Skip to content
Meanwhile in Europe

In the 19th century, European advocates of hygienic principles were crucial in promoting public health and sanitation across the continent. Influential figures emphasized the importance of cleanliness, proper nutrition, and disease prevention. Their collective efforts laid the foundation for modern public health initiatives and continued to shape our understanding of hygiene and its impact on society.

Featured are Dr. Christoph Hufeland, Johann Schroth, Dr. Vincenz Prießnitzv (Priessnitz), Rev. Fr Sebastian Kneipp, Dr. Gustav Riedlin, Arnold Ehret, Dr. Maximilian Bircher-Benner, Dr. Franz Xaver Mayr, Are Waerland, Dr. James Thompson, Dr. Otto Buchinger and Dr. Stanley Lief.


These practitioners stand out because they prioritized understanding, education, and guidance. They provide in-depth explanations for the root causes of illnesses stemming from various aspects of a person’s life. They offer invaluable advice on achieving a healthier lifestyle. They firmly believe that genuine, long-lasting health can only be attained through understanding and making essential lifestyle changes.

Dr. Christoph Wilhelm Friedrich Hufeland (1762 – 1836)

Dr. Christoph Wilhelm Friedrich Hufeland

Hufeland, a revered physician in early 19th century Germany, left an enduring legacy in preventive medicine and naturopathic care. His advocacy for the ancient Hippocratic oath – “first, do no harm” – continues to inspire and guide modern medical practices.

Hufeland’s influential work brought attention to two crucial issues: disease prevention and the complexities of aging. Rather than solely focusing on curing illnesses, Hufeland advocated for their prevention by adopting a healthy diet and lifestyle. Additionally, he underscored the profound impact of emotional and mental well-being on overall health.

Hufeland ardently championed the “Nature Cure,” a holistic approach featuring hydrotherapy for colon cleansing, invigorating air and light baths, a nourishing vegetarian diet, and the potent healing of herbal remedies. Notably, Hufeland was a fervent advocate of the rejuvenating properties of mineral springs and the transformative “Water Cure,” famously promoted by Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kneipp.

Hufeland was a trailblazer in what we now recognize as public hygiene. His journey began in 1780 when he enrolled at the University of Jena and culminated in 1793 with his appointment as a Professor of Medicine in Jena (Thuringia). His dedication to advancing the field is evident in his achievements, including graduating in medicine from Göttingen in 1783 and gaining invaluable experience working alongside his father in Weimar.

His unwavering dedication to public health led him to commission the construction of Germany’s first morgue, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at preventing the inadvertent burial of individuals who were still alive. Furthermore, he staunchly advocated for the quarantine of smallpox patients, a critical measure in combating the spread of this devastating disease.

In 1798, he rose to lead the esteemed medical college and state medical affairs in Berlin. By 1801, he had secured a prestigious role as the personal physician to King Friedrich Wilhelm III, assuming oversight of the College of Medicine and Surgery and serving as the supervising physician of the renowned Charité hospital – a beacon of medical excellence in Europe. His influence extended to the University of Berlin, where he chaired the departments of pathology and therapeutics, and in 1810, he ascended to the esteemed position of Councillor of State.

In 1780, he accepted the prestigious role of physician to the King of Prussia. When the looming threat of Napoleon’s invasion cast a shadow over Berlin, he selflessly left his family behind to accompany the royal couple to Eastern Prussia, as the queen required his specialized care. Recognizing his invaluable service, the queen generously provided the financial support necessary for establishing an outpatient clinic, offering free treatment to the impoverished residents of Berlin. This noble act of compassion and dedication to his community earned him election as a member of the esteemed Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in 1823.

His lectures and publications were written for the educated laymen. He blazed a trail in 19th-century journalism by launching and overseeing a highly successful and esteemed journal on medical therapy (Journal der practischen Arzneykunde und Wundarzneykunst, 1795-1836). One of his most cherished mantras was “Do little, leave everything to nature.”

Hufeland’s remarkable writing career comprised over 400 publications, delving into diverse medical subjects such as pediatrics, balneology, typhus, cholera, and medical ethics. His extensive contributions continue to shape the medical landscape, establishing him as a pioneering authority in the field.

