Hygeia Greek goddess
Definitions
Natural Hygiene is a philosophy and a set of principles and practices based on science, that leads to an extraordinary level of personal health and happiness. ... Natural Hygiene is for people who are looking for the good life, and not just a pretty good life, a very good life. It offers you the opportunity to live the healthiest, happiest life possible.
Hygiene is not an empirical system, nor is it experimental. It is a logical system derived from fundamental biological premises. Nevertheless, it is confirmed and supported by empiricism and experimentalism.
- The underlying basis of Natural Hygiene is that the body is self-cleansing, self-healing and self-maintaining. Natural Hygiene is based on the idea that all the healing power of the universe is within the human body; that nature is always correct and can not be improved upon. We experience problems of health (i.e. excess weight, pain, stress) only when we break the natural laws of life.
NATURAL HYGIENE holds that health is the normal state of all living organisms and that health is maintained through natural, self-initiating, self-healing process.
Hygiene is not an empirical system, nor is it experimental. It is a logical system derived from fundamental biological premises. Nevertheless, it is confirmed and supported by empiricism and experimentalism.
- The underlying basis of Natural Hygiene is that the body is self-cleansing, self-healing and self-maintaining. Natural Hygiene is based on the idea that all the healing power of the universe is within the human body; that nature is always correct and can not be improved upon. We experience problems of health (i.e. excess weight, pain, stress) only when we break the natural laws of life.
NATURAL HYGIENE holds that health is the normal state of all living organisms and that health is maintained through natural, self-initiating, self-healing process.
Why does hygiene also mean "cleanliness"?
In the 19th century, this was the situation:
- Cleanliness was utterly disregarded. Physicians not only frowned upon, but opposed bathing. Surgeons performed operations without washing their hands, and operating rooms of hospitals were veritable pig sties. Physicians would go from the post mortem room directly to the delivery room and assist in the birth of a child without washing their hands. Child-bed fever was a very common disease and the death rate from it was very high.
- Since patients were also being dosed heroically, having their veins and arteries emptied of blood, denied water to drink and fresh air to breathe, it is no wonder that otherwise simple diseases were regarded as very malignant and the death rate high.
- Out of the contradictions, confusions, chaos and delusions called the science of medicine, grew a need for new thoughts. In America the crusade for health reform was launched in 1830 by Sylvester Graham through lectures and writings. Actual health care based on "physiology" or "hygiene" had started already in 1822 with Isaac Jennings.
- Colleges in "Hygienic care" opened, the first one in 1852 in New York: the Hygeio-Therapeutic College. Many hygienic practitioners were created during the century, thousands of lectures given, lots of books and magazines spread. People learned to bathe, to eat more fruit and vegetables, to ventilate their homes, to get exercise and sunshine. Hygiene became so popular, that traditional medicine finally had to adopt parts of Hygiene, after having fiercely opposed it until the beginning of the 20th century. This new "hygiene" was incorporated with the drug-usage of Medicine (remember that "Hygiene" was opposed to drugs), and the word hygiene got the meaning it has today.
- When Herbert Shelton and others in the 20th century revived the knowledge of "Hygiene" and modernized it, the word "Natural" was added. Shelton's How-to-Live magazine was started in 1928, his Hygienic Review in 1939, and the American Natural Hygiene Society was founded in 1948.
- Cleanliness was utterly disregarded. Physicians not only frowned upon, but opposed bathing. Surgeons performed operations without washing their hands, and operating rooms of hospitals were veritable pig sties. Physicians would go from the post mortem room directly to the delivery room and assist in the birth of a child without washing their hands. Child-bed fever was a very common disease and the death rate from it was very high.
- Since patients were also being dosed heroically, having their veins and arteries emptied of blood, denied water to drink and fresh air to breathe, it is no wonder that otherwise simple diseases were regarded as very malignant and the death rate high.
- Out of the contradictions, confusions, chaos and delusions called the science of medicine, grew a need for new thoughts. In America the crusade for health reform was launched in 1830 by Sylvester Graham through lectures and writings. Actual health care based on "physiology" or "hygiene" had started already in 1822 with Isaac Jennings.
