About

Gerald Benesh, born on September 21, 1912, in Cleveland, Ohio, grew up in a conservative environment steeped in the values and traditions of an earlier era. His education in Cleveland’s schools fostered a deep appreciation for history and a strong foundation in hard work and discipline.

Benesh’s journey in the health field began at the Sydney Hill Health Club in Cleveland, where he started as a bath attendant. His dedication and tireless work ethic quickly earned him a promotion to Physical Director within two and a half years. This achievement led to a further opportunity as Assistant Physical Director at the Cleveland Club, where he refined his expertise and deepened his passion for promoting health and fitness.

Benesh’s career continued to evolve as he worked for five years as a masseuse and Physical Director at Barney Kofron’s Health Club, solidifying his commitment to the well-being of others. When World War II broke out, Benesh’s talents were put to the test as he took on the critical role of overseeing the physiotherapy department at Jack and Heintz. His innovative approach helped maintain the health and productivity of the factory’s workforce, demonstrating that a healthy, well-cared-for labor force is vital to a nation’s success during times of crisis.

While embarking on his first job, Gerald Benesh took a proactive approach to his career by enrolling in evening classes at the Cleveland College of Emmanuel Therapy, where he studied massage. He completed a rigorous 12-month program and earned his medical board license as a qualified masseuse in 1941. Building on this foundation, he received credit for his massage training and dedicated three more years to a comprehensive study of naturopathy at the Naturopathic Institute of California. His commitment to holistic healing didn’t stop there—he also spent six months focusing on chiropractic studies at the renowned Los Angeles College of Chiropractic. He earned his degrees in both practices and pursued further education through several postgraduate courses. 

Gerald’s diverse and extensive education underscores his deep commitment to the principles of natural health and his unwavering desire to help others achieve lasting wellness.  This diverse training equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of holistic health approaches.

Gerald Benesh’s journey mirrors the path many natural hygiene practitioners took, from Dr. Issac Jennings to the present day. Often, these individuals turn to Natural Hygiene after facing repeated failures with both conventional pharmaceuticals and alternative treatments, eventually realizing that their previous methods were flawed. What sets them apart is their relentless pursuit of truth and an unyielding desire to find a better way.

Dr. Benesh embodied this spirit of inquiry. Frustrated by the inconsistencies and limitations of the practices he had initially embraced, he continued his studies, driven by the need for clarity. His quest led him to acquire numerous books, eventually discovering the principles of Natural Hygiene. Despite this new revelation, he continued to apply his earlier methods for some time, reflecting the internal struggle many experience on their transformative journeys toward a more effective approach to health and wellness. This exploration, doubt, and discovery process was central to the evolution of a more enlightened understanding of the body’s natural capacity for healing.

Benesh was an athlete of notable skill and determination. As an amateur boxer, he triumphed in nine out of twelve bouts in the 126-pound class, and in 1938, he earned second place in the Ohio State Weightlifting Championship.

However, despite his athletic prowess, Benesh struggled for nine years with persistent eczema on his hands. He once remarked, “I searched everywhere for a cure and tried all the various healing systems to no avail.” His experience was far from unique. Many others have found that the healing systems they turned to promise much but ultimately delivered little. These repeated failures may have played a crucial role in shaping Benesh’s open-mindedness toward a different approach that doesn’t claim to “cure” in the conventional sense.

When traditional remedies fall short, as they often do, those with curious and analytical minds seek alternatives. This was the path Benesh took. After exhausting various treatments—from diets and herbs to vitamins and mineral concentrates—he was mentally ready to embrace a new, more holistic understanding of health. His search for a solution, born from frustration and perseverance, set the stage for his eventual discovery of a more effective and natural approach to healing.

Benesh came across a copy of Dr. Shelton’s Hygienic Review, and it proved to be nothing short of an eye-opener. He felt a genuine hope for the first time as the magazine’s content resonated deeply with him. It added a new dimension to his health education, and he felt that Shelton’s insights truly hit the mark, offering a fresh perspective that aligned with his evolving understanding of natural hygiene. This discovery marked a pivotal moment in his journey, fueling his growing conviction and commitment to holistic healing.

In one of  Dr. Shelton’s Hygienic Review issues, there was an appeal for funds to help Dr. Christopher Gian-Cursio in his fight for medical freedom.  Gian-Cursio was arrested in Rochester for “practicing medicine without a license” as the medical board aggressively pursued legal action against him. When Gerald Benesh heard of Gian-Cursio’s plight, he immediately stepped in to offer financial assistance for his defense. In gratitude, Dr. Gian-Cursio sent Benesh a heartfelt letter, inviting him to “come up and visit.”

Seeking guidance for his persistent eczema, Benesh reached out to Dr. Christopher Gian-Cursio, who recommended trying a raw food diet. Despite following this regimen for three months, Benesh saw little improvement. Undeterred, Dr. Gian-Cursio suggested a more radical solution: fasting.

Determined to find relief, Benesh traveled to Rochester and undertook a 22-day fast at the Castle of Health under Dr. Gian-Cursio’s supervision. This transformative experience, which took place in 1940, marked a turning point in Benesh’s understanding of health. During those few weeks, he learned more about the principles of hygiene and natural healing than he had in all his years of trial and error. Miraculously, the fasting regimen eliminated his eczema, with no recurrence throughout his life.