Selected Works:

Johann Schroth (1798-1856)

Johann Schroth

Schroth, an Austrian naturopath, was a pioneering advocate of fasting and moist heat therapy. As a contemporary of Vinzenz Priessnitz, he developed a regimen that stood in stark contrast to Priessnitz’s approach. While Priessnitz recommended a hearty diet rich in meat and milk to fortify the body for cold water treatment, Schroth prescribed a salt and fat-free diet without any meat or milk. Additionally, he recommended prolonged warm, moist packs and, in some cases, warm water bottles and hot baths. Schroth adamantly prohibited the consumption of cold water and firmly advised his patients to prioritize rest and engage in moderate movement.

Patients who saw no improvement with Priessnitz’s methods turned to Johann Schroth for a revolutionary regimen based on a unique diet. This diet regimen, still in use today, has significantly contributed to the recovery of countless patients. Schroth’s healing concepts, inspired by nature and his own experiences, have proven truly transformative.

During his time as a cavalryman and orderly to a veterinarian, Schroth developed a natural gift for treating sick animals. When he returned home, he used his expertise in setting bones and treating fractures. In 1817, he suffered a broken kneecap from being kicked by a horse, and the medical treatment left considerable residual inflammation in the joint. However, he successfully treated the affliction using cold compresses, and the stiffness ultimately vanished. Realizing the effectiveness of this method, he began using compresses for wounds, bruises, swellings, and joint stiffness in humans and animals.

Later, he revolutionized naturopathic healing by introducing steam baths and full-body wraps, offering rejuvenation for individuals without injuries. Inspired by observing sick animals that refused to eat, Schroth developed a groundbreaking regimen of “dry and drinkable days.” His transformative methodology of cold wraps, steam, and diet quickly gained acclaim as a powerful means of purifying and detoxifying the entire body, promoting holistic well-being both physically and mentally.

During his lifetime, Schroth sparked both admiration and controversy. Some hailed him as a “miracle worker,” while others condemned him as a charlatan. Accused of sorcery, charged with quackery, and even imprisoned, Schroth faced relentless opposition. However, in 1840, his undeniable success with certain patients left a lasting impression on the Austrian-Hungarian authorities, leading them to grant him official permission to continue his groundbreaking work, a recognition that solidified his place in history.

In 1830, Schroth laid the foundation for a revolutionary health spa at Bad Lindewiese, which quickly gained renown as a premier cold water spa. Following his passing, his son, Emmanuel Schroth (1832–1890), took the reins, refining his father’s rigorous regimen and attracting many individuals seeking the transformative Schroth Cure. Today, this renowned method continues to be embraced across Europe and beyond, offering unparalleled health benefits to countless individuals.

Schroth was renowned for his exceptional healing abilities and captivating personality. Those who knew him spoke of his selflessness in treating countless impoverished patients without charge, always offering help without seeking personal gain. His intuitive understanding of the healing process in his patients and his timely support were truly remarkable. Despite not leaving a written record of his method, Schroth’s success in Lindwiese led to the publication of numerous books and articles about the transformative Schroth Cure.

Vincenz Prießnitzv (Priessnitz) (1799-1851)

Dr. Vincenz Prießnitzv (Priessnitz)

He was born on October 4, 1799, in the Czech Republic and was raised as a peasant farmer. In 1816, Vincenz Prießnitz defied a doctor’s grim prognosis after fracturing his ribs in a cart accident. Instead of accepting the fatal or crippling diagnosis, he applied wet bandages to his chest and consumed copious amounts of water, which led to his astounding recovery. This firsthand experience solidified his belief in the transformative power of these methods, earning him widespread recognition. Prießnitz then extended his techniques to treating animals on his farm and in his village before developing comprehensive protocols for human healing.

As news spread, people began to visit Gräfenberg to seek treatment, leading Prießnitz to transform his father’s house into a spa for his increasing number of patients in 1822. He developed various baths tailored to treat different ailments and body parts, effectively addressing conditions such as paralysis, insanity, and poisoning. Prießnitz believed that the rapid temperature changes could open the skin’s pores and expel harmful substances from the blood. Another theory he held was that the body naturally tended toward health. He emphasized remedies such as vegetarian food, fresh water and air, exercise, and rest rather than relying on conventional medicine.

