Thinkers and practitioners of naturopathy

Visionaries of life who revealed the art of cultivating health so that illness may fade away

Throughout history, visionary men and women have explored the paths of natural health. Attuned to the body and nature, they explored the laws of life and experimented with simple yet powerful methods to understand illness, support healing, and prevent imbalances. Doctors, researchers, practitioners, and therapists alike shared the conviction that true healing does not come from fighting disease, but from cultivating health. Their vision converges on one essential idea : the body possesses innate intelligence and a capacity for self-healing that should be supported rather than hindered.

Their legacy forms a true living library, blending foundational concepts, proven practices, and visionary discoveries. Together, these complementary approaches offer the keys to support vital functions, prevent imbalances, and encourage natural, respectful, and effective regeneration, in harmony with physiological and environmental laws.

The concept of biological terrain according to Claude Bernard

Discovering that health results from harmony within the internal environment 

Claude Bernard, a 19th-century physiologist, introduced the essential concept of the « internal environment », the basis of the body’s stability and health. He demonstrated that disease does not arise primarily from microbes, but from the weakening of the « terrain », which reduces the body’s natural resistance and allows pathogens to develop. This vision has had a profound impact on naturopathy, which considers biological balance to be the key to vitality and prevention. His approach remains a reference point for understanding that it is imbalances in the terrain that cause disease.

Vitalist Naturopathy Founded by Benedict Lust

Restoring health by following the laws of nature

Of German origin, Benedict Lust introduced naturopathy to the United States in the early 20th century, where he is regarded as its founder. Inspired by Kneipp’s hydrotherapy and European vitalist approaches, he developed a holistic natural medicine focused on prevention and on stimulating the body’s vital forces. His work led to the organization of naturopathy as a recognized discipline, integrating diet, exercise, healthy living, and natural care. Thanks to him, the term « naturopathy » spread worldwide.

The Integral Medicine of Paul Carton

Purifying body and spirit to restore vitality

A French physician of the early 20th century, Paul Carton promoted an integral medicine grounded in strict lifestyle hygiene and a moral vision of health. His « lacto-vegetarian » diet and principles of moderation aimed to purify both body and spirit. Convinced that illness stems from straying from natural laws, he emphasized discipline and rigor to regain vital balance. His writings and lectures left a lasting influence on the hygienist movement and on French-speaking naturopathy.

The nutritional science of Weston A. Price

Supporting vitality through whole, unprocessed foods

American dentist Weston A. Price traveled the world in the 1930s to study the diets of traditional peoples. He discovered that those who maintained natural, nutrient-rich diets enjoyed remarkable health and an almost complete absence of cavities or degenerative diseases. In contrast, the introduction of refined foods quickly led to disease and malformations. His observations became a major reference in preventive nutrition, highlighting the importance of consuming foods as nature provides them: whole and unprocessed.

The nutritional therapy and detoxification of Max Gerson

Detoxifying the body and stimulating its self-regenerative powers

A German physician exiled to the United States, Max Gerson developed a nutritional therapy to treat chronic diseases, particularly cancer. His protocol was based on an organic plant-based diet, intensive use of fresh juices, detoxification through enemas, and targeted supplementation. Through his clinical observations, he demonstrated that the body can restore its regenerative capacity when freed from toxins and adequately nourished with essential nutrients. His method paved the way for a structured and coherent therapeutic nutritional approach.

Modern hygienism pioneered by Herbert Shelton

Learning to regenerate the body by respecting biological laws

Herbert Shelton was one of the pioneers of modern hygienism, emphasizing the body’s natural power to regenerate. He believed that diet, rest, exercise, and breathing are the keys to optimal health. In his view, the body possesses self-healing abilities that are often inhibited by excesses or inappropriate treatments. His teachings invite a return to a simple life and to listening to vital needs in order to regain balance, strength, and energy. His approach remains a reference for those who aspire to live in harmony with their bodies and with nature.

Vitalist naturopathy developed by Pierre-Valentin Marchesseau

Exploring an art of living rooted in vital energy

Pierre-Valentin Marchesseau developed a vitalist approach to naturopathy, emphasizing vital energy and bodily harmony. In his view, every individual possesses an inner force capable of restoring health when favorable conditions are met. He organized hygienist practices and natural therapies into a coherent, clear, and educational pedagogy. His teaching emphasized prevention, diet, exercise, and respect for biological rhythms, offering a complete method to sustain vitality and support natural regeneration.

