Publications

Benesh, G. (1953, May). Mind and Emotions. ANHS Program 1953, pp. 5- 6.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1953.-Miami-Beach-FL.pdf

• This article emphasizes that human beings were meant to be masters of their lives and environment, thanks to the power of the brain, but modern lifestyles have led to widespread physical, mental, and emotional deterioration. The stress of modern civilization, poor diet, and negative thinking have overwhelmed the nervous system, leading to diseases like depression, hysteria, and breakdowns. True health depends not only on what we eat, but also on how we think—mind and body are inseparably linked. Natural Hygienists argue that mental and physical diseases stem from disobedience to natural laws, and lasting healing can only occur by addressing and removing the root causes, not just masking symptoms. Unlike psychoanalysis, which often isolates the mind from the body, Natural Hygiene integrates both, recognizing that structural and biochemical imbalances are caused by poor lifestyle habits over time. Though individuals may inherit weaknesses, a life in harmony with nature can overcome these predispositions through the continual regeneration of healthy cells. Ultimately, health and harmony come from conscious control of one’s thoughts, emotions, diet, environment, and habits—since the mind and body mirror each other in both health and disease.

Benesh, G. (1953, May). Strength From Suffering. ANHS Program 1953, pp. 13-14.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1953.-Miami-Beach-FL.pdf

• Living a Natural Hygienic lifestyle in the modern world is challenging due to widespread ignorance, social resistance, and the dominance of conventional medical beliefs. Hygienists often face opposition, ridicule, and even persecution, but the greatest obstacle is the public’s lack of understanding about natural health principles. Because people are conditioned to accept mainstream habits and resist change, true education in health requires patience, compassion, and leading by example rather than confrontation. A calm, confident, and non-aggressive approach often has a greater impact than argument or criticism. Progress in spreading health truths must be gradual, as individuals need time to unlearn old beliefs and adopt new ones. Even within families, tension can arise when one member embraces Natural Hygiene, and others do not, but thoughtful communication and demonstrated results can win over skeptics. Despite legal risks and occasional imprisonment for practicing outside the medical establishment, sincere Hygienists remain committed to helping others and spreading truth. Their dedication stems from a deep moral conviction and belief in the body’s innate power to heal when supported by natural laws. Opposition only strengthens their resolve, making them more determined to guide others toward a healthier, more harmonious life.

Benesh, G. (1953, May). Natural Foods. ANHS Program 1953, pp. 19-20.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1953.-Miami-Beach-FL.pdf

• The Hygienist places strong emphasis on the importance of natural foods because the human body depends on them for optimal health, disease prevention, and healing. While proper nutrition is essential, true health is achieved only by living in harmony with all the basic mental, physical, and spiritual laws of life. Modern diets, filled with processed and denatured foods, lack vital elements like enzymes, organic salts, and naturally occurring vitamins, all of which are critical for digestion, assimilation, and cellular function. Synthetic vitamins and supplements cannot replace the synergistic benefits of whole, natural foods. Furthermore, the health of these foods depends on the quality of the soil in which they are grown, and the widespread use of chemical fertilizers has led to nutrient-deficient and even toxic crops. For food to fully nourish the body, it must be naturally—grown in rich, living soil, eaten ripe, unprocessed, and combined properly. Alongside pure water, clean air, and a balanced lifestyle, natural foods are fundamental to a complete and effective nutritional program that supports life and health at every level.

Benesh, G. (1954, July). How to Advance Natural Hygiene. 1954 ANHS Convention Program, pp 7 -9.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1954.-Chicago-Illinois.pdf

• This article expresses deep concern over the destructive direction of modern civilization, primarily due to mankind’s increasing power to unleash devastating weapons. Despite this grim outlook, the author remains hopeful that humanity can shift toward a more enlightened age—one guided by natural laws and principles of health, such as those found in Natural Hygiene. Hygienists, once seen as outsiders, are envisioned as the future leaders of a healthier, wiser society. However, this vision depends on current practitioners fully embodying the principles they teach—raising healthier children, setting moral examples, and spreading truth selflessly. The author argues that transformation is possible through conscious living, wise choices, and personal responsibility, rather than blaming past generations. Improvement is a lifelong journey, and those who have attained greater understanding must lift others up by living their values, not merely preaching them. Ultimately, the passage calls for a leader—like a Gandhi for Natural Hygiene—who can inspire others through example, not just words, and challenges the reader to step into that role.

