and repeat the exercise. Always keep your
mouth closed.
Exercise No. 2. Trunk Exercise: Stand with feet apart. Clench the fists
and hold arms outstretched at the side, parallel with the floor, and on a
level with the shoulders. Twist the body to the right and breathe in as
you do so. Bend forward until the left fist almost touches the floor
midway between the feet, breathing out as you do so. Now, bend the
body and touch the floor with your right fist, breathing out as you do so.
This completes one full cycle of the exercise. Always keep the mouth
closed.
Exercise No. 3. Floor Exercise: Lie supine on the floor. Place a small
cushion under the head. Raise both legs until they are at right angles to
the body, breathing out as you do so. Now, separate the legs and lower
to a position six inches from the floor, breathing in as you do so. At this
point the legs are brought together and the exercise repeated. During
this exercise the feet must never touch the floor.
Exercise No. 4. Neck Exercise: Sit comfortably in a chair. Close your
eyes. Rotate the head gently and slowly to the right 20 times in a three
inch circle. Then rotate the head to the left 20 times in the same way.
Rest for a few minutes. Then, holding your chair firmly, rotate the head

52
vigorously in a circle to the right 20 times. Then, after resting for a few
minutes, rotate the head to the left vigorously 20 times. Increase by 5
times each day until you can do this exercise 50 times each way.
Exercise No. 5. Arm Flinging and Squatting: Cross the arms over the
chest and exhale fully. Fling the arms outwards and to the sides, at
shoulder height, breathing out vigorously. Immediately drop into a
squatting position, wrapping your arms around your knees and breathing
out as you do so. When you breathe in you throw back your head. when
you breathe out you bend the head well forward.
Exercise No. 6. Surya Namaskar. A Complete Exercise: Stand erect.
Raise the arms above the head and breathe in. As you breathe out,
bend the body forward and place both palms on the floor. Place one leg
back as far as it will go and then the other. Now lower your trunk
downwards until your head touches the floor, then raise your trunk up on
the arms. Throw your head backwards as far as it will go. Then arch the
back as high as it will go and bend your head towards the chest. Draw
one leg forward, then the other and then raise your trunk upwards until
your hands are above your head. Now lower arms to the original
hanging position. This completes one cycle of the Surya Namaskar.
A very important feature of all exercises is that the mouth should be kept
closed. When you find it imperative to open your mouth it is then time to
rest until you can establish normal breathing.
Breathing should be rhythmic and deep. It should be coupled with the
exercise in such a way as to become an integral part of it.
Exercises should not be performed just before or just after a meal. Allow
half an hour before or after a meal. The morning is the most favourable
time for vigorous exercise.
For further study, another good book on this subject is:
MY SYSTEM by J. P. Muller

Lesson 8. Water: Its role in the human body.

Bathing, Hydrotherapy and its use in health and
disease.

This lesson deals with a neglected factor in health and disease - water
and hydrotherapy. The use of water in our search for health is based on
the law of water which we learned in our second class. The law of water
tells us that without water there could be no life on earth. The circulation

53
of water in nature has the same relation to us as the circulation of the
blood in our organism.
Water serves to carry nutrients and to carry toxins. All organisms, for the
most part, consist of water, and so do the foods on which these
organisms live. The perfection of our internal organs depends on the
quality of the blood which is circulated through them. The perfection of
an environment depends on the circulation of water through it.
The very earth from which we derive our nourishment depends on the
circulation of water through it. Only water can make our land come alive.
No matter how well-balanced our soil might be, this is not enough. The
minerals in our soil can only be made available to us through the water
which carries the minerals to the plants. We must have living water such
as is provided by rain and streams. Sunless and boiled water is dead. If
water has been boiled it is then necessary to irradiate it by exposure to
direct rays of sunlight.
Water is the greatest source of energy for our organisms. As the
temperature of water is normally below that of the body, this compels the
body to indulge in muscular activity. This increases the rate of
respiration. It introduces vital magnetism into the body. During a Fast, it
furnishes quite an important amount of nourishment as it works its way
into the body through the skin while bathing.
Natural water is a chemical compound called Protoxide of Hydrogen. It is
so-called because its composition by volume consists of one part of
Oxygen to two parts of Hydrogen.
Water is an extraordinary substance also on account of the fact that at
temperatures between 32 degrees fahrenheit and 212 degrees
fahrenheit, it is a liquid. Above 212 degrees, it is a gaseous vapour.
Below 32 degrees it is congealed and solidified in the form of ice. Water
evaporates continually and the more rapidly as the temperature rises
above 212 degrees. When turned into vapour, water has a volume 1700
times greater than when in the liquid state. Water decompounds the
atmospheric air which we breathe. Water and vapour also absorb gases
and all fluids. Water absorbs the emanations from the effluvia thrown off
by the sun. These are known as Solar Radiations and are the source of
great energy for man.
Together with food, water forms the indispensable complement to air for
the maintenance of our vital equilibrium in a permanent state of health.
Water occupies four fifths of the earth and this shows how important it is
for life on earth.

54
The two elements of air and water combine in the atmosphere to provide
the elements necessary for respiration. Dry air would not be suitable for
use by human beings. We need the humidity produced by the
combination of air and water. The emanations radiating from the sun are
condensed by the water vapour during its stay in the atmosphere. This
sun-filled water that we breathe in with the air becomes an accumulator
of all energies of the sun in our organism. The cells of which our
organisms are composed can only live in a watery medium. If the cells
are deprived of water, they dry up and die. The work of feeding the cells
of our body can only be done in an environment where water exists in a
quanitity adjusted to the needs of the cells. Where there is perpetual
dryness of the air there is no sign of life. Life cannot appear where there
is no water.
Water which has been deprived of the light of the sun is dead and is
therefore not capable of transfusing the least vitality. Water from deep
wells, closed cisterns, and mechanically distilled water is unfavourable
for human consumption. It is equally useless for watering plants. This
water must be exposed to sunlight before it can be used. Those who
wish to keep in good health should sun-insulate their water.
The ancient Yogins developed a practice called Pranaizing. They poured
water from one vessel to another to allow the air and sun to permeate
the water and thus energize it.
Water is nutritive, digestive, energetic and revitalising. Sun-exposed
water has several beneficial effects on the human organism. The most
important are:
It dissolves toxic elements in the blood and tissues.
It eliminates the toxic elements which have been dissolved.
It restores efficient circulation to the purified blood and ensures that it
circulates through the whole system.
It strengthens and invigorates the system when it is weakened by
enervation.
The dissolving of toxins is accomplished by means of affusions,
marathon baths, packs and compresses, spinal and sitz baths.
Restoration of the circulation is accomplished by the alternate use of hot
and cold water applications. Strengthening and invigoration of the
system is accomplished by the use of such processes as massage with
water, barefoot walking in water, dew or snow, and cold water splashes.
There are several rules for the use of water applications. One of the
most important rules it that every action of water on the organism must

