Abstract

Background: Naturopathy is a holistic health care system that uses natural healing methods to promote health and healing. Many references to natural healing methods that are similar to the methods used in modern naturopathy can be found in ancient Indian texts, manuscripts and in traditional Ayurvedic literature.

Methods: This narrative review was conducted by literature search in ancient Indian manuscripts, scriptures, textbooks and published research articles available in databases like PubMed, Google Scholar and others. Articles relevant to naturopathic practices available in ancient Indian literature were selected.

Result: The review identified references to herbal medicine, hydrotherapy, magnetotherapy, heliotherapy, nutrition and diet therapy, and fasting therapy. The concepts of Tridosha and Panchamahabhuta were highlighted as well as the traditional use of natural resources in maintaining health and well-being such as medicinal plants, water, sunlight, wholesome food, and fasting.

Conclusion: The ancient scriptures of India along with the classical literature of Ayurveda contain much information on the roots of natural healing in India. This information relates in many ways to the principles of modern naturopathy and more historical and scientific research is required into this area of traditional knowledge.

ORCID iD Dr. ANANTHA VIJAY K A 0009-0008-0454-2532
0 Abstract views 0 Downloads

References

21 references
  1. Bansal H L. (1976). Magneto Therapy (1st ed.). B. Jain Publishers.
  2. Chinmayananda Swami. (2018). Prashnopanishad : Six disciples - Six questions : One truth. Chinmaya Prakashan.
  3. Gita Press Gorakhpur. (1923). Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. Gita Press, Gorakhpur.
  4. Gupta, R., Barla, M. A., & Roushan, R. (2025). PANCHAMAHABHUTA AND ITS CLINICAL UTILITY IN DISEASE MANAGEMENT: A REVIEW. International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy, 16(4), 190–197. https://doi.org/10.7897/2277-4343.164156
  5. Hajare, P., Bhati, R., Tantra, P., & Roga, S. (2020). EFFECT OF VIRUDDHA AAHARA/INCOMPATIBLE DIET ON HEALTH IN PRESENT SCENERIO. Certified Journal │ 539 Hajare et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Www.Wjpps.Com │, 9(11). https://doi.org/10.20959/wjpps202011-17527
  6. Jaiswal, A. (2018). ANCIENT INDIAN WISDOM: A REVIEW OF ITS IMPLICATION TO MODERN MANAGEMENT. 1, 60–64.
  7. Juhi, A., Komarraju, S. L., D, S., D, S., Muralidharan, S., & Mondal, H. (2025). Integrating naturopathy with modern medicine: challenges, solutions and future directions - A review. Bioinformation, 21(7), 2201. https://doi.org/10.6026/973206300212201
  8. Kanta, C. (2021). NATURAL MEDICINES PRESCRIBED IN THE VEDAS. International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts, 9, 2320–2882. www.ijcrt.org
  9. Lindlahr, H. (1924). Philosophy of Natural Therapeutics (5th ed., Vol. 1). The Lindlahr Publishing Co.
  10. Maslov, P. Z., Sabharwal, B., Ahmadi, A., Baliga, R., & Narula, J. (2022). Religious fasting and the vascular health. Indian Heart Journal, 74(4), 270. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.IHJ.2022.07.005
  11. Pandey Rajbali. (2006). Yajurveda . Diamond Pocket Books (P) Ltd.
  12. Panneerselvam, N. K., Suresh, P. K., Ravindran, D., & Manoharan, E. R. (2021). Effect of Arogya Raksha Panchatantra (five lifestyle principles) on hematological parameters and anthropometric measures among healthy volunteers: a pilot study. Journal of Complementary & Integrative Medicine, 18(3), 641–644. https://doi.org/10.1515/JCIM-2020-0377
  13. Ralph T.h. Griffith. (1917). Hymns Of The Atharva-veda . E J Lazatus and Co.
  14. Ravikoti, S., Mohanasundari, S. K., & Choudhary, M. (2026). Overview of Fasting from Ancient Traditions to Contemporary Health Practices-Narrative Review. Asian Journal of Nursing Education and Research, 16(1), 61–65. https://doi.org/10.52711/2349-2996.2026.00013
  15. Shalini P Y, Shradha M K, & B S Nivetha. (2025). Panchamahabutha in Naturopathic Medicine: A Classical Review and Contemporary Perspectives. Indian Journal of Integrative Medicine (IJIM), 5(2), 69–77.
  16. Shanthkumar Lucas, D. . (2017). Bhāvaprakāśa nighaṇṭu = Indian materia medica of Śrī Bhāvamiśra (1600 A.D.). 688.
  17. Swami Gambhirananda. (1983). Chāndogya upaniṣad: with commentary of Śaṅkarācārya. (1st ed.). Advaita Ashrama.
  18. Thakar, V. J. (2010). Historical development of basic concepts of Ayurveda from Veda up to Samhita. Ayu, 31(4), 400. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8520.82024
  19. V, B. B., & Naragatti, S. (2026). Historical Evolution and Philosophical Background of Naturopathy in India. IJFMR - International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research, 8(3). https://doi.org/10.36948/IJFMR
  20. Venkaraddiyavar, S. G., & Patil, A. (2025). A critical review on the concept of Langhana. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences, 10(10), 217–225. https://doi.org/10.21760/JAIMS.10.10.31
  21. Wilson, H. H. (1866). Rgveda Samhita. Parimal Publications, 2487. https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/rig-veda-english-translation/d/doc839497.html

Data Availability Statement

Data can be found available from the author

How to Cite

TRACING THE ROOTS OF NATUROPATHY IN ANCIENT INDIAN SCRIPTURES: A NARRATIVE REVIEW. (2026). Aathiyoga Indian Journal of Ancient Medicine and Yoga, 4(10). https://doi.org/10.63300/aijamay.v4i10.1

Similar Articles

1-10 of 43

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.