Benesh, G. (1954, July). Rebirth Through Natural Hygiene. 1954 ANHS Convention Program, pp. 16.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1954.-Chicago-Illinois.pdf

• While we cannot be physically born again, we can experience a kind of rebirth through Natural Hygiene by renewing our bodies and minds with proper living. This involves fasting, which helps cleanse and revitalize the cells, followed by a nutritious diet and balanced lifestyle. Such a transformation not only improves physical health but also enhances mental, moral, and spiritual well-being. As the body becomes clearer and healthier, thinking becomes sharper and more aligned with nature. For those who have lived abnormally, adopting Natural Hygiene feels like discovering a new life—one of clarity, vitality, and true renewal.

Benesh, Gerald. (1954, October). Let Us Have Vision. Journal of Natural Hygiene, 1(N2), 2, 3, 21, 22.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Volume-1-N2-Natural-Hygiene.pdf

• Dr. Benesh calls for a return to virtuous living based on natural laws, emphasizing that the world’s current state of disease, crime, and chaos results from mankind’s failure to live in harmony with those laws. The author argues that man can change his circumstances and restore balance to the world through self-awareness and disciplined living. However, true leaders with a vision are needed to guide this change, as the health of individuals and societies is at an all-time low.
• The article suggests that the path to improvement is not through radicalism or force, but through thoughtful, example-based education. By living vibrant, healthy lives and presenting scientific evidence, those knowledgeable about Natural Hygiene can persuade others to adopt healthier, more natural lifestyles. The movement aims to educate the public about these principles and build an army of followers to combat ignorance and promote well-being.

Benesh, Gerald. (1954, November). Heart Diseases, Their Cause and Prevention. Journal of Natural Hygiene, 1(N3), 5, 21, 22.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Volume-1-N3-Natural-Hygiene.pdf

• Heart failure is a complex condition, often resulting from an abnormal lifestyle that strains the heart and other vital organs. The primary cause of heart failure is not necessarily a single illness but the accumulation of harmful practices that negatively affect the body over time. These can include overeating, consuming processed foods, improper food combinations, lack of rest, excessive work, lack of exercise, and emotional stress (such as fear, worry, and anger). Such factors can cause physical stress on the heart, leading to conditions like hypertension, an enlarged heart, irregular pulses, and heart disease.
• A person’s mental state also plays a crucial role in heart health. Positive emotions can benefit heart function, while negative emotions can weaken it. The body is interconnected, and any part of it affected by negative habits can influence the overall health. Genetics may also predispose individuals to heart problems, but environmental and lifestyle factors are often the primary triggers.
• The solution to heart failure lies in correcting these lifestyle errors, which will improve overall health. This includes eliminating toxins (such as processed foods, alcohol, and coffee) and adopting healthier habits. Resting the heart through fasting is a key treatment method. Fasting slows down bodily functions, allowing the heart to rest and regenerate. It helps heal structural issues like valvular lesions, improving circulation and restoring normal heart function.

Benesh, G. (1955, January). Living in Health During Winter. Journal of Natural Hygiene, V1(N5), 8, 9, 29.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Volume-1-N5-Natural-Hygiene.pdf

• Dr. Gerald Benesh offers insights on maintaining good health during the winter months, challenging common misconceptions and advocating for a balanced approach to living. Contrary to popular belief, living healthily in winter doesn’t require a drastic change in routine. The body functions similarly year-round, and while humans are naturally migratory, we have adapted to living in colder climates without overexerting ourselves. A balanced diet of natural, whole foods is essential for optimal health. While more energy is expended in winter, people don’t need to consume excessive amounts of carbohydrates. A slight increase in carbs is recommended, along with a higher intake of salad materials rich in chlorophyll (like avocados, pears, and bananas), which helps make up for the lack of sunlight.