55
be followed by a reaction. Cold water applications must never be applied
while the person feels chilly. As in all other phases of natural health, we
must listen to the voice of the organism and temper our methods to suit
the conditions existing at the time. We must never use water
applications just before or just after a meal.
One of the simplest uses of water is drinking. During a Fast, air and
water are the only nutrients permitted. Lukewarm water is used during a
fast. Normal water drinking should be done only at the dictates of nature.
You should drink only when thirsty. If you are in a flaccid, flabby
condition and your tissues lack tone, then you should drink cool water. If
you are subject to great tension and your muscles are spastic, then you
should drink warm water.
Water bathing is a necessary hygienic practice and here again we
should listen to the voice of our organism. Normally, we should use tepid
water. Cold water is invigorating if we possess the vitality to provoke the
desirable reaction. Marathon baths are used to detoxicate the body.
They are showers using hot water which passes over the whole body for
long periods. These baths are enervating and should only be used in
emergencies in order to detoxicate the body quickly, as in acute
poisoning. Vapour baths have the same effect but are much less
enervating. Vapour baths are taken in a cabinet filled with vapour. the
head is always outside the cabinet to enable the person to breathe clean
fresh air. Turkish Baths (or any other baths) in which the person
breathes in his own exhalations are definitely harmful.
Exercises done under water are very favourable forms of water
treatment. They have the advantage that the specific gravity of the body
is thereby lowered and many more exercises may be done than would
be possible out of water. The breast stroke standing up is a valuable
form of under-water exercise, expecially if combined with squatting.
The most valuable water applications are known as Sitz Baths, Spinal
baths and Compresses. The Sitz Bath is taken while sitting in a bath
designed somewhat like an arm chair. It is filled with cool water until the
water reaches the naval. The feet are outside on the floor. While sitting
in this bath the abdominal area is rubbed in a clockwise direction with
the palms of the hands. The hands are frequently dipped into the water.
The Sitz Bath may last from five to twenty minutes depending on the
condition of the person and their ability to react.
The spinal bath is taken by lying down in an inch of water. The effect is
enhanced by folding a towel and placing it in contact with the whole
spine from head to pelvis. It is possible to go to sleep while taking a
spinal bath.

56
Compresses are worn in any part of the body and are called local
compresses when worn over a part where there is a symptom of
disease. The abdominal compress is worn only around the waist. A local
compress is applied by taking a piece of cotton cloth about four inches in
width and of a suitable length. Soak in cold water and then wring it out.
Wrap around the affected part. Over the wet cloth wrap several layers of
woollen material and pin in place. The woollen material must always be
wider than the wet cloth, so the wet cloth will not be exposed to the air.
The abdominal compress is larger in size and is only applied around the
waist. Apply the cold wet cotton cloth first and then apply the dry woollen
material over this. Again, pin in place so it will not move. Compresses
are generally applied at night and removed in the morning. Hot
compresses are applied in exactly the same way except that they are
only applied when there is pain. Heat expands tissues and thus relieves
pain. They should not be used any longer than is necessary to give
relief. As soon as relief is produced, the cold compress is to be applied.
There are definite rules for the use of water baths or other applications.
Here they are:
Where there is warm water and strong sun, you should have short
sunbaths, frequently alternated with long water baths.
Where there is warm water and weak sun, you should take long
sunbaths, rarely alternated with long water baths.
Where there is cold water and strong sun, you should have short
sunbaths, frequently alternated with short water baths.
Where there is cold water and weak sun, you should have short
water baths, frequently alternated with long sunbaths.
Water has a long and honourable history in nature cure. Dr. H. Lindlahr,
the famous old Naturopath, said, "There is no such thing as a cure-all,
but if there was, it should be water correctly applied."
Nature cure was re-discovered 150 years ago by Vincent Priessnitz and
because he used water so freely it became known as the Water Cure.
Although many modern natural healers tend to disregard water, this is a
great pity. The correct use of water can be of great benefit to ailing
humanity. All of the great naturopaths of the past such as Louis Kuhne,
Father Kneipp, Rausse, Schindler, Bilz, Just and Lindlahr used water
freely in conjunction with all of the other forces of nature. Even some
medical authorities like Dr. J. H. Kellogg, Dr. Winternitz, and others
recognised its value.

57
The greatest of modern naturopaths like Prof. Edmond Szekely, James
C. Thomson and the Indian Naturopaths recognise the value of water
correctly applied.
The very best water for drinking is that which is distilled by nature. By
that I mean the water which is contained in fruits and vegetables.
Providing the plants are healthy, this is the best water for human
consumption.
In recapitulation, we can see that water is an indispensable ingredient of
our foods. It is an essential element for human nutrition. It has many
uses as a cleansing and invigorating agent. If used with care and
intelligence, it can be a potent factor in the restoration of lost health.
Remember, that with all water applications, the treatment must be
adjusted to suit the case. There must always be a favourable reaction.
Never use water treatments when you feel chilly. After the application of
a water treatment, you must always restore the circulation and normal
warmth of the body.
If you observe these rules, then water can be a powerful ally in the field
of natural health.
Never use any water treatments during a Fast. Water treatments are
used only in the chronic stage of a disease, never in the acute or
feverish stage.
Other good books on this subject are:
THE NEW SCIENCE OF HEALING by Louis Kuhne.
HYDROPATHY by R. T. Claridge.

Lesson 9. Sun, Air, Earth, Relaxation and Rest.

We now deal with several very important factors in our search for health.
Because we will deal briefly with each one does not minimize their
importance. We need all of these natural forces, Sun, Air, Earth, correct
breathing and relaxation. These are not only necessary to achieve
health but to maintain it.
The use of sunlight for the purpose of healing is called Heliotherapy,
from Helios, the sun and Therapein, to heal. We should strive to
understand the influence of solar energy in nature and in the organism.
We should know how to control and use this energy.
The sun is our main source of radiations. Although it is 93,000,000 miles
away, the sun is still the great power-house for our earth. The sun is a