Accused of lacking a medical background and labeled an impostor, he faced criticism for his unconventional methods. However, the imperial committee eventually acknowledged hydrotherapy as a legitimate alternative medical treatment. His establishment of a new spa in 1838 drew visitors from across Europe, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer of modern hydrotherapy.

Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kneipp (1821-1987)

Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kneipp

Sebastian Kneipp was a German Catholic priest and one of the forefathers of the naturopathic movement. He is most commonly associated with the “Kneipp Cure” form of hydrotherapy.

Kneipp, born in Bavaria, began his journey as a weaver and later pursued his calling for the priesthood. Under the guidance of Matthias Merkle, a priest in Grönenbach, he began the journey to become a member of the clergy.  Kneipp’s path was interrupted by tuberculosis in 1847. As he sought remedies for his illness, he delved into books on water cures.  Once he regained his health, he became ordained as a Catholic priest in 1852.

Carrying out numerous tests on himself and his patients, he developed water treatments into curative and preventative concepts, now known as the Kneipp-Cure (the application of water through various methods, temperatures, and pressures, which had therapeutic or healing effects.  He went on to build several hospitals in Bad Wörishofen.

His approach to health combined a simple diet of whole grains, fruit, and vegetables with limited quantities of meat, exercise, spirituality, hydrotherapy, and plant-based medications. During his time in Bad Wörishofen, thousands came from all over the world to receive his healing advice. 

Kneipp’s Five main beliefs:

  • Hydrotherapy – The use of water to treat ailments.
  • Phytotherapy – The use of botanical medicines.
  • Exercise – Promoting the health of the body through movement.
  • Nutrition – A wholesome diet of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables with limited meat.
  • Balance – Kneipp believed that a healthy mind is the foundation of a healthy person.

Publications – Kneipp only wrote a few books in his lifetime, but they have been translated into several languages, including English, Polish, and Spanish.

Dr. Heinrich Lahman (1860-1905)

Dr. Heinrich Lahman

Johann Heinrich Lahmann, a German physician, was a trailblazer in the field of naturopathic medicine. Overcoming his own childhood illness, he dedicated himself to seeking alternative paths to healing.

Having obtained his medical doctorate from the prestigious University of Heidelberg, he embarked on a career as a general practitioner in Stuttgart. However, disillusioned with the conventional theories and outcomes of allopathic medicine, he delved into the study of nature cure literature. Lahmann found inspiration in the pioneering methods of Vincenz Priessnitz (1799-1851) and Johann Schroth (1798-1856), both trailblazers in the realm of alternative medicine.

After embarking on an intensive study tour of the most influential nature cure establishments, he set out to uncover the common principles underlying these therapies. Armed with a scientifically trained mind, he brought a much-needed sense of order to the previously chaotic field of nature cure, dispelling the speculation that had clouded the reasons for the differing methods.

In his groundbreaking 1891 book, “Diätetische Blutentmischung als Grundursache der Krankheiten,” he passionately argued that diseases were ultimately caused by a poor diet and, therefore a proper diet was crucial to prevent illness. Lahmann passionately advocated for a vegetarian diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole-grain bread, and dairy products. He emphasized the importance of limiting one’s intake of table salt and liquor. Lahmann was also a pioneer in recognizing the significance of minerals in an individual’s diet, highlighting that many foods were lacking in essential minerals. He stressed the detrimental effects of the lack of nutritive salt, which leads to deficient blood formation, stunted growth of bones, teeth, and hair, as well as nutritional disorders affecting the nervous system.

In 1888, Lahmannm a visionary individual, opened a small spa called the “Physiatric Sanatorium” at Weißer Hirsch, just outside of Dresden. The success of the adjoining bath led to its renaming as Doctor Lahmann’s Sanatorium. Through captivating lectures on nature cure in Dresden, he passionately informed the public about his revolutionary methods, firmly believing that artificial medicine hindered nature’s inherent healing power. This institution would later gain international recognition, solidifying its status as a pioneering force in the field.

The world lost a visionary on June 1, 1905, at the age of 45, due to cardiac weakness resulting from neglected influenza. Despite his tragically short life, his enduring legacy of publications continues to inspire and influence generations.

