Naturopathy
The nature cure movement started in Germany with the "water cure" (Hydrotherapy). The credit of making water cure famous goes to Vincent Priessnitz (1799-1851), who was a farmer. The nature cure movement gained momentum in India as Mahatma Gandhi, "Father of the Nation", became interested in this system and included it in his programmes. He also established a nature cure Hospital in Uruli Kanchan in Pune, Maharashtra which is still functioning.

Naturopathy believes that nature is the greatest healer and the body has the capacity to prevent itself from diseases and regain health. The treatment can include consultations on lifestyle and diet, recommendations of mantras and meditation, moxibustion (burning of the herb mugwort), use of supplements and massage with specially formulated herbal oil, and occasionally, acupuncture.

The practice of nature cure is based on the three principles; accumulation of morbid matter, abnormal composition of blood and lymph and lowered vitality. The system of nature cure states that the basic cause of disease is not bacteria. Bacteria develop after the accumulation of morbid matter when a favourable atmosphere for their growth develops in body. All diseases arise due to this morbid matter in the body, and if latitude is given for its removal, the body provides a cure. It also believed that the human body possesses inherent self constructing and self healing powers. Nature Cure takes into account the totality of factors responsible for diseases such as habits in living, thinking, working, sleeping, relaxation, sexual indulgence, and considers the environmental factors involved, which on the whole disturbs the normal functioning of the body and leads it to a morbid, weak and toxic state.

A Nature Cure physician helps in nature's effort to overcome disease by controlling the natural forces to work within safe limits. The five main modalities of treatment are air, water, heat, mud and space.
The recent development of nature cure advocates the practice of drugless therapies like massage, electrotherapy, physiotherapy, acupuncture, acupressure and magnetotherapy.

GEM THERAPHY
Crystals, gems and minerals are solidified reflections of properties that are already within the human body. Gems and precious metals are used to balance planetary influences and to act directly on a life force. Having the capacity to both attract and dispel positive or negative energies, their healing properties are applied by wearing them in or having them in some way close to the body. The healing effect of gems can be experienced even by placing them in water overnight and drinking the water the next day, drinking water from vessels made of specific metals such as gold, silver, or copper. Precious stones and metals are also oxidized and purified in medicines in India. Called "bhasma", these substances go deep into the body and can help in the healing of deep-seated illness or in rejuvenation.

Healing using quartz crystals is among the most ancient of all known therapies. Due to their perfect molecular structure, crystals vibrate at a constant rate. It is this quality of crystals that make them ideal tools for harmonizing and balancing the body. All crystals and gemstones vibrate at their own unique frequencies. By selecting the crystal with the correct vibration to counter an individual's malady, the body's natural rhythm is restored.

If gems are to be used for healing they should be purified. Immersing gems in salt water for two days purifies them. Their power can also be enhanced by chanting sacred syllables (mantra) over them. Gems are most effective when they weigh more than two carats and are worn in contact with the skin. If a precious stone of two carats or more is not available, it is better to use a semi precious stone that is larger. To allow direct contact with the skin, all rings and pendants should have an open backed setting and the preferred metal is gold.

Individual stones have properties that influence the "doshas" in individuals and increase the well-being of the wearer. Some of the commonly worn stones include the Topaz, which is said to help overcome fear. A yellow Sapphire is worn to enhance energy and vitality and is generally considered good for health. Opal is considered to have a positive influence on the wearer, promoting friendship, compassion, creativity and understanding. Precious stones like Diamond, Sapphires, Rubies and semi precious stones like Lapis Lazuli, Coral, Beryl and Moonstone, have their own attributes and are recommended to correct various imbalances in the body.