Benesh, G. (1955, Feb/Mar). Acute Respiratory Diseases. Journal of Natural Hygiene, V1(N6-7), 7, 8, 46.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Volume-1-N6-7-Natural-Hygiene.pdf

In Acute Respiratory Diseases, Dr. Gerald Benesh explains that respiratory issues, such as colds, bronchitis, and sinusitis, are more common during colder months due to

• the strain cold weather and poor habits place on the body. These health crises are seen as the body’s natural attempt to eliminate accumulated toxins resulting from improper eating, overeating, stress, lack of sleep, and other unhealthy habits. Benesh emphasizes that stimulants like hot foods, drinks, and spices irritate the mucous membranes, causing them to produce excess mucus as a protective response.
• He views acute diseases as beneficial, as they represent the body’s efforts to restore health by removing harmful substances. Rather than being caused by external pathogens, disease is the result of internal imbalances and poor lifestyle choices. Benesh argues that while people may inherit a tendency toward certain diseases, it is lifestyle choices that activate these predispositions.

Benesh, G. (1955, Apr/May). Natural Farming and Gardening. Journal of Natural Hygiene, V1(N8-9), pg9, 10, 36.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Volume-1-N6-7-Natural-Hygiene.pdf

• Dr. Gerald Benesh emphasizes the importance of viewing farming and gardening as interconnected biological systems rather than isolated processes. He explains that soil is made up of minerals, water, organic matter, and living organisms like bacteria, earthworms, and insects, all of which interact to determine soil fertility. The health of the soil is influenced by climate, weather, and cultivation practices.
• Benesh highlights the critical role of soil bacteria in forming humus and enabling the release of essential nutrients, including phosphoric acid. Humus, which is crucial for soil fertility, is created through organic decomposition and helps sustain the soil’s microbiome. He contrasts natural farming methods with chemical fertilizers, noting that organic farming yields healthier crops because it supports the soil’s microbial life. In contrast, chemicals harm the soil’s organisms and lead to diminished crop yields.

Benesh, G. (1955, Jun/Jul). The Role of Exercise in Natural Hygiene. Journal of Natural Hygiene, V1(N10-11), Pg20-21.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Volume-1-N10-11-Natural-Hygiene.pdf

• Dr. Gerald Benesh emphasizes that exercise, when properly practiced, plays a vital role in converting natural elements like oxygen, food, and water into functioning substances for the body. It boosts oxygenation and blood circulation, aiding in eliminating waste and increasing metabolic activity, especially in sluggish body regions. It refreshes and invigorates the nervous system, reduces fatigue, and enhances mental clarity, especially for sedentary individuals.
• The key principle of Natural Hygiene is to build health from within before engaging in intense physical activity. If the body is fatigued or toxic due to poor living habits, rest and cleansing (such as fasting) should precede exercise. Once energy and vitality are restored, a gradual exercise routine should be implemented to promote health without causing further strain. The key is to know one’s limits and to approach exercise in a sensible, balanced manner.

Benesh, G. (1955, Aug). Thoughts on Natural Hygiene. Journal of Natural Hygiene, V1 (N12), Pg2.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Volume-1-N12-Natural-Hygiene.pdf

• Natural hygiene is a system of living that aligns with the constructive principles of life found in nature. It emphasizes harmony with natural processes, which are always working to restore and perfect life. Health is not just the functioning of the body’s organs but also includes mental and moral well-being that aligns with life’s objectives. Violating physiological laws leads to lowered vitality, poor blood and lymph composition, and waste accumulation, contributing to disease. Even serious diseases can be seen as processes of refinement, where the body works to eliminate obstacles to life’s sustaining forces.