  • Antworten aus dem dem Homöopathischen Lager (Replies from the Homeopathic Camp) – (1885).
  • Etwas con meiner Studienreise (Something about My Sudy Tour) – (1886).
  • Koch und die Kochianer:m,Eine Kritik der Koch’schen Entdeckung und der Koch’schen Richtung in der Heilkunde (Koch and Kochians” (A Critic of Koch’s Discoveries and School of Thought in Medicine) – (1890).
  • Die Diätetische Blutentmischung als Grundursache der Krankheiten, (Dietary blood segregation as the root cause of diseases) – (1891).
  • Die diätetische Blutentmischung (dysämie) als Grundursacge aller Krankheiten ( the dietetic dysemia as fundamental cause of all diseases) – (1892).
  • Sind Gynäkologische Opeationen vermeidar (can gynecologic operations be avoided?) – (1893).
  • Die wichtigsten der natürlichen (physikalisch-diätetschen) Heilweise (the most important chapters of the natural physical dietetic) – (1894).
  • Das Luftbad als Heil- und Abhärtungsmittel, (The air bath as a healing and hardening agent) – (1898).
  • Natural hygiene or healthy blood (English translation of dietetic dysemia) – (1901).
  • Der krankmachende Einfuss atmosphärischer Luftdruck-Schwankungen (the disease producing influence of changes in atmospheric pressure) – (1905).
  • Die Kohlensäurestauung in unserem Körper – die wichtigste allgemeine Krankheitsursache, (Carbon dioxide build-up in our body – the most important general cause of illness) – (1905 ).
  • Dr. Lahmann’s Sanatoriam Weisser Hirsch: Prospektus und Jahresbericht – (1921-1922).

Dr. Gustav Riedlin (1861-1949)

In the late 19th century, Gustav Riedlin, a general practitioner in Freiburg im Breisgau, became a leading figure in therapeutic fasting. After obtaining his doctorate in 1887, he developed a strong interest in fasting after being inspired by the works of American doctors Edward Hooker Dewey and Henry Samuel Tanner. Riedlin described fasting as an “operation without a knife.”

One of Dr. Riedlin’s patients was Dr. Otto Buchinger.  He suffered from tonsillitis that never completely healed and led to rheumatism in his joints, and he tried fasting for the first time. After the 19th day of fasting, he shared that he was completely healed and could move all his joints.

Dr. Riedlin’s influential work alongside Dr. Otto Buchinger has significantly shaped the practice of therapeutic fasting in Germany. Riedlin’s emphasis on the concepts of life force and the duality of matter and spirit has led to him establishing two distinct fasting levels, catering to both physical and spiritual purposes.

Literature by and about Gustav Riedlin is the Catalogue of the German National Library

Arnold Ehret (1866-1922)

Arnold Ehret

Arnold Ehret was a renowned German naturopath and alternative health educator who was celebrated for pioneering the mucusless diet healing system.

Born in Germany, Ehret graduated as a design professor from a college in Baden. He taught for 15 years at a technical school but had to discontinue after receiving a diagnosis of Bright’s disease (acute or chronic nephritis).  This was considered incurable by leading doctors. Seeking alternative methods, he visited Rev. Fr Sebastian Kneipp’s water cure sanatorium in Wörishofen, where he learned holistic philosophies and embraced fasting and a primarily fruit-based diet. To his surprise, this lifestyle change resulted in increased strength and vitality.

Ehret successfully healed himself by identifying pus and mucus-forming foods as the root cause of human diseases. He passionately promoted the benefits of a fruit-based diet. He firmly believed in the natural cleansing power of fasting to rid the body of the harmful effects of poor dietary choices and overeating.

In 1907, Ehret founded a sanatorium in Ascona, Switzerland, and another in nearby Lugano (Massagno), where he successfully treated thousands of patients with his innovative protocols. Ehret specifically focused on fruits and vegetables and removed meat, eggs, milk, fats, cereals, legumes, potatoes, and rice from his diet.

In 1914, Ehret set off for the United States. However, he could not return to Germany due to the outbreak of World War I. During his time, he collaborated and worked with Benedict Lust, the founder of the Yungborn Sanatoriums. Lust successfully overcame tuberculosis also using the Kneipp Cure, developed by Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kneipp.

Later, Ehret moved to California and opened his own sanitorium in Alhambra.  Ehret died in 1922 after sustaining a fatal injury to his head in an accident.

