1. Introduction
Naturopathy is a holistic system of healing that supports body’s innate ability to heal itself by giving importance to the use of natural remedies (Juhi et al., 2025). Eminent naturopathy Henry Lindlahr has defined naturopathy as, Nature Cure is a system of building the entire being in harmony with the constructive principle in Nature on the physical, mental, moral and spiritual planes of being (Lindlahr, 1924). Naturopathy promotes overall wellbeing and health as it involves integration of nutrition, lifestyle modifications and physical therapies. In India, Naturopathy is having its root in traditional practices and has a rich history (Juhi et al., 2025).
A high quality medical knowledge was known to people in ancient India. Archaeological evidences of Harappa and Mohenjo-daro which are known today impart high civilization in topics of sanitation and hygiene (Kanta, 2021). Ancient Indian scriptures and texts include: Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas and Itihas, Bhagavad Gita (Jaiswal, 2018). Origin of naturopathy dates back to thousands of years drawing from various cultures including Indian tradition. Early civilizations knew the importance of living in harmony with their nature (Shalini P Y et al., 2025); they believed that health was closely connected with human body and nature and diseases are caused due to imbalance or violation of nature’s laws. In India, since ancient times people observed nature and utilized natural sources such as water, sunlight, fresh air, herbs, fasting and earth for prevention of diseases. These practices laid foundation for modern system of naturopathic medicine (V & Naragatti, 2026).
Although natural healing practices can be found in a number of ancient Indian scriptures and classical Ayurvedic texts, the relationship between these practices and the principles of modern naturopathy has not yet been sufficiently explored. This review therefore sets out to identify these references and to analyze their historical significance with regard to the development of naturopathic practices in India.
2. Methodology
To conduct this narrative review, a comprehensive search of literature was carried out using classic textbooks, ancient scriptures and various electronic databases such as PubMed, PubMed Central, Google Scholar and Research Gate. Relevant literature available in following databases were searched using keywords like Naturopathy, Ancient India, Veda, Upanishads, Puranas, Bhagavad Gita, Health, Ayurveda, Panchamahabhutas and selected the appropriate literature adhering to the research topic after analysing the collected data.
IDENTIFICATION OF SOURCES & LITERATURE SEARCH
(Ancient scriptures, classical textbooks and electronic databases like PubMed, PubMed Central, Google Scholar and ResearchGate)
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KEYWORDS USED
(Naturopathy, Ancient India, Veda, Upanishads, Puranas, Bhagavad Gita, Health, Ayurveda and Panchamahabhutas)
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SCREENING AND SELECTION OF LITERATURE
(Assessment of relevance to review topic)
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ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
(Review of relevant scriptural references and published literature)
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CATEGORIZATION
(Herbal Medicine, Hydrotherapy, Magnetotherapy, Heliotherapy,
Nutrition and Diet Therapy, Fasting Therapy)
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NARRATIVE SYNTHESIS
(Interpretation of findings in relation to naturopathic principles)
Fig 1 – Methodology
3. Results
Concept of Health and Disease in ancient Indian scriptures:
Earliest literature is the Vedas, Ayurveda is considered as Upaveda or Upanga of Atharva Veda i.e.; it is not added to Vedas from external sources, it is the integral part of Vedas (Thakar, 2010). In classical ayurvedic literature Ashtanga Hrudaya written by Vagbhata, Suthrasthana chapter 1, Verse 7 says:
वायुः पित्तं कफश्चेति त्रयो दोषाः समासतः ।विकृता अविकृता देहं घ्नन्ति ते वर्तयन्ति च ॥
vāyu: pittaṃ kaphaśceti trayo doṣā: samāsata: || vikṛtā’vikṛtā dehaṃ ghnanti te varttayanti ca |
It means: There are tridoshas in body named as Vata, Pitta and Kapha, if these are balanced it leads to health and if it is imbalanced causes diseases .
Another classical ayurvedic literature Charaka Samhita says:
sarvam dravyam panchbhautikam
It means: All creations are made up of 5 elements called panchamahabhutas (Gupta et al., 2025). They are ether, air, fire, water and earth. According to Naturopathy, Health is considered as equilibrium of these elements and diseases are caused due to imbalance of 5 elements. Imbalance affects digestion, accumulates toxins and reduces vital energy (Shalini P Y et al., 2025).