58
little more than 100 times the size of the earth and the enormous power
produced by its combustion is radiated in the form of solar rays.
The earthly sphere most affected is the Botanosphere. This is the thin
crust on which man's food is produced. The Botanosphere produces the
plants which are man's true food. The predominant colour in this sphere
is green. The cycle of the year in which the sun is most active is during
spring. This is the season in which the vegetation which has been lying
dormant through winter springs to life. Spring is therefore the great
curative and reconstructive period of the year. Morning is the best time
of the day to take advantage of the sun's rays. The sun's rays have a
particular affinity for the skin, lungs and the reproductive organs.
Solar radiations are absorbed into the body through the foods we eat,
providing they are correctly grown. The water we drink also carries
radiations. The skin also absorbs radiations which act upon the fat cells
just beneath the skin. Sunlight increases our vitality and regenerates the
nervous system.
The Solar radiations are most active during the months of August,
September, and October. In order to tap this source of cosmic energy,
our bodies should be periodically exposed to direct rays of the sun.
Indirect rays are beneficial also but not so beneficial as the direct rays.
Sunbaths should be taken by lying on the ground. Much of the value of a
sunbath is lost unless we have the complementary radiations from the
earth. Sunbaths should be taken by lying on the ground with the feet
always pointing towards the sun. Therefore the feet should point East in
the morning and West in the afternoon. This brings us to the reasons
why the direction of the body and the position on the ground are so
important.
The earth is a giant cyclotron. It generates Geomagnetic radiations
which make their exits and entrances at the North and South poles.
These radiations, by comparison with the solar radiations are relatively
weak. They pass over the earth's surface at various heights. In most
places the radiations travel very close to the ground, usually from two to
ten inches. As the Geomagnetic radiations are complementary to the
solar radiations it is advisable to absorb them together. The
Geomagnetic radiations may also be absorbed through the soles of the
feet. It is therefore beneficial to go barefooted as often as possible. This
not only hardens the soles of the feet, but enables the Geomagnetic
raddiations to energize the nerves.
The next natural force to merit our attention is Air. Air is also an
important pre-condition for life on this earth.

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Air enters our organism by means of respiration. Oxygen and numerous
other gaseous elements are present in air. The Cosmic and solar
radiations are also present in air. Oxygen nourishes the body cells,
burns up toxins, bacteria and any superfluous matter in the organism.
Oxygen provides an important material for building new cells.
Oxygenation of the blood takes place through an interchange of air and
blood in the lungs. This oxygenation, not only builds new cells, but is
also a detoxication process.
We should cultivate the habit of breathing rhythmically in harmony with
our physical activities and exercise. Breathing should be performed
mainly by the action of the diaphragm and abdomen. The lungs should
slide up and down inside the chest cage. The diaphragm is an inverted
dome-shaped muscular dividing wall which separates the chest from the
abdomen. It is very much like an umbrella. When you inhale air, the
lungs should expand lengthwise and downwards. The diaphragm will
flatten to allow the lungs to expand in a downward direction. This
naturally causes the abdomen to expand. During exhalation, the
abdominal area deflates, the diaphragm is raised and the lungs are
compressed. This is the basically correct breathing techinque.
This brings us logically to the process of Relaxation. Relaxation is the
process which is the opposite number to physical exercise. As valuable
as exercise may be, relaxation is just as important. The two are
complementary.
Rest is nature's curative process and our most perfect rest comes during
sleep. Sleep is the period of unconsciousnes in which we achieve
perfect relaxation. Healing and restoration take place most efficiently
when the body is rested. Fasting is complete rest of the digestive system
and we will discuss this subject more fully in another lesson.
During sleep, the sympathetic nervous system takes over complete
control. During our waking hours, the cerebro-spinal system is also
functioning. During a state of perfect relaxation our nervous system
absorbs the Cosmic radiations which revitalise our bodies and restore
spent energies.
In our modern unnatural and unhygienic living conditions it is very
beneficial to relax periodically. This relieves our muscles and tissues of
internal tensions.
The technique of relaxation can be learned in several ways. If the person
is badly tensed and mentally confused it may be useful to seek help and
instruction in order to achieve complete relaxation. For the average
person it will be sufficient to follow a simple routine. The best time to
relax is immediately following a meal.

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Lie supine on a floor, with arms and legs out-stretched, palms upwards.
Close the eyes gently and smile a little. Breathe very slowly, using the
abdominal breathing method. As you lie outstretched, think of the air
entering your lungs and abdomen. As your abdomen rises, imagine the
air passing into it. Then follow the air as it is exhaled. The abdomen will
fall as the air is exhaled. It is best to practice relaxation in a dark, cool
and quiet spot so there will be no distraction. After a short period of
relaxation you will feel refreshed and invigorated.
Relaxation is a conscious process. We must learn to let go. While
muscles are in tension there can be no relaxation. If a part is in tension,
then we must try to tense it more and then try to let it go. In this way we
will learn the difference between the tensed and relaxed state.
Our short discussion of these natural forces is naturally a limited one,
but the benefits to be gained from a correct use of Sun, Air, Earth and
Relaxation are virtually unlimied.
All of these factors are fundamental requirements for healthy living and
should be used by all, whether they are well or sick. The same forces
which are necessary for the maintenance of health are doubly necessary
when it has been lost.
All of these natural forces have the advantage of being available free of
charge. Whereas food costs money, Sun, Air, Earth and Relaxation can
be had almost anywhere free of charge.
Natural living and Nature Cure make use of all of the natural forces in
correct combination. All of these forces, if used in a one-sided way will
produce results of some kind. When all the forces of nature are
combined intelligently they take on a surprising potency.

Other good books on these subjects are:

SUNLIGHT AND HEALTH by C.W. Saleeby
COSMOS MAN AND SOCIETY by Prof. E. B. Szekely

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Lesson 10. First Aid in Emergencies.
Use of all the natural remedies such as Fasting, water,
air, sun, etc. in emergencies.

NATUROPATHIC FIRST AID:

Naturopathy is a system of healing based on natural living. It has gone
under various names such as the water cure, nature cure, natural
healing, naturotherapy, natural hygiene. The name is not important
except that there are various schools of thought with slight differences of
approach or opinion. Whatever the name, it is still based on natural living
and that is the essential point of departure between allopathy and
naturopathy.
We will now consider how to administer First Aid in emergencies. It is
not claimed that the methods I shall give are the only ones available,
they are the methods, which, over a period of years, I have found most
useful for the average person. I have selected what I believe to be the
simplest and most effective under the circumstances.
Instead of telling you what to do, as far as possible, I am going to show
you what to do.
We of the natural health school believe that all disease can be prevented
and cured without drugs, medicines or operations, that is the cardinal
principle. Let us apply this principle to First Aid.
In every home and workplace, no matter how careful we may be,
accidents are bound to happen sooner or later. Then there are
emergencies when through lack of foresight, carelessness or disregard
of the rules of health, we may have to face a critical situation. What are
we to do? Must we forsake the principles for which we stand or can we
apply the remedies of mother nature? Forewarned is forearmed. If we
know what to do in an emergency, we can avoid using drugs or
unnatural methods in order to relieve pain or save a life. There are times
when we must act quickly to bring relief.
In order to give you an idea of the methods used in Naturopathy to meet
these contingencies, I have selected some of the most common day-to-
day emergencies and complaints.
What should we do if we are out camping and are bitten by sandflies,
mosquitoes, wasps, bees, hornets, bluebottles or even the dreaded
portuguese man-of-war as seen on Queensland beaches. One of the
best remedies that is usually available is the onion. Cut the root end off
the onion. A white milky juice will exude at the cut end. This juice is

