The whole practice of Nature cure based on the following three principles:

++ Accumulation of morbid matter
++ Abnormal composition of blood and lymph
++ Lowered vitality

Nature Cure believes that all the diseases arise due to accumulation of morbid matter in the body and if scope is given for its removal, it provides cure or relief. It also believes that the human body possesses inherent self constructing and self healing powers. The fundamental difference in Nature Cure with other systems is that its theory and practice are based on holistic view point whereas the latter's approach is specific. Nature Cure does not believe in the specific cause of disease and its specific treatment but takes into account the totality of factors responsible for diseases such as one's un-natural habits in living, thinking, working, sleeping, relaxation, sexual indulgence etc, and also considers the environmental factors involved which on the whole disturbs the normal functioning of the body and lead it to a morbid, weak and toxic state.

For treatment it primarily stresses on correcting all the factors involved and allowing the body to recover itself. A Nature Cure physician helps in Nature's effort to overcome disease by applying correct natural modalities and controlling the natural forces to work within safe limits. The five main modalities of treatment are air, water, heat, mud and space.

Principles of Naturopathy Treatment:

++ All disease, their cause and their treatment are one. ~ The basic cause of disease is not bacteria. Bacteria develops after the accumulation of morbid matter when a favorable atmosphere for their growth develops in body. Basic cause is morbid matter and not the bacteria.
++ Acute diseases are our friends not he enemies. Chronic diseases are the outcome of wrong treatment and suppression of the acute diseases.
++ Nature is the greatest healer. Body the capacity to prevent itself from diseases and regain health if unhealthy.
++ In Naturopathy patient is treated and not the disease.
++ In Naturopathy diagnosis is easily possible. Ostentation is not required. Long waiting for diagnosis is not required for treatment.
++ Patients suffering from chronic ailments are also treated successfully in comparatively less time in Naturopathy.
++ After emerging, suppressed diseases can be cured by Naturopathy.
++ Nature Cure treats physical, mental, social (moral) and spiritual all four aspects at the same time.
++ Nature Cure treats body as a whole instead of giving treatment to each organ separately.
++ Naturopathy does not use medicines. According to Naturopathy "Food is Medicine".
++ According to Gandhi Ji "Rama Nama is the best Natural Treatment", means doing prayer according to one's spiritual faith is an important part of treatment.

In short, Nature Cure includes all the available non-invasive treatments and diagnostic modalities which do not interfere with the body's natural functional capacity and healing process and are in infirmity with Nature's constructive Principles.

Naturopathy is a system of healing science stimulating the body's inherent power to regain health with the help of five great elements of nature – Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Ether. Naturopathy is a call to "Return to Nature" and to resort to simple way of living in harmony with the self, society and environment.

Naturopathy provides not only a simple practical approach to the management of diseases, but a firm theoretical basis which is applicable to all the holistic medical care and by giving attention to the foundations of health; also offers a more economical frame work for the medicine of future generation.

Though the basic Nature Cure deals only with Pancha Mahabhoota's, the recent developments advocates the practice of drugless therapies like Massage, Electrotherapy, Physiotherapy, Acupuncture and Acupressure, Magnetotherapy etc., Diet plays a major role, above all.

Nature Cure movement started in Germany & other western countries with "Water cure" (Hydrotherapy). Water cure was synonymous with Nature Cure in those early days. The credit of making Water cure world famous goes to Vincent Priessnitz (1799-1851) who was a farmer. Dr. Henry Lindlahr and others go to the extent of crediting him as "Father of Naturopathy". The word "Naturopathy" has been coined by Dr. John Scheel in the year 1895 and was propagated and popularised in the western world by Dr. Benedict Lust. A number of Doctors of modern medicine and others became Nature Cure enthusiasts and gradually added a number of modalities within the fold of Naturopathy and scientifically developed them. Nature Cure movement gained momentum in India as Mahatma Gandhi, "Father of the Nation" became much interested in this system and included it in his programmes. He has also established a Nature Cure Hospital in Uruli Kanchan, Distt. Poona, Maharashtra which is still functioning.

Naturopathy adopts the following diagnostic methods:

++ Full life case history – covering all the facts of life, since birth.
++ Facial diagnosis – the science of facial expressions by studying the various characteristic features upon the body.
++ Iris diagnosis – study of iris indicating the condition of various visceral organs.
++ Modern clinical diagnosis to some extent.

The methods applied for cure in Naturopathy are the following:

Water Therapy: Water is the most ancient of all the remedial agents. It is employed in different forms in treatment and produces several types of physiological effects depending upon temperature and duration. Hydrotherapy is employed in almost all types of disease conditions.

Air Therapy: Fresh air is essential for good health. Air therapy is employed in different pressures and temp. in variety of disease conditions.

Fire Therapy: Existence of all the creatures and forms depends upon “Agni” (Fire). In Nature Cure treatment, different temperatures are employed through different heating techniques to produce different specific effects.

Space Therapy: Congestion causes disease. Fasting is the best therapy to relieve congestion of body and mind.

Mud Therapy: Mud absorbs, dissolves and eliminates the toxins and rejuvenates the body. It is employed in treatment of various diseases like constipation, skin diseases etc.

Food Therapy: Most of the disease are amenable through food therapy. As you eat so will you be physically as well as mentally. Your food is your medicine. These are the main slogans of Nature Cure.

Massage Therapy: Massage is generally employed for tonic, stimulant and sedative effects. It is an effective substitute for exercise.

Acupressure: There are different points on hands, feet & body which are associated with different organs. By applying pressure on these selected points, related organs can be influenced for getting rid of their ailments.

Magneto Therapy: Magnets influence health. South and North poles of different powers and shapes are employed in treatment, by applying directly on different parts of the body or through charged up water or oil.

Chromo Therapy: Sun rays have seven colours – violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange and red. These colours are employed through irradiation or body or by administering charged water, oil and pills for treatment.