Benesh, G. (1956, Nov). Man: a Spiritual, Moral and Physical Being. Journal of Natural Hygiene, V2(N2), Pg 4.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Volume-2-N2-journal-of-Natural-Hygiene-November-1956.pdf

• Dr. Gerald Benesh addresses criticisms often directed at the Natural Hygiene Movement, particularly the claim that it promotes materialism and atheism. He clarifies that the movement itself does not endorse any specific religious or political beliefs; instead, it welcomes individuals from various faiths and backgrounds, provided they believe in living in harmony with natural hygiene principles.
• The movement’s history reveals that many of its leaders, such as Sylvester Graham and Dr. James C. Jackson, were spiritual men, with some even serving as ministers. Notably, early Natural Hygienists, including Dr. Isaac Jennings and Dr. Robert Walter, emphasized the spiritual dimensions of human life, regularly preaching and speaking on these topics.
• Dr. Nichols’ writings, which date back over a century, articulate the Natural Hygiene view of man’s place in the universe. He describes man as an organized being with a consciousness that connects him to the material world. Through his senses—sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch—man experiences a harmonious relationship with nature. This harmony suggests that the world is a work of design, leading to the inevitable conclusion of the existence of God as the creator and unifying force behind the universe. In this view, man, nature, and God are all interconnected, with harmony binding them together.

Benesh, G. (1956, Winter). Cell Wisdom. Journal of Natural Hygiene, V2(N1), pg12-13.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Volume-2-N1-journal-of-Natural-Hygiene-Winter-issue-1956.pdf

• Dr. Gerald Benesh explores the complexity and intelligence of the living cell. He explains that the cell operates in a dynamic equilibrium, continuously taking energy and nutrients from its surroundings to sustain itself, grow, and maintain its functions. Despite the advances in biological science, the entire workings of the cell remain mysterious, and its ability to regulate and sustain itself is awe-inspiring.
• Dr. Benesh emphasizes that the cell operates with inherent intelligence, knowing what to do, how to do it, and when to do it, as long as it is provided with the proper environment and materials. He suggests that individuals can support cellular integrity by living in harmony with the laws of life, cooperating with nature, and providing the body with what it needs to function optimally.
• Ultimately, Dr. Benesh believes that human health depends on following the natural laws of the universe. Disharmony, whether physical, mental, or emotional, leads to disease and suffering, and our responsibility is to maintain balance. Living wisely and aligned with nature’s wisdom can lead to a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Benesh, G. (1957, Feb). The Challenge of Natural Hygiene. Natural Hygiene, 3(No. 2), Pg11-13.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/NH-May-1957.pdf

• Natural Hygiene is a philosophy and lifestyle that emphasizes living by the biological laws that govern life. It challenges individuals to adopt daily practices that align with these natural principles. While this lifestyle requires consistent effort, the intangible and deeply personal rewards are immense. These benefits increase as one continues to grow and apply the principles of Natural Hygiene, bringing a sense of security, well-being, and understanding that is rare today.
• The human body has remarkable resilience and can recover from abuse and neglect, provided that one has enough energy reserves and a sincere desire to improve. As a person adopts a healthier lifestyle, their biological processes and vitality improve, fostering regeneration within the body.
• Patience and calmness are essential virtues in the Natural Hygiene approach. These qualities promote the free circulation of life-sustaining fluids, like blood and lymph, which help eliminate waste products from the body. The accumulation of toxins, whether from diet or other sources, can lead to various diseases, and the key to health lies in allowing these toxins to be eliminated appropriately.
• Moreover, many health issues arise not just from diet but from the misuse of the mind. Negative thoughts and anxiety contribute significantly to physical and mental ailments. By applying the laws of life and thinking independently, individuals can achieve optimal health in body, mind, and spirit.
• Natural Hygiene is an ongoing journey toward self-improvement, encouraging individuals to break free from societal norms, grow without inhibition, and strive toward a higher state of being. It is an open challenge to those who are ready to live a life of vitality and personal evolution.

