Some of the outstanding parameters of the naturopathic model developed first developed over 100 years ago include the following:

o we need to treat the whole person – physical, mental and spiritual
o there is a vital force within us that moves towards health
o the body heals itself from within outwards, and from above downwards
o our therapies need to enhance the vital force and remove toxins
o with successful treatment the patient often manifests a healing crisis as distinct from a disease crisis which moves towards death
o the body becomes diseased in three successive stages – acute, sub-acute and chronic during the healing process the body and psyche may retrace through the various stages. (Jacka 1987)

Holons and holarchy is a term used extensively by the author and philosopher Ken Wilbur to describe the nesting hierarchies that compose our universe. (Wilbur 1996) Gary Schwartz and Linda Russek have also done research in this area. (Schwartz & Russek 1999). These writers draw our attention to the naturally occurring holism in the universe. We can note that there are sub-atomic particles in atoms, then atoms within molecules, molecules within cells, cells within tissues, tissues within a body and so on. Wilbur extends this scenario to consider that our bodies may be considered to reside within mind, and our mind within soul and spirit. However, most medical scientists see the mind as almost an appendage of the brain.

When a particular holon, say a cell, wants to be separate and not also a part of the whole, then the natural holarchy degenerates into pathology or disease. Cancer is a typical example where the cell decides to separate from the whole. We can extend this concept to a separative tendency at any level – whether physical, emotional, social, cultural, or spiritual. Thus a type of cleavage occurs. According to writer Alice Bailey, separation is the main cause of disease. (Bailey 1952)

An important difference between the naturopathic approach to health and disease and that of orthodox medicine is our recognition of the interdependence of these nested hierarchies and the need to treat the whole person rather than the specialised part. This approach should include our inner essence or soul. Is there a danger at times when prescribing a particular supplement such as a vitamin, mineral or herb, or even a combination of these therapies, of treating symptomatically in the way that orthodox medicine applies drugs? Are we treating the part or the whole?

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is another interesting research area worthy of our investigation. It is now firmly established that immunity is strongly affected by our emotional and mental states. (Pert 1996) Therefore our holism in practice must surely include the emotional and mental states of the client in the treatment programme.

Modern science - Particles versus Waves We have witnessed modern science as opening up a new view of our constitution with its findings about sub-atomic particles and theories of a universe consisting of interacting fields. For modern physics has demonstrated that a particle is also a wave. Orthodox medicine relates to Newtonian physics where the body is viewed as a machine that can be broken down into smaller and smaller parts. But as particles are also waves of energy or vibrations or frequencies it appears that energy fields is the area for natural therapies. Thus we work by restoring and balancing energy fields whether we use vitamins, minerals, herbs, homeopathy, sound, colour, acupressure or acupuncture.

Electronic technology is another area we must consider in current naturopathic practice when considering holism. We have currently seen an explosion over the last 25 years in the practice of bio-energetic testing via dermal points using electronic machines. The way such systems work is to match the frequency of the disease process or remedy, with the electro-magnetic field of the client and to obtain a yes/no answer. But the mindset of the therapist can influence the pressure used on the probe during dermal testing which in turn affects the result and finally, the computer print out. However, in the hands of an unbiased operator there may be much value in such diagnosis.

From these thoughts it might seem appropriate for the therapist to move from an objective or scientific approach to a more subjective approach. But we do need to combine a subjective approach or empathy with the client with an objective and scientific knowledge about the body and physiology. For instance, there are many therapists who go to a mystical extreme and who ignore the physical aspects of health and disease entirely.

Esoteric Healing is an approach to healing that I have been combining with physical natural therapies for many years. It is based on the teachings of Alice Bailey and is a means of correcting the energy field underlying the physical organs and tissues. The techniques can include chakra balancing, lymphatic drainage, nervous system balance, and organ toning. However, the most important parameter of this system is that the therapist aligns with their own soul and that of the client so that the healing essence of the client can flow through every part of their being.

In the 20 years since using this system I have found that the minerals, herbs and homeopathic remedies work more effectively, probably because the energy field in the client is rebalanced. In the physical area we can use our own body as an instrument to assess the vibratory frequency of the organs and tissues of the client and to match vitamins, minerals, herbs and homeopathics to the needs of the client. It is possible to do this without the aid of instruments or pendulums.

It is the alignment with our soul which removes bias from the diagnosis and treatment. Otherwise, our emotional and mental conditioning will skew diagnosis and selection of remedies. Meditation is a valuable key to developing alignment with the soul. Soul centred therapy is truly holistic when combined with a synthesis of physical remedies.

Refs. Bailey, AA. Esoteric Healing, Lucis Press, New York, 1952.
Capra, F. The Turning Point. Bantam. London. 1983.
Jacka, J. A to Z of Natural Therapies, Lothian, Melbourne. 1987.
Pert, Candice. Molecules of Emotion, Scribner, New York, 1997.
Schwartz, G & Russek L, The Living Energy Universe, Hampton Roads, Charlottesville, 1999.
Wilbur, K. A Brief History of Everything. Hill of Content. Melbourne. 1996.