Published Works:

Dr. Maximilian Oskar Bircher-Benner (1867-1939)

Dr. Maximilian Oskar Bircher-Benner

He was an innovative Swiss physician and a trailblazing nutritionist, widely acknowledged for popularizing muesli and being one of the earliest advocates of a raw-food diet.

Born in Aarau, Switzerland, he pursued his medical studies in Vienna, Berlin, and Zürich, culminating in his graduation in 1891 from the University of Zurich. Following his graduation, he embarked on a journey of knowledge, immersing himself in the water-cure methods of Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kneipp in Berlin. He then sought wisdom at Heinrich Lahmann’s clinic near Dresden, delving into dietetic therapy. To further enrich his understanding, he traveled to Vienna to absorb the enlightening lectures on hydrotherapy delivered by Wilhelm Wintemitz.

He established a clinic called “Lebendige Kraft” (Vital Force) with a revolutionary approach. Believing in preserving vital nutrition from “solar light energy,” he championed raw foods over cooked ones. In his view, meat was the least effective in retaining this essential energy. However, when he presented his groundbreaking medical ideas to the Medical Association in 1900, he was swiftly dismissed as a quack.

Despite initial skepticism,, his revolutionary concepts began to captivate the masses. He crafted a transformative diet to combat his liver disease, centered around a medley of nutrient-rich vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole-grain products, all while carefully moderating the consumption of fresh fruit.

He developed an eating and living regime called the Ordnungstherapie, or order therapy. The daily schedule involved waking up at 6 am, taking a walk before breakfast, spending most of the day outside working or walking, going to bed at 9 pm, and falling asleep by 9:30. The regime also included activities like dance, music, massages, sun baths, and cold showers.

He promoted his ideas through a monthly journal called “der Wendepunkt,” printed and sold brochures, and published several books.

Dr. Franz Xaver Mayr (1875 – 1965)

Franz Xaver Mayr, MD

Born on November 28, 1875, in Gröbming, Austria, he was a true visionary in medicine. He had the foresight to understand that the gut is the very core of our immune system, essentially the “root system” of our body, and that proper nutrition and digestion form the foundation of our physical and mental well-being.

In September 1895, he began his medical studies in Graz, setting the stage for a remarkable journey. From 1899 to 1903, he interned at the Sankt Radegund Spa and Water Treatment Centre near Graz, where he honed his skills in massaging patients afflicted with severe constipation. This invaluable experience sparked pivotal ideas for his own revolutionary concept. In May 1901, Mayr achieved the extraordinary feat of earning his doctorate summa cum laude. His outstanding accomplishments led to his appointment as the head of the Johannisbrunn hydropathic clinic in 1903.

In World War I, while serving in a military hospital, Dr. F.X. Mayr. made a groundbreaking discovery while tending to wounded soldiers. He observed that those who practiced fasting and allowed their intestines to rest experienced remarkable benefits that extended throughout their entire bodies. What’s more, these soldiers showed accelerated healing compared to their peers. This revelation underscores the profound impact of fasting on the body’s healing process.

Dr. Mayr’s pioneering work as a spa physician in Karlsbad (now in Slovakia) sparked the creation of the Mayr-Cure, a groundbreaking approach to health and well-being. This revolutionary method is based on the premise that most illnesses originate from poor digestion. Dr. Mayr’s treatment involved thoroughly cleansing the digestive system, followed by a restricted diet of dry bread and milk. Patients were trained to chew meticulously to provide their digestive organs with much-needed rest.

His unwavering dedication to unraveling the fundamental causes of diseases and his relentless pursuit of promoting holistic well-being rather than simply treating ailments made him a true visionary in the medical realm. His enduring legacy is evident through his captivating lectures, mentorship of countless physicians, and profound influence on the medical landscape across Europe and the United States. His remarkable contributions are an enduring source of inspiration and wisdom for successive generations of medical professionals.

Are Waerland (1876-1955)

Are Waerland

Born as Paul Henrik Fager in Ekenäs, Finland in 1876, he later embraced the Norwegian-sounding name Are Waerland upon obtaining Swedish citizenship in 1912. His academic journey took him to the philosophical faculty of Helsinki University and the medical facilities of Edinburgh, London, and the Sorbonne, yet he did not complete his degree.