62
smeared on the bitten area. If clay or mud are available, a poultice of
wet mud or clay should be applied and tied with a cloth. This should be
renewed as often as it dries out. When this occurs the part usually
becomes itchy. A very serious bite or sting can be relieved by taking a
vapour bath, but this is not easy to arrange.
In cases of a snake-bite, it is advisable to apply a ligature immediately
between the bitten area and the heart. The bite should be cut with a
razor blade and the blood sucked and spat out. The Australian
Aborigines had a very effective method of dealing with such cases, they
simply jumped into a muddy soak and immersed the whole body, with
the exception of the head, in the mud for two or three hours. The bitten
person usually emerged two hours later weighing probably two pounds
lighter and feeling a little weak, but minus the snake poison. While this
would not be practical for city dwellers, it does point the way for us. If a
vapour bath is handy, we could use this for the same purpose. Lacking a
vapour bath, we could put the patient into a full-body cold pack.
We should avoid sunburn by exposing our bodies gradually and so
conditioning the skin that we can easily take large exposures of sun
without burning. This is the best protection against sunburn, but if the
skin is burnt, the best treatment is to apply cool water in some
convenient way. Cold compresses or full-body packs are used according
to the site of the burn or its severity. During the day, a soothing lotion
can be made of lemon juice and olive oil. This has no healing value but
does prevent chafing by the clothes.
If you have a sore throat or relaxed vocal chords, these conditions can
be relieved by gargling frequently with a mixture of water, honey and
lemon juice. This is only palliation. A cold water compress should also
be applied to the throat and to the abdomen.
If one of the family has a headache, you can give relief by taking a glass
of hot water and then placing a cold wet cloth on the back of the neck.
Other good remedies are to take a cold sitz bath or a cold foot bath.
Naturopaths usually relieve the worst headaches by a technique known
as tempero-occipital inhibition.
For cuts or wounds or indeed any sores, you should wash clean to
remove any foreign matter which could cause obstruction to the natural
healing process. There is nothing you can put on a sore or wound to
make it heal any faster. All you can do is to keep it as clean as possible.
Expose to the sun if possible and bathe frequently with cool water. If the
water is suspected of being dirty, you can add the juice of a lemon.
If someone has indigestion or colic, the best remedy is to first empty the
bowels by means of an internal bath. Take a warm lemon drink. Warm

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compresses to the abdomen will give a relief from pain. When the pain
has passed, apply a cold compress to the abdomen.
Tired feet and legs can be relieved by taking an alternating hot and cold
foot bath.
Hiccoughs sometimes can be troublesome. Here is a simple remedy.
Drink a glassful of water slowly, while tightly stopping the ears with the
fingers. In severe cases, the naturopath usually inhibits the
pneumogastric nerve by pressing each side of the claviclcs where the
pneumogastric nerve passes up the neck.
To resuscitate the apparently dead and drowned person, the method of
mouth to mouth breathing is used. If a person is suspected of drowning,
see that as much of the water as possible is drained from the mouth by
turning the patient head downwards, then place in the supine position,
pull the head well back, take a deep breath and applying the mouth to
the mouth of the patient blow gently. In the case of babies you simply
puff gently. Watch for the rise and fall of the chest. Repeat each time the
chest sinks down.
Where a person is apparently dead and the cause is not known, it may
be caused by electric shock or an accident. Whatever the cause, a safe
method for resuscitation is that known as spinal concussion. Place the
patient in the prone position, form your hand into a fist and with the soft
hammer thus formed, you concuss the 7th cervical vertebra firmly at the
rate of about 120 beats to the minute. The 7th cervical vertebra is also
called vertebra prominens and if the head is bent forward it is the most
prominent process of the spine just where the neck joins the head.
The question of pain relief is an important one. Pain is caused by
pressure. It does not matter whether the pressure is produced purely by
mechanical means or it has chemical causes, the patient expects you to
be able to give some relief. This relief has to be given by using every
non-violent means at our disposal.
When in great pain the surest way to permanent relief will ultimately be
the total fast. Commence by washing the bowels out thoroughly by
means of the internal bath, then give only small quantities of water when
thirsty. The case should then be investigated to ascertain the cause of
the pressure and where it originates. In every case of doubt you would
do well to call a naturopath.
The methods I am giving you are for your own use, but a naturopath
may discover something that you have missed. If possible, hydrotherapy
should be used to draw the pressure away from the pain area. If the pain
is in the arms, a sitz bath or foot bath is used. If the pain is in the legs,

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compresses or affusions to the upper part of the body is indicated. It is
also beneficial to raise the part of the body with the highest pressure to a
level higher than the rest of the body. If the pain is in the feet, raise the
feet, if in the head, raise the head, and so on.
Sitz baths are very efficient equalizers of the blood pressure and in
cases of pain will bring comfort and relief. The spinal bath can be used
to bring relief and to induce restful sleep. In some cases of great pain it
is permissable to use hot compresses temporarily. However, as soon as
the patient has received relief, the cold compresses should then be
applied.
If the ear is obstructed through an accumulation of wax, or if water has
been trapped in the canal between a plug of wax and the ear-drums, as
often happens when in swimming, the best and safest treatment is to
wash the wax out with a simple douche. Fill a douche can with warm
water (98.6 degrees), hang it on a nail six feet from the floor, hold about
two inches away from the ear and a fine stream of water is directed into
the external auditory canal. A dish is held underneath to receive the
water. The wax will be dissolved and washed out without using any
unnecessary pressure. When the wax has been removed, the head is
flexed to allow retained water to drain out.
If a person has an attack of diarrhoea, this may be relieved by taking a
cold sitz bath or wearing a cold abdominal compress. If a person has a
fit of vomiting, nothing should be done to hinder or prevent it. Sips of
cold water will give relief after each spasm.
If a person faints, no particular treatment is necessary except the
loosening of clothing around the chest and neck and to see that there is
plenty of cool fresh air. The feet can be raised a little higher than the
head.
If a person has abdominal cramps, the best remedy is to drink hot water
and to take a hot enema. This is followed by a cold water clyster. The
abdomen may be massaged in a clockwise direction. If pain persists, a
warm compress may be applied to the abdomen, when relief is
produced, the cold compress should then be applied.
In cases of sleeplessness. This may be relieved by taking a glassful of
warm water on retiring, followed by an alternating hot and cold foot bath.
No food should ever be taken at night.
If you feel that the case is too serious for you to handle, do not delay,
send for help. In the meantime, you can do what you can to give relief to
the patient, to make them comfortable and to help in their recovery.