Naturopathic practices mentioned in ancient Indian scriptures:
Herbal Medicine:
Verse 10.97.18 of Rig Veda mentions the use of medicinal plants collectively as healers and restorers of health in following hymn:
O herbs, ruled by Soma, possessing hundreds of powers and insights, among them you are the most excellent, bringing welfare to the heart (Wilson, 1866).
There are also mention of herbs in classical ayurveda text Bhāvaprakāśa Nighaṇṭu:
In the chapter Gudūcyādi Varga there are mentions about:
Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha (also called Varahakarni, Vajigandha) promotes strength, reduces Vata and Kapha, is bitter, hot in potency, strengthening and rejuvenative in nature.
Neem: Nimba is cooling, light, absorbent, pungent after digestion, and it is useful in skin diseases, thirst, fever, vomiting, worms, urinary disorders, and wounds.
In the chapter Harītakyādi Varga;
Tulasi: Tulasi is pungent, beneficial for the heart, alleviates burning sensation, improves digestion, and is useful in skin disorders and Kapha-Vata conditions (Shanthkumar Lucas, 2017).
Yajur veda also provides references on the use of various plants and their properties to maintain health and treat diseases it says may the herbs prepare and provide healing medicine (Pandey Rajbali, 2006).
Hydrotherapy:
In the following hymns of Atharva veda references of health benefits of water are seen:
In 1.4.2 importance of water is mentioned as “Within the waters is immortality; within the waters is medicine (healing power). May the divine forces bless these waters for our well-being”. In 6.91.3 it is mentioned that “the waters verily are healing, the waters are the cleansers of diseases, the waters are the healers of all (maladies); let them make medicine for thee” (Ralph T.h. Griffith, 1917).
In Rigveda also references on water as a medicine is mentioned in following hymns:
10.9.8:
Water washes dirt of the body, removes tamoguna, laziness & inattention and cools anger.
10.9.9:
Explains the benefits of drinking water for health and longevity and for maintaining the chemical balance in the body for it as its imbalances that is often the sources of kleshas and tamogunas (Wilson, 1866)
This aligns with one of the naturopathic arogya rakshaka panchatantras given by an eminent Indian naturopath Dr. B. Venkat Rao i.e; Drink at least 2 seers of water in a day (Panneerselvam et al., 2021).
Magnetotherapy:
In Atharva Veda, which is the basis of the Ayurvedic system of treatment,
Mantras 3 and 4 of Sukta 17 of Kand 1 of Part 1 talks about the treatment for stoppage of bleeding with the help of some articles of sand, Mantras 2 and 3 of Sukta 35 of Kand 7 of Part III deals with the treatment of women with the help of stones. The treatment mentioned in the above mantras of the Atharva Veda could not have been carried out by means of Ordinary sand or simple stones, it can be done only with some special sand and stones having specific healing properties. The common metallic magnets are made from iron-alloys, whereas ceramic Magnets are manufactured from sand, clay, barium and iron oxide. Hence the mention of the words Siktavati (meaning: sandy) and Ashma (meaning: Shiny Stone) in the Vedas. Lohakant in other ancient Ayurvedic literature also provides sufficient proof that the Magnetic stone and its properties were known in India since times immemorial (Bansal H L, 1976).
Heliotherapy:
Rig Veda Explains elements such as Water, Air, Sunlight (Fire) as fundamental to health & well-being. In the hymn 1.50, it has been mentioned as “O Sun, rising today and ascending the highest heaven, remove my heart disease and my bodily affliction (jaundice/yellow discoloration)”.This aligns with the naturopathic principle of Sun therapy or Heliotherapy (Wilson, 1866).
Nutrition & Diet Therapy:
Yajur veda gives importance to a balanced diet and proper nutrition both of which are core tenets of naturopathy. In Vājasaneyī Saṃhitā, it has been mentioned as“O Lord of Food, grant us nourishing food, free from disease. Bestow strength and vitality upon us and upon all two-footed and four-footed beings”.Also in another hymn, there has been mentioned about food and wholesome nourishment as “O Lord of Food, grant us wholesome nourishment” (Pandey Rajbali, 2006).
In Ayurveda they say;
हितभुक् मितभुक् ऋतुभुक् (Hitabhuk, Mitabhuk, Ritubhuk)
which means eat wholesome food, in moderation, and according to the season (Hajare et al., 2020).
