Dr. Gerald Benesh - Timeline - (1912 - 2002) - National Health Association Skip to content
Dr. Gerald Benesh – Timeline – (1912 – 2002)
Dr. Geral Benesh presenting at the 15th annual conference.
Photo Courtesy of Mark Huberman

1912:  Born on September 21, 1912, in Cleveland, Ohio.

1938:  As an amateur boxer, he won nine out of 12 fights in the 126-pound class and placed second in the Ohio State weightlifting championship. 

1940: Benesh traveled to Rochester and engaged in a 22-day fast at the Castle of Health, supervised by Dr. Gian-Cursio.  Benesh learned more about hygiene in those few days than he had over the years, and miraculously, he completely eliminated his eczema (with no reoccurrence during his lifetime).

1941:  Gerald attended the Cleveland College of Emmanuel Therapy, studying massage, and was given a medical board license as a masseuse. He pursued his education at the esteemed Davison College of Naturopathy, the renowned Los Angeles College of Chiropractic, and the respected Naturopathic Institute of California. This diverse training equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of holistic health approaches.

1948: Dr. Benesh, along with attorney Irving Davidson and esteemed doctors Herbert Shelton, Christopher Gian-Cursio, William Esser, and Jesse Mercer Gehman, as well as film producer Jack Dunn Trop and publicist Symon Gould, came together to establish the American Natural Hygiene Society. 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.

1953: Dr. Benesh and his family relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, and established a rejuvenating retreat dedicated to caring for the sick, creating a haven for healing and wellness.

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. 

2002:  Dr. Gerald Benesh, aged 90, peacefully passed away on Friday, Nov. 15, 2002, due to natural causes. His legacy and contributions will be deeply missed.

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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.

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