Benesh, G. (2021, Sept).“The Challenge of Natural Hygiene” (originally published in 1959), September 9, 2021
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/HealthScienceFall2017_TT_Benesh.pdf

• Gerald Benesh’s article “The Challenge of Natural Hygiene” (initially published in 1959) discusses the principles and practices of Natural Hygiene. This health philosophy emphasizes the body’s innate ability to heal with the right conditions. The article outlines Benesh’s belief that true health can only be achieved when individuals align themselves with nature’s laws, which include proper diet, exercise, rest, and mental well-being.
• Benesh argues that Natural Hygiene is an approach that focuses on the body’s natural processes of detoxification and healing instead of relying on external interventions like drugs or surgery. The key idea is that health is maintained when the body’s internal balance is supported, and disease is seen as a result of interference with this natural state. According to Benesh, many modern health practices, including the overuse of medications and treatments, disrupt the body’s ability to heal itself.
• The article further emphasizes that diet plays a crucial role in health, advocating for a natural, whole-food approach and avoiding processed or artificial foods. Benesh also stresses the importance of physical activity, clean air, sunlight, and mental health in maintaining a harmonious relationship with nature and achieving true well-being.
• Ultimately, Benesh presents Natural Hygiene as not just a health regimen but a holistic lifestyle that empowers individuals to take responsibility for their health and well-being. Living in harmony with natural laws fosters vitality and avoids disease, creating a more balanced and healthy life.
• The article challenges the conventional medical model by advocating for a more natural, preventative approach to health, urging people to embrace a lifestyle that respects and supports the body’s inherent healing capacities.

Benesh, G. (1960, June). The Importance Of Good Posture And Exercise. Magazine – Natural Hygiene, V5(No 8), Pg12, 13.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/NH-June-1960.pdf

• Good posture and systematic exercise are essential components of Natural Hygiene’s Rational Living program, as they significantly impact overall health. Proper posture ensures the correct positioning of vital organs, crucial for optimal nervous system function and the efficient operation of all body systems. Poor posture can lead to misplaced organs and impaired circulation, particularly affecting the diaphragm’s ability to function, ultimately reducing blood flow and organ performance. The nervous system, highly dependent on a consistent blood supply, is particularly vulnerable to toxicity and can exhibit various dysfunctions if blood flow is compromised. Issues such as visceroptosis can lead to organ oxygen deficiency, impaired circulation, and other complications like edema and varicosities. Engaging in regular exercise enhances blood circulation and oxygenation, stimulating cellular activity and promoting overall vitality. Thus, maintaining good posture and incorporating exercise into daily routines are vital for achieving and sustaining a healthy life.

Benesh, G. (1961, July). Crises. 1961 ANHS Convention Program, pp. 11-12.
https://www.healthscience.org/magazine/conference-program-chicago-1961/

• We are living in a time of global chaos, confusion, and crisis that reflects the inner turmoil of humanity itself. The widespread physical, mental, and emotional illness seen today—marked by rising hospitalizations, drug use, and degenerative diseases—is a result of man’s disobedience to the immutable laws of nature. Natural Hygienists understand that these crises, like a fever in a sick body, are a necessary purge meant to restore balance, though they could have been avoided had man lived in harmony with natural law. The toxic state of the average individual’s body leads to impaired thinking, lack of compassion, and destructive behavior, even among world leaders whose poor health inhibits wise decision-making. To change the world, individuals must change themselves—starting with health. True transformation can only come through a return to natural living, and those who understand the principles of Natural Hygiene must spread these truths, not just for self-preservation, but because it is the right and necessary path. Promoting a sane mind in a sound body is the foundation for a better world, and while preaching these truths is valuable, living them as an example is far more powerful. In a world desperate for healing, Natural Hygiene stands as a call to action—one that must be answered urgently and collectively.