Bhagavad Gita also align with naturopathy principles such as moderation in diet, healthy lifestyle, mental balance, self-discipline, and harmony with nature. In verse 17.8 its has been told that foods that promote longevity, vitality, strength, health, happiness, and satisfaction; that are juicy, nourishing, stable, and pleasing to the heart are dear to those of sattvic nature. In verse 6.17 it has been mentioned as “for one who is moderate in food, recreation, activities, sleep, and wakefulness, Yoga becomes the destroyer of suffering” which not only tells the importance of nutrition and diet but also the yoga (Gita Press Gorakhpur, 1923).
There are references of diet found in Upanishads as well. Chandogya Upanishad explains role of diet & lifestyle in maintaining health. It suggests purity of food affects purity of mind and body. It encourages the consumption of sattvic food to enhance health and vitality. This aligns with naturopathic perspective which promotes diet based on natural nutrition and plant based & wholesome foods to promote health & prevent disease (Swami Gambhirananda, 1983). Prashnopanishad contains a discussion on concept of Prana (The vital life force) & its sustenance through ingestion of food, inhalation of air & consumption of water (Chinmayananda Swami, 2018).
Fasting Therapy:
Acharya Charaka has mentioned about shad upakarmas in that the first one is langhana (fasting) (Venkaraddiyavar & Patil, 2025). In classical ayurvedic literatures importance of fasting in the field of medicine can be seen as लंघनं परमौषधम् (Langhanam Paramoushadam) which means fasting is the greatest medicine (Maslov et al., 2022).
In India, fasting is also practised culturally since time immemorial. In Hinduism, fasting, known as “Vrata”, it is a revered practice undertaken for spiritual reasons, removing for sins, seeking blessing, or achieving discipline. Important fasts include Ekadashi, Navratri, Shivaratri, Sankashta Chaturthi, Thursday, Tuesday, Saturday etc”.In Jainism, fasting is important for spiritual purification and non-violence (Ahimsa), with the most rigorous form being “Santhara” or “Sallekhana,” an end-of-life fast. Regular practices include “Paryushana,” an annual eight-day fast involving intense spiritual practices and seeking forgiveness. Buddhism uses fasting to cultivate self-discipline and mental clarity, where monks and nuns abstain from solid food after noon, and lay Buddhists observe fasting on “Uposatha” days, coinciding with lunar phases, focusing on meditation, ethical observance, and teachings.In Islam, fasting, or “Sawm,” is a pillar of the faith, most importantly observed during Ramadan. Christianity’s fasting practices vary across denominations, with Catholics fasting during Lent, abstaining from meat on Fridays, while Orthodox Christians have stringent fasts during Lent. Protestant practices focus on penance, reflection, and solidarity with Jesus Christ. In Judaism, fasting is significant, especially on Yom Kippur, a 25-hour fast for repentance and spiritual purification, and other fasts like Tisha B’Av and minor fasts like the Fast of Esther focus on reflection and prayer.
From a naturopathic perspective, fasting aligns closely with the principle of giving physiological rest to the digestive system. Thus, the cultural practice of Upavāsa can be viewed as an early lifestyle intervention that combines spiritual and health-promoting objectives (Ravikoti et al., 2026).
4. Discussion
This narrative review highlights the presence of evidence showing several health related concepts and natural practices in ancient Indian scriptures including ayurvedic literature. There are references regarding medicinal plants, water, sunlight, wholesome food and fasting therapies which were considered important for maintaining health and treating diseases. These references shows similarities of certain principles and treatment methods used as part of modern naturopathic treatments (V & Naragatti, 2026).
The classical Ayurvedic literature deals with the concept of health and disease, which is a basic starting point for the understanding of the traditional Indian understanding of health. According to Ashtanga Hridaya , Tridosha is the concept of functional balance of Vata , Pitta and Kapha for health (Gupta et al., 2025). The Panchamahabhuta concept explains the composition of the living and non-living world using 5 basic elements. These ideas provide a holistic view of the human body and of what it means to live in the natural world. But conceptually, naturopathy’s holistic philosophy is in line with these theories’ focus on the balance and interdependence of biological functions, although it differs from the scientific explanations of health and illness in contemporary medicine (Shalini P Y et al., 2025).
The Rig Veda and traditional Ayurvedic texts such as Bhavaprakasha Nighantu describe therapeutic plants and show the historical importance of herbal medicines in Indian health traditions (Wilson, 1866). The description of plants like tulasi, neem and ashwagandha is proof of the use of herbs to cure different diseases and maintain health since time immemorial. The conceptual link is to herbal medicine which is still one of the natural therapies of naturopathy (Shanthkumar Lucas, 2017).