- Colleges in "Hygienic care" opened, the first one in 1852 in New York: the Hygeio-Therapeutic College. Many hygienic practitioners were created during the century, thousands of lectures given, lots of books and magazines spread. People learned to bathe, to eat more fruit and vegetables, to ventilate their homes, to get exercise and sunshine. Hygiene became so popular, that traditional medicine finally had to adopt parts of Hygiene, after having fiercely opposed it until the beginning of the 20th century. This new "hygiene" was incorporated with the drug-usage of Medicine (remember that "Hygiene" was opposed to drugs), and the word hygiene got the meaning it has today.
- When Herbert Shelton and others in the 20th century revived the knowledge of "Hygiene" and modernized it, the word "Natural" was added. Shelton's How-to-Live magazine was started in 1928, his Hygienic Review in 1939, and the American Natural Hygiene Society was founded in 1948.
Graham bread and graham crackers
Few people realize today that "graham bread" - so popular at one time - and graham crackers were named after Dr. Sylvester Graham, one of the earliest of the 19th century health reformers. His teachings exerted an enormous influence.
- He was born 1794 in Boston, the youngest of 17 children. His frail constitution made him to study anatomy, physiology and general health, and since he was a very gifted orator, he emerged as influential health teacher. His popularity grew. In an era when people had to travel by foot or buggy, he attracted large audiences of thousands of people.
- In those days Americans and Europeans had the idea that fruit and vegetables were to be avoided, especially raw. Health Boards in 1830's sometimes prohibited sale of vegetables, due to the dangers to health. Doctors and newspapers warned that fresh garden produce was known to develop the deadly cholera. People should restrict themselves to meat, potatoes, milk, tea and coffee. Plenty of meat and wine would prevent cholera, it was thought. The medical profession, even into the 20th century, strongly discouraged eating fresh fruit and uncooked vegetables, and pictured it as reeking with disease germs. Especially lettuce was regarded as dangerous. This continued until the discovery of vitamins.
- Graham's first observations of diet on health were made in 1820 in Philadelphia. A small sect of Bible Christians, who were eating only the fruit of the trees of the Garden, had migrated there. They abstained from all animal foods, all condiments and used no tea, coffee, tobacco or alcohol. The death rate in the city from cholera was high, but contrary to the medical teachings, not a single member of Bible Christians had contracted the disease. This made a deep impression on Graham, and made him turn his attention to diet.
- After Graham in 1830 had started to lecture and write articles on health, advocating vegetarianism, he soon had a great following. Books were published explaining the Graham System. Graham restaurants and Graham boarding houses popped up. Grahamites established the world's first health food store.
- Strong opposition also developed immediately. Not only from medical men, but also from butchers, bakers, tobacconists, brewers, distillers, saloon keepers - who saw their business threatened from the new doctrines. Ridicule, slander, distortion and untruth were the chief methods used.
- Graham argued in favor of a vegetarian diet, preferably raw, even a fruitarian diet. He warned against drug remedies, stimulants and overworking, emphasized enough sleep and rest. He was the first to advocate education in sex hygiene. Ironically, today's graham crackers, containing salt and fat, he probably would have disliked.
Quote: "Indeed it seems as if the grand experiment of mankind has ever been to ascertain how far they can transgress the laws of life, how near they can approach the very point of death, and yet not die - at least not so suddenly as to be compelled to know that they have destroyed themselves ..."
- He was born 1794 in Boston, the youngest of 17 children. His frail constitution made him to study anatomy, physiology and general health, and since he was a very gifted orator, he emerged as influential health teacher. His popularity grew. In an era when people had to travel by foot or buggy, he attracted large audiences of thousands of people.
- In those days Americans and Europeans had the idea that fruit and vegetables were to be avoided, especially raw. Health Boards in 1830's sometimes prohibited sale of vegetables, due to the dangers to health. Doctors and newspapers warned that fresh garden produce was known to develop the deadly cholera. People should restrict themselves to meat, potatoes, milk, tea and coffee. Plenty of meat and wine would prevent cholera, it was thought. The medical profession, even into the 20th century, strongly discouraged eating fresh fruit and uncooked vegetables, and pictured it as reeking with disease germs. Especially lettuce was regarded as dangerous. This continued until the discovery of vitamins.