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It is unfortunate that most think that natural healing methods are only
appropriate for chronic conditions. They are just as effective for acute
conditions and emergencies. Don't wait until First Aid is needed. Study
now and prepare yourself for an emergency which could arise at any
time.
A common emergency is that of vaccination. If vaccination is forced
upon you, it can be treated in the same way as any other disease or
misfortune. As soon as possible after vaccination, the vaccine should be
sucked or squeezed from the wound and spat out. Lemon juice or onion
juice can be applied to the wound also. As soon as possible after
vaccination has been done, take a vapour bath for about 20 minutes
followed by a cool shower bath. Then fast for 24 hours at least.
We have now covered the most common complaints and emergencies
which usually arise. In serious cases, it is always best to call for
professional assistance. A Naturopath will know what to do in every
emergency. Until he arrives you can use the knowledge you have gained
to bring what relief you can to the patient.
Many of the common complaints are caused by wrong living. Now is the
time to prevent these complaints. By purifying your blood stream, by
adopting the natural way of life you will reduce these complaints to a
very minimum.
Here is the golden rule. When in doubt fast immediately. To commence
the fast in an emergency, it is advisable to induce vomiting and to take
an internal bath. If you suspect that you may have been poisoned, try to
empty your stomach by vomiting and then take an internal bath to
cleanse the bowels. In this way your fast commences immediately and
no valuable time is lost.
In conclusion, here is a piece of advice. Always listen to the voice of the
organism. Make the patient comfortable. When in doubt do nothing. No
matter what the illness you may have or what kind of injury you may
have sustained, it is always safe to fast until you can get expert advice.
Another good book to read on this subject is:
NATUROPATHIC FIRST AID by K. S. Jaffrey

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Lesson 11. Applied psychology.
The natural outlook on health and disease.
Cultivation of the art of positive thinking.
We now come to an important part of our studies in natural living and
natural healing. A healthy human being is one who is positive mentally
and physically. The negative condition is one of deficiency in some way
or another.
We have learned what foods we should eat in order to maintain health
and we have learned the importance of sunlight, fresh air, water,
exercise, rest and relaxation for the maintenance of normal health. Now
we must consider how we can think as well as act positively. All of the
great men and women of the past have been positive thinkers. They
have all known what they wanted, kept this ideal before them and acted
in a positive, constructive way to achieve their goals.
Heraclitus and Zeno who lived in 500 B.C., were probably the earliest
known positive thinkers, they taught and practised a dynamic positive
philosophy. In modern times we had men like Sir John Lubbock in 1887.
Later we had Jules Payot in 1893. In the 20th century we had men like
Frank C. Haddock and Emil Coue, Napoleon Hill, Dale Carnegie and
many others. All of the great Naturopaths were positive people. They
were dynamic in thought and deed.
There are two basic psychic states. One is negative and the other
positive.
In dealing with the mind we must not fall into the error of entering into
sterile theoretical discussions. We must seek practical answers to
concrete problems. Theory is only theory. Practice is observable fact. It
is proof in itself. Practice is therefore theory plus verification. Practice is
the most important. If we are strong in practice, we are also strong in
theory, but if we are strong in theory only, we may not be able to put our
theory into practice. Theory without practice is therefore sterile.
In order to achieve any objective we must know first what that objective
is. We should build a mental picture of the objective to be achieved. If
we close our eyes we must be able to see clearly what this objective
looks like. Before we can build mental or physical health, we must be
able to visualize it. We then set about to achieve our objective, not by
attacking that which is bad, but by strengthening that which is good.
We of the natural health school believe that nothing happens by chance.
If we are not enjoying high-level health, it is because we have in some
way transgressed the laws of nature. We believe that man's destiny is in

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his own hands. Man makes or unmakes himself. We have complete
freedom of action. We are free to choose whether we will obey the
natural laws and live in harmony with them or whether we will disregard
them and suffer the consequenses. There is no compulsion.
The laws of mental health are just as inflexible as the physical laws. If
we do violence to our physical body, it will suffer in some way. If we do
violence to our mental faculties we will similarly suffer mentally. There
are certain mental blocks which prevent us from enjoying physical and
mental health. We can divide these mental blocks or psychological
states into negative and positive groups. The negative group is the exact
opposite to the positive group. The most important ones are as follows:
The negative states are: Ignorance, selfishness, violence, passivity,
pessimism, fear, lack of will-power, nervousness, impatience, over and
under sexuality, voracity (excessive appetite), credulity, scepticism,
dogmatism, gross materialism, fanaticism, one-sidedness.
The positive states are: Wisdom, love, gentleness, activity, optimism,
courage, and self-confidence, will-power, stability of the nervous system,
patience, natural sexual life, perfect mastication, cautiousness, belief
and trust, freedom of spirit, idealism, realism, tolerance, manysidedness
(totality).
There are others of minor importance, but these are the states which
usually prevent us from achieving a state of mental balance if we are
negative or which enable us to achieve balance if we are positive.
We will examine each psychological state and discuss them briefly.
Ignorance is the state in which we are ill-informed on any subject. It is
obviously a negative state. To combat ignorance, we can acquire
knowledge through study or wait for enlightenment through experience.
The former is preferable. Many people wait for experience to teach
them, only to discover that it is too late to take advantage of the
knowledge so gained.
Selfishness is caused by introspection and self-seeking. The selfish
person relates everything to himself and seeks only to gain some
personal advantage. He thinks inwardly and thus becomes self-centred.
This negative state can be eradicated by thoughtfulness and
consideration for others. There must be a conscious effort to express
love towards our fellowman.
Violence is produced by a lack of control of our emotions. Violent
thoughts cause damage to our mentality just as violent actions harm our
physical body. We should practise self-control in order to achieve non-
violence and gentleness.

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Passivity is caused by slothfulness and submission to our baser
instincts. Passivity is the static condition in which nothing worthwhile is
ever achieved. Movement is life. We must be active mentally and
physically. We must be dynamic in everything we do. Change is the
essence of life. Stagnation means death.
Pessimism is produced by despair and depression. We should always
have an optimistic cheerful outlook. We should always seek to
encourage and foster that which is good and to see good in whatever we
do. Those who see only what is bad are negative.
Fear comes from apprehension of what might happen. Often it is a
dread of the truth. Fear is one of our most potent causes of ill-health.
Courage is the antidote to fear. Courage is born of self-confidence, while
self-confidence itself is born of knowledge. Knowledge is therefore the
best bulwark against the poisonous psychological symptom Fear.
Lack of Will-power and indecision go hand in hand. Procrastination
indicates the inability to make a decision and carry it out. The will can be
educated by consciously developing the facility to put our plans into
action. Intelligent study of our subject will enable us to generate the will-
power to put our plans into action.
Nervousness is usually caused by excessive stimulation of the nervous
system. Stimulating foods, exaggerated activities, and incorrect living
habits, all contribute to nervousness. To overcome nervousness, we
should cultivate a psychological diet of calm thoughts and practise
relaxation regularly.
Impatience is created by excessive activity of the nervous system.
Resignation to the truth, tolerance and patience are the positive states
which will overcome impatience.
Over and under-sexuality these states are both unnatural and
undesirable. We should try to lead a normal sexual life which is
determined by normal demands. Excessively stimulating and acid foods
and over-stimulating living habits are the main causes of these states.
Voracity is an exaggerated appetite which the person is unable to
control. It will lead to enervation and eventual ill-health. We should strive
for satisfaction through mental and physical control. Perfect mastication
of food is the best way to control an uncontrollable appetite.
Credulity is the state of gullibility produced by an uncritical attitude. It is
the blind acceptance of suggestions without due examination. The
correct attitude to adopt is to make a full enquiry while maintaining
cautiousness.

