Timeline

1910: Christopher Gian-Cursio was born on February 4th in Rochester, NY, to Antonio Gian-Cursio and Maria Bianchi.

1924:  The bibliography in Otto Carque’s “Rational Diet” and a few years later in Hereward Carrington‘s book “Fasting, Vitality and Nutrition” provided a key to many of the earlier writers whose books gave substantiation to the things he believed in.

1928: He became the city high school champion in wrestling.

1934: Begins his practice in Rochester, NY. 

1935: He extended his practice by opening offices in Batavia, Buffalo, and New York City.

1935: Gian-Cursio married  Vingenzia “Jenne” Gugino of Batavia, NY. She gave him three sons and two daughters, who exemplified a natural way of life.  She acted as secretary, nurse, and all-around girl Friday.

1936: Gian-Cursio organized the first modern Natural Hygiene Society in Rochester, New York. It was called the Rochester Physiological Society.

1940s: Gian-Cursio was arrested repeatedly for practicing medicine without a license. While he was acquitted on several occasions, he ultimately faced imprisonment. These setbacks only fueled his passion, and he became a prominent advocate for medical liberty—the fundamental right of Americans to select their treatments based on personal beliefs about healing. His journey highlights the importance of choice in healthcare, emphasizing that individuals should be free to pursue the healing methods that resonate with them. Navigating these turbulent waters required remarkable courage and resilience, especially when the obstacles seemed insurmountable.

1942:  Wrote the article “The Importance of Rest in Disease”  for the Hygienic Review. It emphasizes the critical role of rest in the healing process, particularly during illness. Gian-Cursio argues that rest is one of the most essential components of recovery, allowing the body to restore its balance and focus its energy on healing rather than on digestion or other physical activities.

1943: Wrote the article “Defense of Natural Hygiene” for the Hygienic Review.  The article “Defense of Natural Hygiene” by  Gian-Cursio, published in the Hygienic Review (May, 1943), presents a strong case favoring Natural Hygiene as a holistic approach to health and healing. Gian-Cursio defends the principles of Natural Hygiene against criticisms from conventional medical practices and other health philosophies.

1944: Acquired Warner Castle, a 22-room private residence built on a corner of Highland Park in Rochester, and transformed it into a convalescent home.

1945: The New York State Department of Education had Dr. Gian-Cursio arrested and prosecuted on a charge of practicing medicine without a license after one of his patients died upon returning home following six weeks of treatment. Although he was acquitted of the charge in May 1946, it would be only the first of at least eight trials Dr. Gian-Cursio would face throughout his career; the state of Florida would eventually imprison him.

1946: The League for Public Discussion sponsored a debate, “Is Meat Essential to Health?”  It featured John Maxwell, an 84 yr old Chicago naturopathic physician, Dr. Christopher Gian-Cursio, a natural hygienist and raw food vegetarian on the vegetarian side, and Thomas Gaines, a health journalist, and Professor Frank Sauchelli, a chiropractor and former vegetarian on the meat-eating side.

1948: A remarkable coalition formed when Dr. Gian-Cursio joined forces with attorney Irving Davidson and distinguished doctors Herbert Shelton, William Esser, Gerald Benesh, andJesse Mercer Gehman, along with film producer Jack Dunn Trop and publicist Symon Gould, to establish the American Natural Hygiene Society. Ironically, the ANHS was launched on the same day Gian-Cursio was released from prison for practicing medicine without a license. Dr. Shelton was unanimously elected as the first president, driving a powerful movement. Through dedicated educational initiatives, the Society successfully reignited the Hygienic revolution, empowering thousands to embrace and apply the transformative principles of Natural Hygiene. This organization evolved into the National Health Association in 1998 and continues its mission to promote health and well-being for all.

1950:  He was instrumental in organizing the Buffalo Natural Hygiene Society and helped to develop the Washington Natural Hygiene Society.

1952: Dr. Gian-Cursio relocated from Rochester to New York City but returned each month to Buffalo, Rochester, and Batavia to attend to his remaining patients. At this time, he took a position as editor of the Journal of Natural Hygiene. 

1952 -1953: Dr. Christopher Gian-Cursio served as the president of the American Natural Hygiene Society.

1960: Eternal Health Truths of A Century Ago was published by the Hygean Press and edited by Dr. Christopher Gian-Cursio.  This book revisits and celebrates the timeless principles of natural hygiene and health practices established in the 19th century. The book reflects on the foundational teachings of early hygienists, offering insights into health and wellness that remain relevant despite the passage of time.

1985: Dr.  Gian-Cursio passed away on July 26th, 1985.

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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.