- Graham's first observations of diet on health were made in 1820 in Philadelphia. A small sect of Bible Christians, who were eating only the fruit of the trees of the Garden, had migrated there. They abstained from all animal foods, all condiments and used no tea, coffee, tobacco or alcohol. The death rate in the city from cholera was high, but contrary to the medical teachings, not a single member of Bible Christians had contracted the disease. This made a deep impression on Graham, and made him turn his attention to diet.
- After Graham in 1830 had started to lecture and write articles on health, advocating vegetarianism, he soon had a great following. Books were published explaining the Graham System. Graham restaurants and Graham boarding houses popped up. Grahamites established the world's first health food store.
- Strong opposition also developed immediately. Not only from medical men, but also from butchers, bakers, tobacconists, brewers, distillers, saloon keepers - who saw their business threatened from the new doctrines. Ridicule, slander, distortion and untruth were the chief methods used.
- Graham argued in favor of a vegetarian diet, preferably raw, even a fruitarian diet. He warned against drug remedies, stimulants and overworking, emphasized enough sleep and rest. He was the first to advocate education in sex hygiene. Ironically, today's graham crackers, containing salt and fat, he probably would have disliked.
Quote: "Indeed it seems as if the grand experiment of mankind has ever been to ascertain how far they can transgress the laws of life, how near they can approach the very point of death, and yet not die - at least not so suddenly as to be compelled to know that they have destroyed themselves ..."
Here is how the Natural Hygiene Network in Houston has defined Natural Hygiene
What is Natural Hygiene?
Hygiene is the Science of Health. Natural Hygiene is the system which helps people live in harmony with the physiological needs of the human body, thereby maximizing health.
By supplying the body with the basic requirements of nature: natural unadulterated food, unpolluted air, pure water, exercise, rest, sleep, mental and emotional poise, wholesome environment, and productive activity, - health is assured, and the self-healing powers resident within the body are given full reign.
Principles of Natural Hygiene
1. GOOD AIR
2. PURE WATER (distilled)
3. COMFORTABLE BODY TEMPERATURE (97-99 deg. F)
4. INTERNAL CLEANLINESS
Free of poisons & pollutants. Eat a nonpolluting diet (indigestion indicates this principle is lacking).
5. SLEEP - regenerates nerve energy.
6. PROPER FOOD
Eat foods of our biological adaptation.
There are contradictory views about what this means.
7. EXERCISE - at least 3-4 times per week - preferably 7 times.
Aerobic (cardiovascular) activity - at least double the breath and pulse.
Resistance activity - weight training or isometrics.
You cannot be healthy unless physically fit.
8. SUNSHINE - an essential of life.
Minimum of 20-30 minutes daily, or 2-3 hours per week. Before 10 Am or after 4 Pm in summer, anytime in winter. Sunshine is necessary for bone formation.
9. PLAY & RECREATION
10. REST & RELAXATION - Meditation & Cogitation
11. MENTAL POISE - maintain equilibrium & do not become emotionally upset.
12. SECURITY OF LIFE AND ITS MEANS
13. CREATIVE WORK
14. SELF MASTERY - you will lose self esteem if you lose self mastery.
15. PEER INTERACTION - group interaction
16. EXPRESSION OF REPRODUCTIVE INSTINCT
17. LOVE, APPRECIATION, ESTEEM - both give & receive these.
18. APPRECIATION OF BEAUTY
19. NEED TO BE INSPIRED & MOTIVATED - must have purpose in life.
Hygiene is the Science of Health. Natural Hygiene is the system which helps people live in harmony with the physiological needs of the human body, thereby maximizing health.
By supplying the body with the basic requirements of nature: natural unadulterated food, unpolluted air, pure water, exercise, rest, sleep, mental and emotional poise, wholesome environment, and productive activity, - health is assured, and the self-healing powers resident within the body are given full reign.