This powerful story exemplifies the triumph of natural hygiene over traditional, often ineffective treatments and underscores the profound impact of holistic health practices. Benesh’s experience not only healed his condition but also deepened his commitment to exploring and promoting the principles of natural health.

When Dr. Benesh returned home from his 22-day fast, visibly thinner and profoundly transformed, he shocked his wife by announcing his decision to abandon his previous practices and fully embrace natural hygiene. Understandably concerned, she feared the consequences of his bold new direction. However, Dr. Benesh remained steadfast in his conviction, even as he lost all but two of his patients. Remarkably, these loyal individuals adhered to his guidance and, under his care, successfully regained their health.

A year later, Dr. Benesh opened a modest clinic in Cleveland, equipped with just five patient beds. His reputation for healing soon spread, and two years later, he relocated to Avon, Ohio, where he founded a dedicated health school. His practice flourished beyond his expectations, and he spent three days a week in his growing outpatient department. During this critical period, he also established the Cleveland Natural Hygiene Society and the Avon Natural Hygiene Society, solidifying his role as a prominent advocate for the principles of natural hygiene and its transformative benefits for health and wellness.

Dr. Benesh married Erma Bender, a Cleveland native, and together, they raised two daughters, emphasizing hygiene and natural health from the moment of their births. Throughout their journey, Mrs. Benesh supported her husband’s principles and work, unwavering in her commitment even as they faced numerous challenges and criticisms from the medical community.

In 1948, Dr. Gerald Benesh, attorney Irving Davidson, and esteemed doctors Herbert Shelton, Christopher Gian-Cursio, William Esser, and Jesse Mercer Gehman—along with film producer Jack Dunn Trop and publicist Symon Gould—came together to establish the American Natural Hygiene Society. Dr. Shelton was unanimously elected its first president, becoming a powerful force behind a powerful movement. The Society successfully revived the Hygienic revolution through dedicated educational initiatives, inspiring thousands to adopt and implement the transformative principles of Natural Hygiene. In 1998, the organization evolved into the National Health Association, continuing its mission to promote health and well-being for all.

As Dr. Benesh’s practice continued to evolve, he recognized that Ohio was no longer conducive to his work. In 1953, the family boldly relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina. There, Dr. Benesh established a rejuvenating retreat focused on healing the sick—a sanctuary for wellness where individuals could find solace, care, and a path to recovery. This new chapter allowed Dr. Benesh to further his vision of holistic health, creating a lasting legacy of care and dedication to natural healing.

Dr. Benesh eventually relocated to California, where he continued to build on his work in natural health and healing at the Paradise Valley Health Ranch at Lake Wohlford near Escondido.  He created a renowned health retreat dedicated to promoting natural healing and wellness. Nestled in the serene surroundings of North San Diego County, the ranch offered a peaceful and restorative environment for individuals seeking to improve their health through natural methods.

The Health Ranch specialized in fasting, diet, exercise, and other aspects of the Natural Hygiene principles championed by Dr. Herbert Shelton. Visitors to the ranch could undergo supervised therapeutic fasts, receive nutritional counseling, and participate in various activities designed to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Dr. Benesh emphasized the importance of holistic care—encouraging guests to detoxify their bodies, renew their vitality, and embrace a lifestyle of health that was in harmony with nature.

The ranch’s scenic location, surrounded by lush landscapes and tranquil views of Lake Wohlford, provided an ideal backdrop for relaxation and healing. It became a popular destination for those seeking alternative health treatments and a deeper understanding of the principles of Natural Hygiene. Many who visited Paradise Valley Health Ranch left with a newfound sense of vitality and a commitment to living a healthier, more balanced life.

Dr. Gerald Benesh underwent a profound personal transformation after discovering natural hygiene. While this journey cost him friends and subjected him to financial struggles, persecution, and personal hardships, the remarkable benefits numerous patients reaped far outweighed the challenges. Despite the obstacles, Dr. Benesh emerged as an extraordinarily successful practitioner of natural hygiene, with thousands of grateful patients serving as a testament to his dedication, expertise, and the transformative power of his work. His legacy stands not only in the lives he touched but in the enduring impact of his holistic approach to health and wellness.

Dr. Gerald Benesh, aged 90, peacefully passed away at his home on Friday, Nov. 15, 2002, due to natural causes. He was the last of the founding members of the American Natural Hygiene Society, known today as the National Health Association. 

Gerald Benesh’s work contributed to the growth of the natural health movement and among those advocating for holistic health practices. His emphasis on the body’s self-healing abilities and the importance of living in harmony with nature has influenced many health practitioners and individuals seeking alternative approaches to wellness. Though he may not have achieved mainstream fame, his writings and philosophy have impacted those who align with natural healing and preventative health practices.

Benesh’s work remains relevant today, especially in the growing interest in preventive health and integrative medicine in promoting overall well-being. His legacy and contributions will be deeply missed. His life was a powerful testament not only to his achievements but to the enduring importance of dedication, service, and the central role of health in our society.

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.