Another important natural resource that is talked about in the writings that are studied in this review is water. Water is mentioned in the Atharva Veda and the Rig Veda when it comes to health, recovery and cleaning. These mentions show that people knew how important water is for life and good health. Along with helping people stay hydrated water is also used in naturopathy to help with healing through different water-based treatments. The old mentions of water as a resource that helps with health prove how important it has been, throughout history even though they do not include all the ways water is used in today’s hydrotherapy treatments (Wilson, 1866), (Panneerselvam et al., 2021).
Historical healing methods of stones and sand used in ancient times can be found in the Atharva Veda. The use of Ashma and Siktavati as well as Lohakant in historical Ayurvedic texts provide a very interesting view of the use of earth elements for healing. This is similar to the use of magnetotherapy with magnetized elements for healing. There is a strong relationship between earth elements and magnetism, which could indicate a possible root of magnetotherapy in the indigenous Indian healing systems. These historical references provide insight into the healing and recovery methods of the ancient Indians and their use of the environment (Bansal H L, 1976).
The reference to sun rays in the Rig Veda reflects the typical association of the Sun with the treatment of physical ailments and overall health. In addition, sunlight has also been recognized as a significant environmental factor for human health. As such, in the area of modern naturopathy, controlled sun exposure is associated with the concept of heliotherapy. It helps to recognize the traditional and cultural significance placed on sunlight with respect to vitality and health (Wilson, 1866).
This review has shown the importance of nutrition and food in terms of references found in several ancient texts such as the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Yajur Veda. Additionally, the Ayurvedic aphorism Hitabhuk, Mitabhuk, Ritubhuk emphasizes the importance of controlling the quality, quantity, and seasonal timing of food intake by recommending moderation in terms of both quantity and quality of healthy food consumed during appropriate times of the year. This concept aligns well with the emphasis placed on nutritional balance and healthy eating habits in naturopathy. In addition to serving as a source of physical nourishment, ancient texts indicate that food was also viewed as an essential component of overall health and wellness (Gita Press Gorakhpur, 1923), (Hajare et al., 2020).
Another tradition rooted in India’s culture and history is abstinence from food (fasting). Within Ayurveda, the concept of Langhana refers to a clinical approach using reduction-based techniques (which may include fasting) to treat illnesses on a case-by-case basis. Similarly, the saying Langhanam Param Aushadham reflects the high regard given to these types of reduction-based approaches within traditional systems of healing (Maslov et al., 2022). Fasting is also considered to be a therapeutic option within naturopathic medicine under specific circumstances. It is however critical to recognize the differences among spiritual practices, cultural traditions, and therapeutic fasting under medical supervision, as each has its own objectives. Simply because these traditions have existed historically does not necessarily mean that they are safe or effective for treating specific medical conditions (Ravikoti et al., 2026).
The results of the analysis of early Indian texts and traditional medicine, in terms of contemporary naturopathic medicine, are positive. In addition to numerous concepts of organic nature, the analysis of early Indian texts and traditional medicine, in terms of contemporary naturopathic medicine, also found numerous concepts of comprehensive nature. Environmental resources, diet, herbs, water, sunlight, and fasting are found in early Indian texts and traditional medicine, in terms of contemporary naturopathic medicine.
5. Limitations
The current study was restricted by the use of available antique manuscripts and traditional Ayurvedic texts as well as existing academic literature. In addition, there was a lack of historical documentation and precise textual evidence for some of the naturopathic methods described in this review. Finally, instead of employing clinical assessment methods or systematic evidence grading for the medical techniques reviewed, a narrative summary approach was used. Therefore, further scientific, textual and historical research is required to more precisely define the relation of contemporary naturopathy to the ancestral traditions of India.
6. Conclusion
Old Indian writings, manuscripts, texts and traditional Ayurvedic literature provide valuable insights into historical health practices as well as the use of natural resources to promote health and well-being. Botanical remedies, water therapies, magnet therapies, sun therapies, dietary practices, and abstinence from food are some of the ways that have been described to treat ailments in order to promote health and well-being. These practices can be traced to the roots of naturopathic medicine practiced in contemporary times. This study aims to trace the historical roots of holistic healing practices in India and to highlight the need for preservation and further scientific study of these traditional practices.
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