PRINCIPLES

Natural Hygiene concerns itself with the question: What are the ideal conditions upon which human life depends? It seeks to understand the relationship between action and non-action that is harmonious with natural law, and the positive results that result. On the flip side, the consequences that result from ignoring or rejecting natural law are studied and explained.

The result is what might be called a "Master List of To-Do's" for ideal health. The funny thing is that living in this manner is, by and large, much easier than straining to live the many pathological practices promoted by approved higher authority - coffee, tea, alcohol, tobacco, thousands of medicines (poisons), etc.

T.C. Fry, in putting together his pamphlet entitled The Health Formula, has succinctly detailed the basic tenets of a healthy life. An abbreviated version follows.

Above all, thou shalt not poison thyself! The fundamental principles that beget and maintain superlative health include:

• Pure Air.

• Pure Water - not mineralized/carbonated.

• Comfortable temperature. Ideally a climate that allows many hours out-of-doors year-long

• Cleanliness of body, both inside and out. Don't pollute it internally by taking in anything other than pure air, pure water, sunshine and foods of our biological adaptation. We can also strive to keep ourselves externally clean without continually stripping away our natural body oils.

• Adequate sleep. Nerve energy, which we use while awake, is generated while asleep.

• Fresh, sun-ripened, uncooked foods (preferably organically grown and non-irradiated) of our biological adaptation. By this I mean foods that are most effectively and efficiently processed by our digestive systems. As humans are naturally frugivores, fruits should make up a major part of our diet. Vegetables, nuts and seeds that are palatable should complement it. Cooked foods should be considered of secondary and relatively inferior quality to uncooked foods; any food obtained from animals should be considered tertiary and of even more inferior quality.

• Vigorous activity. Optimum health demands exercise and activity.

• Sunshine and natural light. Artificial light robs our bodies of much of the visible and non-visible spectrum that is crucial to high level functioning of our eyes and endocrine system.

• Rest and relaxation. The siesta is a good example of allowing ourselves time to rejuvenate during the day.

• Emotional poise. Our feelings are born of the conditions of our lives. If we make our conditions right and maintain a positive attitude, our feelings will be euphoric and outgoing.

• Security of life and its means. Insecurity leads to emotional stresses that rob us of well-being.

• Pleasant environment. This applies to all our surroundings, including the people and animals that comprise them. Create and care for a garden. Invite birds and other wildlife into your surroundings. Beautify your home. Include a special place for meditation, music, etc.

• Play and recreation. This should be both physical and mental in nature.

• Creative, useful work. Humans feel right only when they can fend for themselves and supply their needs by their own efforts. We should strive to make a living at those endeavors which come naturally to us; that we do well and with ease; that give us a sense of pride and self-esteem.

• Self-mastery. When we know what makes us and the world tick, this knowledge will liberate our minds. The truth will set us free.

• Belonging to a group or social circle. As gregarious creatures, humans thrive within a context of peers on some level, and friends. We need to interact with others about feelings, matters of intellectual moment, and life's affairs and problems.

• Inspiration, motivation, purpose and commitment.

• Love, appreciation and esteem.

• Personal growth in spiritual realms. Striving to know, understand and fulfill one's purpose in life begets joy, wisdom and serenity.

• Expression of sexual desires.

• Satisfaction of the aesthetic senses. We must have harmony, beauty and goodness in our lives.

• A sense of self-reliance and self-worth. Trusting our own inherent powers and our ability to do things is essential to well-being.

This is by no means a complete listing of all of life's needs, but it covers the most basic ones. By reflecting on this list of life's essentials, we can take the necessary steps to improve our lives.