Comprehensive Guide to 150+ Years of Self-Healing Science
Introduction
Natural Hygiene is a holistic health philosophy and lifestyle system that emphasises the body’s innate ability to heal and maintain itself—when given the right conditions. With origins in the early 19th century, this approach views health as the normal state of the body and disease as a result of violating natural laws.
Far from being a modern fad, Natural Hygiene draws from over 150 years of biological science and terrain-based thinking, with roots reaching back to ancient natural health systems and forward to today’s raw food and detox movements.
Core Principles of Natural Hygiene
1. The Body’s Self-Healing Capacity
Natural Hygiene teaches that the body is self-cleansing and self-repairing. Symptoms like fever, fatigue, or inflammation are not diseases, but signs of healing—efforts by the body to restore balance.
Rather than interfering with drugs or treatments, Natural Hygiene supports and trusts the body’s own processes.
2. Living in Harmony with Natural Laws
Health is maintained through right living—adequate rest, nutrition, movement, and emotional balance.
Disease, by contrast, results when we violate these laws by eating processed food, being chronically stressed, or exposing ourselves to toxins.
3. Toxemia as the Root of Disease
At the heart of Natural Hygiene is the concept of toxemia—a state in which internal waste overwhelms the body’s ability to eliminate it. This toxic buildup leads to illness.
The solution? Reduce toxin intake and support the body’s detoxification systems naturally—through rest, fasting, hydration, and clean living.
4. Fasting as a Healing Tool
Fasting is one of Natural Hygiene’s most powerful methods. By abstaining from food temporarily, the body can conserve energy normally used for digestion and redirect it toward healing and repair.
Short fasts may support recovery from acute illness, while longer fasts (supervised) are often used to reverse chronic conditions.
5. Whole, Raw Plant-Based Nutrition
Natural Hygiene recommends a diet of raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and sprouts, free from processed foods, animal products, and stimulants.
Foods are ideally eaten in their natural state, preserving their nutrients, enzymes, and life force.
6. Lifestyle Factors for Health
Beyond food and fasting, hygiene includes:
- Daily movement and exercise
- Pure water and hydration
- Fresh air and sunlight
- Emotional peace and purpose
- Avoidance of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs
The Terrain Model vs. Germ Theory
Natural Hygiene is rooted in the terrain theory of health—first introduced by Antoine Béchamp and embraced by hygienists—challenging Louis Pasteur’s germ theory.
- Germ Theory: Microbes cause disease and must be destroyed.
- Terrain Theory: Microbes appear in a diseased environment. They do not cause disease—they clean it up.
Natural Hygiene does not fight germs, but cleans the terrain—removing toxicity, strengthening vitality, and restoring internal balance.
A Brief History of Natural Hygiene
Early Origins
Natural Hygiene finds early expression in ancient Greek medicine, Ayurveda, and Traditional Chinese Medicine—all of which emphasise natural living and prevention over cure.
19th Century
The modern movement took shape in the 1800s as doctors rejected bloodletting, drugs, and invasive procedures.
Key figures include:
- Dr. Isaac Jennings (1788–1874) – Pioneered the “No-Medicine Plan” by observing better outcomes with placebo and rest.
- Dr. Sylvester Graham (1794–1851) – Advocated for dietary reform, natural living, and temperance. The “Graham cracker” was named after him.
- Dr. Russell Trall (1812–1877) – Opened the New York Hygeio-Therapeutic College and wrote foundational texts on hygiene.
- Mary Gove Nichols (1810–1884) – A reformer who brought Natural Hygiene to thousands of women, advocating for childbirth reform, fresh air, and raw food.
- Florence Nightingale (1820–1910) – A pioneering nurse who transformed healthcare by emphasising cleanliness, fresh air, nutrition, and the healing power of nature—principles that closely align with the foundations of Natural Hygiene.
20th Century
- Dr. Herbert M. Shelton (1895–1985) – The most influential hygienist of the modern era. Author of The Hygienic System and The Science and Fine Art of Fasting, he supervised over 50,000 fasts and popularised the movement in the USA.
Natural Hygiene influenced the early vegan movement, raw foodism, and modern detox practices.
Today
The principles continue through modern practitioners like:
- T.C. Fry – An eloquent teacher who revived Shelton’s work and inspired a new generation.
- Dr. Alan Goldhamer – Director of TrueNorth Health Center, overseeing medically supervised water fasting.
- Loren Lockman – Founder of Tanglewood Wellness Center, offering fasting retreats in Costa Rica.
Natural Hygiene in Practice
✅ Diet & Food Combining
- Eat simply, avoid complex meals
- Focus on fresh fruit, leafy greens, raw vegetables
- Avoid meat, dairy, stimulants, refined foods
✅ Fasting
- 24–48 hour fasts for acute illness
- 5–21+ day fasts under supervision for chronic issues
✅ Exercise
- Regular movement to aid circulation, lymph flow, and energy
✅ Hydration
- Drink pure water away from meals to assist detox
✅ Mental & Emotional Wellness
- Positive mindset, emotional release, and stress reduction
👉 Want to Learn More?
- Read our article: The Truth About Fasting and Detox
- Explore our training: Training
- Contact us to begin your health journey: Book a Call
Key Figures in Natural Hygiene
- Dr. Herbert M. Shelton: The most prominent advocate of Natural Hygiene, author of The Science and Fine Art of Fasting and The Hygienic System.
- Dr. Isaac Jennings: Early proponent of natural living and the idea of the body’s self-healing power.
- Sylvester Graham: Known for promoting whole grains and natural foods, he influenced the development of the Graham cracker.
- Florence Nightingale: Pioneer of modern nursing, she emphasised the importance of cleanliness, fresh air, proper nutrition, and hygiene in healing, aligning with many principles of Natural Hygiene.
Conclusion
Natural Hygiene is a philosophy that champions the body’s inherent wisdom and ability to heal itself. By aligning with natural laws—through diet, fasting, exercise, and mental well-being—it seeks to prevent disease and promote optimal health. While it has its critics and may not be suitable for everyone, its emphasis on whole, plant-based foods and a toxin-free lifestyle resonates with many seeking a holistic approach to health.
If you’re interested in exploring Natural Hygiene, it’s important to do so thoughtfully and, under the guidance of a knowledgeable practitioner.