Practice of Naturopathic Medicine

Sussanna Czeranko's Practice of Naturopathic Medicine, fifth in the NCNM Press twelve-volume Hevert Collection series, reintroduces a complete and classic foundation for the modern 21st century Naturopathic physician. Here we find comfort, guidance, and strength in the observations and practices of our founding fathers. Dr. Czeranko's scholarship brings it back beautifully: nature cure, water cure, homeopathy, iridology, phrenology, snow walking, breathing cures, kinesiology, surgery, allopathic medicine, electricity and much more. Foundational theory and cure, accurately and comprehensively reintroduced. -Joel D. Wallach, BS (Agriculture), DVM, ND (NCNM 1982), Author of Dead Doctors Don't Lie, and Epigenetics Practice of Naturopathic Medicine provides a rich sampling of therapies that the early pioneering Naturopaths used to guide their patients to renewed and sustainable health. These articles, chosen from Benedict Lust publications spanning 1899 to1923, demonstrate the eclectic scope of their vision and celebrate what was possible therapeutically when using essentially what Nature provided: air, water, sun, earth, diet, exercise and breathing. As these pioneers introduced new methods, these core elements of naturopathic medicine never failed to be the mainstay of the armamentarium. When we have confidence in the healing power of Nature and when we rediscover the profound value of Nature's bounty, our practice accumulates case histories with stunning results. As you read these accounts of naturopathic practice in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reproduced here "in their own words", remember to grasp the passion and earnest desire of these early Naturopaths to choose the bounty of Nature, above all else, as the platform for their treatments. In Practice of Naturopathic Medicine we encounter our naturopathic elders with a professional intimacy that familiarizes us with the therapies they used to counter disease. Re-entering their world gives us pause to marvel at their heroic efforts to bring health to all of their patients. Their words teach us; they are rich pearls for us to this very day. Dr. Czeranko is clear. We must reclaim and protect the fundamental philosophies, teachings and practice of naturopathic medicine before they are no longer ours. Increasingly, patients value what our detractors formerly did not and increasingly now wish to appropriate. This book is a tool which will touch the hearts of patients and naturopathic physicians, because it preserves our simple, powerful healing art for future generations. Dr. Czeranko helps us remain inspired to hold fast to that which originally called us to choose naturopathic medicine. I am deeply inspired by her voice for our profession! -Lori Blankenship, ND (NCNM 2004)