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Scepticism in this case we have the critical faculty excessively
developed to the stage where everything is doubted. The sceptic
irrationally doubts everything. He should try to develop a belief and trust
based on evidence. Scepticism and credulity are different sides of the
same coin.
Dogmatism is the peremptory rejection of novel ideas and a dictatorial
attitude towards other ideas. The dogmatist is one-sided in his approach
to phenomena. The positive approach is to maintain an all-sided
approach and freedom of enquiry into all contentious subjects.
Gross materialism denies the existence of the finer forces in nature
and maintains a narrow view of the phenomena of nature. We must
learn to accept the existence of the finer forces while still accepting the
existence of material things.
Idealism is a fanatical, irrational denial of the existence of material
objects. We must learn to accept that material things have a real
existence. To deny the existence of a thing does not put that thing out of
existence, but it does do violence to rational thought.
Mysticism is a dreamy unreality. Mystics live in an unreal world of
fantasy. We must be realistic in our approach to nature. We should be
conscious of the fact that there is an explanation to all phenomena of
nature.
Fanaticism implies a narrow-minded, bigoted mental block which
prevents us from seeing anyone else's point of view. It breeds
intolerance. We should try to develop a spirit of tolerance for other
philosophies, even if we do not accept them.
One-sidedness is one of the most negative of all attitudes. It prevents
one from taking an all-sided view of nature. The one-sided person is not
able to look at a question impartially. The positive attitude is to look at all
questions impartially in order to access their worth or validity.
This list covers some of the main mental blocks, although there are
others. Negative psychological states produce ill-health. Positive
psychological states prevent ill-health and aid in the restoration of health
when it is lost. The negative person sees only badness, misfortune and
insurmountable obstacles. The positive person, while still seeing these
factors, understands them, accepts them as a challenge. He revels in an
opportunity to analyse a problem and to surmount it.
If you are unhappy, it is because you have failed to adapt yourself to
your mental environment. If you are physically unwell, it is because you
have failed to adapt yourself to your physical environment. Life is a
constant ever-changing challenge. Whether we accept the challenge or

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avoid it depends on each individual. If we have a psychological problem,
we should try to solve it by means of self-analysis. Of course, this does
not mean that we cannot enlist the help of others who have had more
experience in this field.
When we are mentally or physically ill, we may not be able to calmly and
critically analyse ourselves. But, if we are to achieve harmony we must
make this analysis. If we criticize and analyse ourselves honestly, we
can decide what is right or wrong under certain conditions. We are then
free to decide whether we will make the appropriate changes in our lives
to enable us to achieve our objective. The choice is ours entirely.
We must decide what we want. When we know what we want we must
visualize this ideal. We then hold a picture in our mind of what this ideal
will look like. Keeping this ideal in mind, our actions must then be in
harmony with our mental picture.
If we constantly dwell on negative thoughts of ill-health, then the
glandular secretions which these thought-processes call forth will cause
a state of ill-health. On the other hand, if we constantly dwell on positive
thoughts of good health, love and tolerance, then the power within our
cells will be directed towards good ends. We must affirm positive
thoughts of goodness. We must have supreme confidence in the laws
and forces of nature, knowing that all cure of disease, and all health
comes from within.
All schools of healing can claim cures. Drugs, operations, massage, diet,
herbs, osteopathy, chiropractic and fasting and also all forms of mental
healing can claim to have produced cures. These all have one factor in
common - faith or supreme confidence. If you have sufficient faith, a
glass of water will produce the same effect (or even better) as a glass of
medicine. Fasting will produce the same effect as the best food remedy.
We have to develop faith in the forces of nature. When we understand
the tremendous power latent within the cells of our bodies, this gives us
the confidence to trust the natural forces. When we develop this faith in
the forces of nature, we are freed from the fear of mental or physical
disease. We know that any illness we suffer is built by our own
disobedience to natural law. We also know that by obeying the natural
laws, we can reverse the process and achieve the health and happiness
we desire.
The positive person is one who has an optimistic, cheerful and confident
faith in the forces of nature, secure in the knowledge that these forces
which gave him birth are also sufficient to maintain health and
happinesss and to restore health when it is lost. The positive person

71
keeps before him always the mental picture of perfection and applies all
of his efforts in the direction of its achievement.
What do you want? Is it happiness? Is it peace and contentment? Is it
health? Is it abundance of those things which you need? All of these
things are attainable if we will properly train our subconscious minds.
In order to be happy we must be healthy. In order to enjoy an
abundance of the good things of life we must be healthy. Strive first to
become a healthy human being. Keep this ideal always before you by
holding a mental picture of this state. Know that this state is attainable.
A positive conviction will bring it to reality. All of the other desirable
conditions in life can be realised by applying the same principles of
positive thinking or applied psychology.
Other good books to read on this subject are:
HEALTH AND HAPPINESS THROUGH POSITIVE THINKING by
K. S. Jaffrey
POSITIVE THINKING by M. Power

Lesson 12. Fasting History.

Fundamental Principles of
Physiological Rest. Its use as a process of healing.

In our twelfth and final lesson in this series, we consider the subject of
Fasting. Because of an upsurge in interest in natural healing, fasting has
come sharply into prominence in recent years. It has had alternating
periods of popularity and decline for hundreds of years. The Christian
Bible and many other ancient books mention fasting and recommend its
use. About 150 years ago it was given its most recent re-birth. The
ancients understood and used fasting and all through the ages the
greatest thinkers used it. Some members of the medical profession have
made attempts to use fasting, but as they did not understand the
philosophy behind natural healing, they used it incorrectly. they so
misunderstood fasting as to call it starvation.
The simplest definition of fasting that I can think of, is that it is rest.
Fasting is physiological rest as distinct from physical rest. It means the
complete suspension of the digestive processes.