Benesh, G. (1962, July). From Existence to Abundant Life. 1962 ANHS Convention Program, pp. 12, 16. 

https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1962.-Miami-Beach-FL.pdf

• Many health programs emphasize one aspect of well-being—physical exercise, diet, or mental practices—but these incomplete or “lopsided” approaches can be misleading or even harmful. True health requires a balanced integration of body, mind, and spirit, as promoted by Natural Hygiene, which aligns with the Laws of Life and nature’s design.
• The human body is a miraculous, intelligently designed system, governed by subconscious processes and capable of maintaining health with minimal conscious effort—if it’s supported properly. Health isn’t a one-time achievement but a continuous process, requiring disciplined daily habits that support the body’s complex functions.
• Natural Hygiene teaches a holistic lifestyle, not as a rigid or enslaving system, but as a path to personal freedom—freedom from disease, from bodily misery, and from being overly preoccupied with illness. While awareness of the body’s needs is important, obsession with physical health can become another form of bondage.
• Ultimately, to enjoy a long, meaningful, and pleasurable life, one must live in harmony with nature’s laws, consistently supporting all aspects of their being—physical, mental, and spiritual. This balanced, mindful living leads to a natural attraction of healthful experiences and a vital, fulfilled existence, which is humanity’s true and intended state.

Benesh, G. (1963, June). Failure or Accomplishment. 1963 ANHS Convention Program, pp. 10-11.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1963.-San-Diego-CA.pdf

• This passage explores why some individuals succeed in achieving vibrant health through Natural Hygiene, while others fail. The key difference lies not in external obstacles but in internal qualities—such as persistence, understanding, and willingness to follow through. Failure often results from a lack of drive, initiative, or an unwillingness to endure challenges, rather than from impossible circumstances.
• A major barrier to success is ego or closed-mindedness, especially among those who think they already know everything about Natural Hygiene. Preconceived ideas and resistance to guidance can hinder progress. In contrast, those who are open, cooperative, and willing to follow both Natural Laws and the advice of experienced practitioners are far more likely to succeed.
• The core message is that the laws of life are simple and impartial: “Obey or pay.” Success requires humility, openness to truth, and complete cooperation. Discarding personal biases and sincerely applying the principles of Natural Hygiene leads to lasting health and harmony.

Benesh, G. (1966, July). The Mature Man. 1961 ANHS Convention Program, pp. 12-13.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1966.-Miami-Beach-FL.pdf

• Across the world, people—especially students—are driven by a restless desire to become “somebody important,” often conforming to societal norms at the expense of deep, independent thinking. This conventional path may lead to external success, such as wealth or status, but often leaves the “inner man” undeveloped and physically worn down by years of unhealthy living. As people age, they frequently look back on their lives with nostalgia, lacking present vitality and rarely achieving true maturity, which includes emotional, mental, and physical integration. True fulfillment lies not in outward accomplishments but in becoming a fully balanced and self-aware individual—one who is in control of both body and mind, understands life’s purpose, and lives in harmony with natural laws. Such individuals are rare but represent the ideal. This integrated state begins with awareness—mindful observation of one’s thoughts and behaviors—and Natural Hygiene supports this process by promoting conscious, healthful living. As one applies its principles and becomes more aware, personal growth accelerates, leading to greater self-knowledge, freedom, and mastery over one’s life. Instead of chasing external validation, the true goal should be self-realization and wholeness.

Benesh, G. (1967, July). A Basic Need of Life – Exercise. 1967 ANHS Convention Program, pp. 25-27.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CONVENTION-1967-Chicago.pdf

• Daily, systematic exercise is a vital component of the Natural Hygienic lifestyle and should be tailored to each individual’s health status, vitality, and goals. While exercise promotes strength, organ support, and improved circulation, it must be carefully adapted to factors such as age, physical condition, joint mobility, and any existing impairments or health concerns. Specific exercises can help correct structural issues, strengthen weakened areas, and enhance both physical appearance and self-confidence, even alleviating emotional burdens like inferiority complexes. Exercise positively affects not just the body, but also mental clarity and emotional well-being, thanks to improved blood and lymph circulation, deeper respiration, and toxin elimination. However, exercise alone is not a cure-all—it must be combined with balanced nutrition, rest, and healthy habits to support total well-being. A sculpted body does not guarantee health if harmful lifestyle choices persist. True wellness requires attention to all aspects of life, including mental discipline and emotional control, which depend on exercising not just the body, but also the will. Developing willpower and mastering self-control are essential to living healthfully and purposefully.