In 1934, he embarked on his journey as a health philosopher with the groundbreaking book “In the Cauldron of Disease.” His powerful message still resonates today: most diseases stem from unhealthy living habits and can only be overcome by making a radical shift. He advocated for fasting and enemas as essential tools to purge the body of accumulated waste caused by these detrimental habits.

Waerland’s fundamental principles are powerful:

  • We are not simply battling diseases; we are addressing lifestyle errors. By eliminating these errors, diseases vanish on their own.
  • You don’t just cure a disease; you heal a sick body.
  • Restoring the body’s original rhythm of life is the only way to cure a sick body.

He advocated a lacto-vegetarian diet with raw food and kruska  (grain mix made from whole wheat, oats, barley, and rye). He recommended a fixed daily exercise routine, which he called the “Waerland- System”. 

In 1940, he boldly established the magazine Solvikingen (The Sun Viking), which later transformed into Waerland’s Monthly. The journal passionately declared its mission to contribute to “the spiritual and physical rebirth of the Nordic peoples.” He was a dynamic lecturer and prolific author of numerous influential books.

Dr. Otto Buchinger (1878-1966)

Dr. Otto Buchinger
Dr. Otto Buchinger

Initially, Otto Buchinger pursued studies in law but later switched to medicine at Ludwigs-University in Gießen, Germany, before serving as a physician in the German Navy. Due to chronic illness (tonsillitis that led to rheumatism in his joints), he was discharged from the Navy.  He sought alternative treatments and found success through fasting therapy. Under the supervision of Dr. Gustav Riedlin in Freiburg, he underwent a fasting regimen with tea and water, which resulted in complete healing after 19 days. This transformative experience drove him to dedicate his life to developing a method for medically sound fasting therapy that saved his life and existence.

He was a dedicated doctor who delved into holistic medicine, exploring the connection between the body’s emotional and physical self-healing abilities. As the pioneer of medical therapeutic fasting, he seamlessly integrated spirituality and medicine to develop a powerful holistic therapy.

In 1920, he established his small fasting clinic in Witzenhausen, Germany. Later, in 1935, he opened his first sanatorium in Bad Pyrmont. He developed a fasting method and detailed it in his book, “The Therapeutic Fasting Cure,” released in 1935 and still available today. This was the initial systematic description of the physiology of fasting. In 1953, he founded a new clinic on Lake Constance, which is currently managed by his great-grandchildren and is renowned as the Buchinger Wilhelmi Clinics.

Publications by Dr. Otto Buchinger can be found in the Catalogue of the German National Library.

Dr. James Thompson (1887-1960)

Meet the naturopath who established the prestigious Kingston Clinic in Edinburgh, Scotland. Like many health pioneers, he faced chronic illness early in his life, but he persevered to find solutions and create a legacy of wellness.

James enlisted in the Navy at just 16 years old. Tragically, after a mere 18 months at sea, he was struck by a life-threatening illness and was subsequently discharged from the Navy with an “acute lung condition.” The doctors delivered a grim diagnosis of tuberculosis, giving him a mere 3 months to live.

The jolt of this revelation ignited a fire within him, propelling him into action. He scoured bookshops and libraries in relentless pursuit of solutions to his daunting problem, immersing himself in the wisdom of the renowned pioneers of hydrotherapy, hygienism, and natural therapeutics. Embracing their counsel, he devised a comprehensive plan, integrating a tailored diet, invigorating water treatments, and rigorous outdoor exercise routines. Through unwavering commitment, he triumphed in reclaiming his vitality and well-being.

In 1909, he embarked on a transformative journey to the United States, driven by a burning desire to explore the pioneering methods that had restored his health. His quest led him to Bernarr MacFadden’s renowned sanatorium and Dr. John Harvey Kellogg’s groundbreaking hydrotherapy center. Continuing his odyssey, he made his way to Chicago, where he witnessed Dr. Henry Lindlahr’s practice of a truly unique form of natural therapy. So captivated was he by these experiences that he ultimately took on the role of manager at the sanatorium, fully embracing the power of these cutting-edge health practices.

Upon his return to Britain around 1912, he wasted no time in establishing a clinic in Edinburgh. Not content with just that, he also founded the Edinburgh School of Natural Therapeutics, where he launched a groundbreaking four-year full-time training course in 1919. Then, in 1921, he and Stanley Leif, both trained under Bernard McFadden, joined forces to co-found the Nature Cure Association. Dr.Thomson then established the society under the prestigious umbrella of the Incorporated Society of Registered Naturopaths.