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Many people are under the mistaken impression that the partaking of
light meals or liquid foods constitutes fasting. These are really restricted
or liquid diets. While they are undoubtedly beneficial in many ways, they
do not constitute fasting. Fasting is the with-holding of all food with the
exception of water, air, and sun. Fasting is a natural process and the
body regularly fasts between meals and during sleep. But, total and
prolonged fasting and indiscriminate fasting, is not natural for normal
healthy people. Fasting is induced by the body for the purpose of
recuperation or for the rectification of the effects of wrong living. Fasting,
therefore, should not be indiscriminately indulged in. A Fast should be
undertaken when the body clearly indicates that food is not wanted.
Fasting and starvation are not synonymous. They are dissimilar in every
way except one - that both practices entail the withholding of food. In
starvation, the body needs and wants food and it is withheld. If persisted
in, starvation would lead to sickness and ultimately to death. In fasting,
the body does NOT need food, does not want food, and it is withheld.
Fasting leads to regeneration and does not lead to death. The body
indicates quite clearly when it wants and needs food, and when it needs
and wants to fast. It also indicates quite clearly when the fast is to be
concluded. There is never any danger in fasting, but there is danger in
starvation.
Many people fast for the clarity of mind which it brings them. Others say
that it gives them spiritual enlightenment. We are considering here, only
the beneficial effect that fasting has on the health of the mind and body.
Nature's most basic method of healing is rest. Since fasting produces
complete physiological rest, it can be said that therefore fasting is
nature's method of cure. Many great health teachers in the past taught
the value of rest as a process of cure, but with the growth of medicine,
this principle was largely neglected in favour of the taking of specific
drugs to relieve specific symptoms.
The eminent Dr. John Hilton, author of the classical work, "Rest and
Pain", said, "Pain is the monitor and rest the cure." It is unfortunate that
this fundamental truth has been almost disregarded in modern medical
treatment.
Why is fasting so beneficial? What is its secet? The human body has
within itself only a certain amount of vital energy. This energy has to be
used by various organs and muscles in order to carry on the life
processes. The hardest work the human body is called upon to do is to
digest food. The body has also to assimilate nutrients from this food and
carry them through the arteries to the cells for nourishment. The worn-

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out cells and any toxins present in tissues have to be eliminated through
the lungs, skin and kidneys. All of this requires a great deal of energy.
Since it is not possible to produce more energy or to introduce it from the
outside, we must strive to conserve and use whatever energy we have in
each case. By suspending the processes of digestion we thereby
liberate a great deal of energy which is then available for the purpose of
cleansing and repair. Herein lies the tremendous power of fasting. We
make use of the maximum available amount of physical energy to
enable the body to repair damage and restore normality.
Who should fast? Obviously, those who are in perfect health and
strength do not need to fast. If they eat perfectly constituted food and
lead a wholly hygienic life, they will enjoy the maximum of health and
longevity. If we are not privileged to enjoy perfect food, or if our
environment and living conditions lack some essential features, our
bodies become enervated and accumulate toxins (or blood poisons).
There is a point of tolerance beyond which we cannot proceed. The
forces within will seek to expel the accumulated toxins. This is made
manifest as an acute disease (or a healing crisis). There will be a rise in
temperature. Whereas the normal temperature of the human body is
98.6 degrees, during a crisis the temperature rises above this figure.
This may be accompanied by pressure, redness, swelling and pain. This
is technically known as inflammation and the suffix ITIS is added to the
name of the organ or part involved. Thus, we have Gastritis from Gastro
meaning stomach and itis meaning inflammation. Colitis meaning
inflammation of the Colon and so on.
To take the temperature with a clinical thermometer is simple when you
know how. There is a thin line of mercury which indicates the
temperature. It is necessary to shake this mercury down to about 95
degrees before it is used. The thermometer is graduated in 2 degree
intervals. In most cases there is an arrow at 98.4. The long lines have a
number against them such as 95,96,97,98 etc. The short lines indicate 2
degrees. The normal temperature according to the teachings of natural
health is 98.6 degrees. Leave the thermometer under the tongue for
about two minutes before reading it. The normal temperature using a
Celsius thermometer is 37 C.
At this time, nature clearly tells us that it is time to rest the body in order
to allow cleansing and repair to take place. In order that this indication
will be clear, nature puts a coating on the tongue. The taste and hunger
for food also disappears and the breath becomes foul. We clearly have
no desire for food under these conditions. If we now rest the body, keep
it clean internally and externally, and maintain our body heat, the forces

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within will do whatever repairs are necessary and will expel whatever
toxins have accumulated. This is a classical case of a Fast instituted by
nature itself, and fasting under these conditions is perfectly safe and
beneficial.
The question then arises as to what should be done if a person is ill and
yet the temperature is lower than the normal 98.6 degrees and the
vitality is much depleted. This is the stage which we call chronic. A
chronic disease is one which has taken some time to develop and which
through suppression of the acute healing crisis in the past, has allowed
toxins to accumulate to such an extent that there is a loss of function of
one or more organs. In this condition, the body is unable to heal itself
and has virtually given up the struggle against its enemies.
The correct procedure in these cases is to raise the vitality of the
organism by all of the known hygienic processes such as natural diet,
relaxation, exercise, sun, air, water, earth, and positive thinking. These
processes all come under the heading of natural living and when used
simultaneously will raise the vitality to such an extent that nature will
produce a healing crisis. This is called the preparation for a fast.
If a body is heavily intoxicated through years of wrong living and
indulgence, it would be wrong to commence a total and prolonged fast at
once. The tremendous dissolution which took place would swamp the
body in its own toxins and the desired results would not be produced.
Assuming that the body is ready for a fast, it is now time to ascertain
whether the mind is also ready to accept a fast. If the patient has a
positive conviction of the truth of natural healing and of the effectiveness
and safety of fasting, the fast should be commenced. Fasting is effective
even without psychological support, but is very much enhanced when
the mind is positive. It is desirable to take your first fast or any prolonged
fast under supervision. The environment should be conducive to rest
and quiet. The atmosphere should be clean. There should be a calm
psychological climate as well as a favourable physical one.
Fasters should not allow themselves to be drawn into arguments or
prolonged discussions on contentious subjects. There should be a
positive, happy, and optimistic atmosphere. During a fast, only pure
water is to be taken. This may be taken whenever desired. Drink
whenever you are thirsty. Listen to the voice of the organism. It should
hardly be necessary to warn you that during a fast, no medicines or
substances of that nature should be taken, either internally or externally.
Tobacco smoking is also forbidden. It is very important to ensure that
when breaking a fast, only the cleanest and purest of foods is eaten. As
long as there is a coating on the tongue, an abnormally high

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temperature, foul breath and lack of taste and hunger, the fast should
continue.
The first three days require some self-discipline. This is because the
digestive system is still working partially. When digestion is completely
suspended, the faster settles down and from then until the conclusion of
the fast, it is usually uneventful.
The breaking of a fast requires a nice sense of judgment which only
experience can bring. As soon as the tongue is clean and the breath
wholesome, normal taste and hunger return. If the fast has been a short
one of two or three days, the first two meals should consist of fruit or
vegetable juices. These should be fresh and in season and should also
be diluted with water. For a fast of longer duration, the transition period
may be longer and the faster may have juices for two or three days. The
next transition is from juices to solid food. The next two, three or four
meals may be fresh fruit. This is followed by a raw vegetable salad. The
longer the duration of the fast the more gradual the transition must be.
Now that the fast is completely broken, a full standard natural diet should
be adhered to in the future to ensure the reconstruction of cells will
proceed efficiently and that the benefits gained during the fast will be
maintained.
What we have been discussing is the true classical fast. There are other
types of fasts which are used under conditions where the true fast is not
feasible. There is perfect safety in a one, two or three day fast at any
time, and no precautions are necessary. Most mild inflammatory
conditions such as colds, influenza etc., will be cleared in three days.
For those who, for personal or business reasons, are unable to take a
prolonged fast, the regenerative fast is indicated. The regenerative fast
consists of a regular fast of 24 hours a week over a period of several
months. This is not as effective as the prolonged fast, but it has the
advantage of being easier for the average newcomer.
Under supervision there are several refinements which are desirable and
possible. An experienced Naturopath can observe the temperature, the
pulse rate and the respiration rate. He can also make analyses of the
urine to determine the amount and kind of toxins being excreted through
the kidneys. If any painful symptoms should occur, these can be given
appropriate Naturopathic treatment.
From our discussion, we can now see that fasting is not a new method
of healing nor is it a separate one. It is an integral and essential part of
Naturopathy. It is a perfectly logical and scientific procedure to be used