Principles of Natural Hygiene
1. GOOD AIR
2. PURE WATER (distilled)
3. COMFORTABLE BODY TEMPERATURE (97-99 deg. F)
4. INTERNAL CLEANLINESS
Free of poisons & pollutants. Eat a nonpolluting diet (indigestion indicates this principle is lacking).
5. SLEEP - regenerates nerve energy.
6. PROPER FOOD
Eat foods of our biological adaptation.
There are contradictory views about what this means.
7. EXERCISE - at least 3-4 times per week - preferably 7 times.
Aerobic (cardiovascular) activity - at least double the breath and pulse.
Resistance activity - weight training or isometrics.
You cannot be healthy unless physically fit.
8. SUNSHINE - an essential of life.
Minimum of 20-30 minutes daily, or 2-3 hours per week. Before 10 Am or after 4 Pm in summer, anytime in winter. Sunshine is necessary for bone formation.
9. PLAY & RECREATION
10. REST & RELAXATION - Meditation & Cogitation
11. MENTAL POISE - maintain equilibrium & do not become emotionally upset.
12. SECURITY OF LIFE AND ITS MEANS
13. CREATIVE WORK
14. SELF MASTERY - you will lose self esteem if you lose self mastery.
15. PEER INTERACTION - group interaction
16. EXPRESSION OF REPRODUCTIVE INSTINCT
17. LOVE, APPRECIATION, ESTEEM - both give & receive these.
18. APPRECIATION OF BEAUTY
19. NEED TO BE INSPIRED & MOTIVATED - must have purpose in life.
Natural Hygiene: Man's Pristine Way Of Life
"These three men--Jennings, Graham and Trall--together with Alcott, Taylor and others in this country and Combe and Lamb in England set the world to thinking on Hygiene. They were great men, greater by far than were Napoleon or Alexander. Any man who gives the world valid ideas and elucidates genuine principles is a man whom the world most wants and will come, ultimately, to admire.
All but two of the pioneer Hygienists were medical men who had become disillusioned with medical practices and were honest and courageous enough to seek elsewhere for truth. These two were Sylvester Graham and Mary Gove.
The revolution here described required a complete and radical change in the mode of thinking of the people.They had to be biologically reoriented and had to be weaned away from the supernatural orientation fostered by the priestcraft.They had to learn that life is subject to law and order and is not at the mercy of capricious and whimsical ghosts.They had to learn the truth about the relations between the living organism and the many elements of its environment; especially did they have to learn the true relations of drugs to the organism.
They had to learn that health is man's normal state and that disease is abnormal.It was necessary for them to understand that man is the builder of his own diseases and that disease does not come upon them without cause.It became necessary for them to learn that acute disease, instead of being the enemy it had long been regarded, is a remedial process.
It was necessary for them to understand that living organisms are self-healing and that all the caretaker can do that is of any constructive value for the sick is to provide wholesome conditions and usable materials,It is especially necessary that they learn that cure and curing represent false ideas and false practices.
All but two of the pioneer Hygienists were medical men who had become disillusioned with medical practices and were honest and courageous enough to seek elsewhere for truth. These two were Sylvester Graham and Mary Gove.
The revolution here described required a complete and radical change in the mode of thinking of the people.They had to be biologically reoriented and had to be weaned away from the supernatural orientation fostered by the priestcraft.They had to learn that life is subject to law and order and is not at the mercy of capricious and whimsical ghosts.They had to learn the truth about the relations between the living organism and the many elements of its environment; especially did they have to learn the true relations of drugs to the organism.
They had to learn that health is man's normal state and that disease is abnormal.It was necessary for them to understand that man is the builder of his own diseases and that disease does not come upon them without cause.It became necessary for them to learn that acute disease, instead of being the enemy it had long been regarded, is a remedial process.
It was necessary for them to understand that living organisms are self-healing and that all the caretaker can do that is of any constructive value for the sick is to provide wholesome conditions and usable materials,It is especially necessary that they learn that cure and curing represent false ideas and false practices.