Benesh, G. (1969, July). Education and Natural Hygiene Conventions. 1969 ANHS Convention Program, pp. 18-21.
https://www.healthscience.org/magazine/conference-program-new-york-1969/

• The primary goal of the Natural Hygienist is to educate individuals in living according to the Laws of Life, emphasizing a lifestyle rooted in self-understanding and natural principles. Historically, people have been misinformed about health, even the well-educated, who often place blind faith in physicians lacking knowledge of true health laws. Genuine education is not merely acquiring facts but involves deep self-awareness and understanding how to live wholly and healthfully. While modern technology has advanced, it has also introduced new problems such as pollution and environmental toxins, revealing the urgent need for a more integrated and holistic view of life. The American Natural Hygiene Society has worked for over two decades to spread health truths through conventions and publications, especially those of Dr. Herbert M. Shelton. However, merely attending lectures is not enough; transformation requires consistent, daily application of Hygienic principles. Adopting this philosophy demands a shift from medical thinking, which suppresses symptoms, to recognizing symptoms as the body’s natural healing efforts. Real healing comes from understanding bodily functions and living in harmony with natural laws. This transformation involves a complete change in thought, language, and behavior—achievable only through committed study and practice—leading ultimately to a fully integrated, healthy, and meaningful life.

Benesh, G. “Crises: Confusion cannot reign about us unless man himself is in a state of confusion” (initially published in 1961)
SEPTEMBER 9, 2021
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/TimelessTeachingsFall2015.pdf

• The article by Dr. Gerald Benesh, D.C., titled “Crises: Confusion cannot reign about us unless man himself is in a state of confusion” (initially published in 1961), explores the idea that crises, whether personal or societal, arise from inner confusion and a lack of clarity within individuals. Benesh argues that external circumstances, like crises, often reflect an individual’s mental and emotional state. He stresses that confusion—whether it manifests as stress, fear, or disorientation—occurs when people are disconnected from their true purpose or fail to understand the natural laws governing health and well-being.
• Benesh suggests that to resolve or avoid crises, individuals must first address their internal states of confusion. This requires self-awareness, mental clarity, and a return to a more grounded understanding of life and health. He also emphasizes the importance of chiropractic care, which he sees as a means of helping individuals restore balance and alignment, both physically and mentally.
• The core message of the article is that clarity of mind and self-awareness can help individuals navigate life’s challenges with a sense of peace and purpose rather than being swept up in external chaos.

Benesh, G. (1983, May/June). You are a Miracle. Health Science – Official Journal of the American Natural Hygiene Society, Inc., 6(3), 7.
https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/V6-N3-Health-Science-may-june-1983.pdf

• In You Are a Miracle, Dr. Gerald Benesh discusses the miraculous nature of the human body and life itself. He challenges the conventional belief that illness is caused by external forces, arguing instead that we create our own reality and that health problems are a result of internal imbalances. The body’s functions are in harmony with Nature’s Laws, and when these laws are respected, life flows freely, and health thrives.
• Benesh explains that disturbances in the body, caused by improper living or thinking, inhibit the life force, leading to physical malfunction, pain, and disease. This causes individuals to become self-centered and disconnected from the world, focusing solely on their own suffering. However, recognizing that we are responsible for our own health and reality is a crucial step toward healing and transformation.
• By aligning with the Laws of Life, especially through the principles of Natural Hygiene, individuals can restore balance and vitality. This alignment allows the person to experience life more fully, cultivating a deeper awareness of the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of their being. Life becomes more meaningful, and a zest for living emerges as the individual becomes more attuned to the wonders of Nature and the greater forces at work in the body.

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The NHA wishes to remind the readers that nothing in this or other publications is intended to constitute medical treatment or advice. Readers should be aware that some previous publications do not reflect the NHA’s current health teachings or approach to health in several areas.

Our Mission

The mission of the National Health Association is to educate and empower individuals to understand that health results from healthy living. We recognize the integration of all aspects of health: personal, environmental, and social.

We communicate the benefits of a plant-based diet, exercise and rest, a healthy environment, psychological well-being, and when indicated, the use of fasting.