In 1938, he boldly established the Kingston Nature Cure Clinic in Edinburgh, a revolutionary residential clinic and practitioner training center. This visionary institution taught a health philosophy rooted in Natural Therapeutics, producing graduates who became dedicated practitioners of Nature Cure. The impact of Thomson’s Kingston Nature Cure extended far beyond the UK, as its holistic approach spread worldwide. This pioneering clinic offered a diverse range of “alternative” treatments for health, including hydrotherapy, hygienism, actinotherapy, massage, osteopathy, exercise, food reform, and vegetarianism. Throughout the years, countless patients experienced remarkable benefits from these treatments, often after traditional allopathic medicine had previously failed them.

His literary contributions are extensive, ranging from multiple published books to establishing the long-running Kingston Chronicle (Rude Health) magazine. This influential publication delved into diverse health subjects, including fasting, diet, exercise, psychology, and other crucial aspects of healthcare.

Stanley Lief (1892 – 1962)

Stanley Lief will always be remembered as the pioneering figure who brought naturopathy to England, leaving an indelible mark by significantly advancing the philosophy and practice of Nature Cure in the United Kingdom, a legacy unmatched by any other individual before or since.

Born in Latvia in 1892, he defied the odds. Diagnosed with an incurable heart condition and given just five years to live, he refused to accept his fate. A magazine about Nature Cure, osteopathy, and physical culture became his lifeline. He diligently followed the dietary instructions and exercises, transforming himself into a picture of health by the age of sixteen. His story is a testament to the power of determination and self-care.

Stanley was deeply inspired by Bernarr Macfadden’s magazine “Physical Culture,” which led him to embark on a transformative journey to the US. Enrolling at the Bernarr Macfadden School in America, he delved into the study of naturopathy and osteopathy, igniting a passion for the philosophy and benefits of the Nature Cure within him. Lief, too, was captivated by the profound impact of the Nature Cure.

In 1900, the influential health culturist Bernarr Macfadden expanded his reach to London by opening a publishing office. Not stopping there, he also founded the Brighton Orchard Leigh Sanitorium, marking his commitment to promoting health and wellness. After completing his training, Leif ventured to England to take charge of Orchard Leigh, contributing to Macfadden’s vision. Unfortunately, the outbreak of World War I in 1914 led to the closure of the Brighton Health Home, a setback in the pursuit of a healthier world.

Leif’s initiative led to the establishment of his own Nature Cure home in Buckinghamshire. Then, in 1921, Dr. James Thompson (1887-1960) and Stanley Lief, both mentored by Bernard McFadden, united to co-found the influential Nature Cure Association.

In 1925, Stanley launched the renowned Champneys Spa in Tring, Hertfordshire, marking the beginning of his successful tenure as the Director of the Nature Cure Resort. Following the Second World War, he established the influential magazine “Health for All” to share his valuable knowledge and insights with a wider audience unable to visit his clinic.

In 1945, Stanley Lief boldly established the British Naturopathic Association, paving the way for the founding of the British College of Naturopathy in 1949. Despite facing initial challenges, their unwavering commitment to education led them to secure a permanent site. In 1957, a turning point came when a grateful patient, Hector Frazer, generously donated the building that now stands as Frazer House. Stanley Lief’s visionary leadership as the first Dean of the College from 1936 to 1963, coupled with his three-time presidency at the British Naturopathic and Osteopathic Association between 1945 and 1956, solidified their enduring legacy.

Stanley Lief, a true pioneer, was widely revered by his colleagues and students. Unyielding in his dedication, he went beyond his work at Champneys, the College, and as the editor of Health for All. If that wasn’t enough, he continuously traveled across Europe to deliver captivating lectures on Nature Cure and left an indelible and awe-inspiring legacy.

Back to Natural Hygiene History

Welcome to the new home of the National Health Association!
If you are an existing member, you will need to reset your password in order to log in and take advantage of all the great benefits being a member provides—which now includes the ability to update your own contact information (address, phone number, email, upload a picture and much more). Please start by clicking the Register/Log In button and follow the instructions on that page. Once your password is reset, you will use your email address as your username. You no longer have or need a Member Number. Please contact us if you have questions—and thanks for your support!