76
in conjunction with all the other forces of nature to bring about a return to
normal functioning of the human organism.
Now, in conclusion, here are a few hints on Fasting. Once the Fast has
commenced you should keep these points in mind. Rest as much as
possible. Keep yourself warm. Do not have a ceiling fan operating in
your room. If you must use a fan it should be faced outwards at a door or
window. Do NOT take the temperature, blood pressure or pulse. Do
NOT take and analyze urine samples. Have as few visitors as possible.
Avoid discussion of your Fast with strangers. Do not walk barefooted on
cold floors. Do not take hot or cold baths. Bathe the whole body once
daily with lukewarm water only. Do not drink iced water or very hot
water. Water at body temperature is preferable. Do not gulp large
amounts of water. Sip it slowly. Do NOT take enemas unless indicated.
This practice causes enervation, can do great harm and cannot do any
good. Avoid Colonic irrigations at all times. Do not break the Fast
prematurely. Wait until the tongue is clean, the breath fresh and sweet,
the mouth is wet, and there is a return of normal hunger.
Those who would like to gain a greater insight into Fasting should read
some good books on this subject such as:
HOW TO FAST by K. S. Jaffrey
FEVER Nature's own healing process by K. S. Jaffrey
ORTHOTROPHY Vol. III by H. M. Shelton
SCIENTIFIC FASTING by L. B. Hazzard

GLOSSARY
Meaning of Words Commonly Used in Naturopathy:
ABDOMEN: The Belly Part of the bodv between the chest and the
pelvis.
ABSTEMlOUS: Sparing in the consumption of food.
ACUTE: Highly active state of the body's curative processes. This is
usually indicated by inflammation.
ADJUNCTS: A treatment added to Nature Cure, but not an essential
part.
ADJUSTMENT: A chiropractic adjustment is a change made in the
position of a vertebra in the direction of normality.
ASSIMILATION: The absorption of the nutrient parts of food.

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AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYTEM: Also called the Sympathetic nervous
system. This is a system of nerves independent of the central nervous
system, which controls the automatic functions of the body, such as
digestion, etc.
BENIGN: Mild. A protective growth provided by nature, but not
destructive by nature.
CALORIES: A heat measurement unit. Used in a fallacious system of
dieting.
CANTHUS: The inner corner of the eyes. The fold of tissue at the
angular junction of the eyes.
CATALYSIS: Chemical change due to the presence of another unlike
substance called a Catalyst.
CHIROPRACTIC: A system of detecting and correcting abnormal
fixations, partial dislocations and incorrect alignments of the spinal
vertebrae.
CHRONIC: A disease which has taken time to develop, usually the
result of wrong treatment of acute diseases.
COLD: Incorrect name for the acute healing crisis known as Coryza or
Rhinitis.
COSMOVlTAL: Containing life essentials from the outer world.
CRISIS: The turning point in disease. Commencement of the natural
healing effort generated within the body. Something to welcome, not
fear.
CUMULATIVE: Referring to poisons, the effect of growing by successive
instalments and being retained within the body.
DESTRUCTIVE STAGE OF DlSEASE: In Naturopathy, denotes the
stage at which nature is making violent efforts to terminate an extreme
situation. Usually fatal.
DIGESTION: A breaking-down process in which food is prepared for
absorption into the blood.
DISEASE: The incorrect name given to nature's efforts to correct an
unnatural condition of the body. The accumulation of toxic waste matter,
and obstruction to the flow of life force is the real disease. The word
literally means "Lack of comfort."
ENCUMBRANCE: A purely naturopathic term coined by Louis Kuhne to
denote the waste matter or toxins with which the body is loaded in ill-
health.

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INFLAMMATION: Wrongly called a morbid condition of the body. Any
disease with a suffix ITIS attached to it. Characterized by pain, pressure,
heat, redness, swelling and malfunction. Inflammation is the symptom of
Crisis and is nature's method of ridding itself of an obstruction to normal
function. Not to be suppressed, but assisted.
INORGANIC: A mineral which lacks vital radiations. Non-living.
INTOXICATION: To accumulate poisons to the stage of saturation.
IRRADIATION: The absorption of radiations by a substance, plant or
body tissues.
LESION: A tissue-change caused by injury or disease.
LOCAL SYMPTOM: Any observable effect limited to one part of the
body only.
MALIGNANT: Extremely poisonous and destructive activity of a disease
process, proceeding towards death.
MONO DIET: A diet consisting of one kind of food at each meal.
MUCUS: The liquid secreted by special membranes in the openings and
cavities of the body.
ORGANIC: A substance which was mineral, but became organized by
being absorbed into the tissues of a plant and vitalized by radiations.
OXIDATION: The process of conversion of a substance into an oxide by
combining it with oxygen.
RADIATIONS: The forces of the universe. The movement of radiations
is the essence of life.
STARVATION: That state in which the body needs food and wants food
and it is withheld. Often wrongly confused with Fasting, which is the
process used in treatment of ill-health conditions. Fasting means the
withholding of food when the body does not need it and does not want it.
SUPRESSlON: The use of drugs, medicine or other agents to stop or
impede the natural actions of the body in its effort to cure disease.
SYMPTOMS: Those observable signs on a human body which indicate
that a process of disease or healing is in progress.
TOXAEMIA: A poisoned condition of the blood. The primary cause of all
disease.
TOXIN: A substance which is foreign to the human body and is
destructive in its effect.
VIS MEDICATRlX NATURAE: The healing force of unaided nature.

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Other Books in this Series:
No. 1 : HOW TO FAST.
No. 2 : NATURAL FOODS.
No. 3 : LIVING NATURALLY.
No. 4 : WHAT IS NATURE CURE?
No. 5 : REARING YOUR BABY NATURALLY.
No. 6 : NATUROPATHIC FIRST AID.
No. 7 : HEALTH AND HAPPINESS THROUGH POSITIVE
THINKING.
No. 8 : THE COMMON COLD.
No. 9 : THE CAUSE OF DISEASE.
No. 10: FEVER - Nature's Own Healing Process.
No. 12: HOW NATURE "CURES".
No. 13: RADIANT HEALTH FOR BEGINNERS.
No. 14: TELL ME SIMPLY.
No. 15: DIALECTICS AND HEALTH.
No. 16: OVERCOMING MENTAL DEPRESSION.

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