(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 Dr. 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.

• An Introduction to Nature Cure (1916)
• A New Approach to Cancer – (1938)
• The Heart: the Prevention and Cure of Cardiac Conditions. (1939)
• How to Obtain Healthy Hair (with full particulars of the home treatment for scalp disorders, including baldness, dandruff, alopecia areata, falling hair, etc.) (1939)
• The Question of V.D. (1945)
• High and Low Blood Pressure (1948)
• The Belfast Lecture: The Way to High-Level Health (1950)
• Nature Cure from the Inside (1953)
• Two Health Problems: Constipation and Civilisation (1954)
• What to Eat for Health (1954)
• Toward High Level Health (1960)

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.