The nutritional and preventive medicine of Catherine Kousmine

Preventing and correcting imbalances through targeted nutrition

Catherine Kousmine showed that nutrition is central to prevention and to the restoration of health. She developed rigorous nutritional methods, combining macronutrient balance and targeted supplementation, to support the immune system and prevent chronic disease. Her approach was based on clinical observations and sound physiological principles, proving that health can be restored by respecting the body’s natural needs. Her work continues to inspire practitioners and researchers committed to promoting healthy, therapeutic, and regenerative nutrition.

The harmonist method of Raymond Dextreit

Achieving full health through a life in harmony with nature

Raymond Dextreit popularized a simple and accessible approach to natural health, centered on the overall balance of the human being. His “harmonist method” was based on a lifestyle aligned with nature, frugal eating, the therapeutic use of clay and medicinal plants, and respect for natural laws. His teaching reminds us that the body has an innate capacity for regeneration, provided it is offered favorable conditions, especially through direct contact with natural elements.

Vital hygiene and biotherapy according to André Passebecq

Cultivating health by unifying body and mind

French doctor and naturopath André Passebecq developed an approach based on vital hygiene—the art of preserving health through proper nutrition, conscious breathing, restorative sleep, physical exercise, and emotional balance. He combined this with biotherapy, a reasoned use of natural remedies such as medicinal plants, homeopathy, and trace elements. His vision placed each person at the center of the process and emphasized the importance of the psychological dimension, reminding us that health is built on the harmony of body and mind. His teaching inspired many practitioners and promoted a coherent, humanistic, and personalized naturopathy.

Practical hygienism promoted by Désiré Mérien

Cultivating vitality and energy through a healthy and balanced lifestyle

As an educator and popularizer, Désiré Mérien dedicated himself to making the principles of hygienism understandable and applicable to everyone. He shared practical advice on diet, fasting, physical exercise, and stress management, always with an emphasis on simplicity. His teaching showed that prevention and regeneration depend on mastering daily habits and understanding the body’s natural needs. In this way, he helped establish hygienism as an accessible art of living, founded on simple and consistent practices.

Original diet according to Albert Mosséri

Eating in accordance with the laws of nature to preserve health

Albert Mosséri, a major figure in French-speaking hygienism, emphasized the importance of returning to an “original” diet, close to the one for which humans are naturally adapted. He advocated a mostly raw, simple, and frugal diet, combined with periods of digestive rest and fasting. In his view, by respecting fundamental physiological needs, the body can regain vitality and balance. Through his many books and workshops, he influenced generations of people seeking a more natural and authentic approach to health.

Natural health popularized by Robert Masson

Exploring the foundations of vital balance for a harmonious life

French naturopath Robert Masson dedicated himself to bringing natural health to the widest possible audience through clear and engaging teaching. Author of numerous books, he stressed the importance of a diet adapted to individual needs and environmental context. Rejecting dogma, he preferred a pragmatic approach grounded in observation and clinical experience. His teaching greatly contributed to the recognition of naturopathy in France and to its dissemination beyond specialists, reaching a much broader public.

The naturopathic pedagogy of Christopher Vasey

Supporting well-being and vitality with practical natural methods

Swiss naturopath Christopher Vasey is one of today’s best-known authors in the field of naturopathy. His books, translated into many languages, present with rigor and simplicity the foundations of vital hygiene, nutrition, and natural health methods. He focuses on explaining physiological mechanisms to empower individuals to take charge of their own balance. His clear and structured pedagogy has contributed to spreading naturopathy internationally, making it both accessible and credible to a wide audience.

Vitality through living food according to Irène Grosjean

Reawakening the vital force through raw and natural foods

French naturopath Irène Grosjean popularized living foods as a preferred means of restoring vitality. She teaches that raw, fresh, organic foods contain vital energy capable of supporting the body and stimulating self-healing. Her message is simple and powerful: by returning to a natural, original diet, people can regain health, energy, and joy of living. Through her lectures, videos, and workshops, she has inspired thousands to transform their relationship with food and with life.

Cellular regeneration and detoxination according to Robert Morse

Promoting self-healing through fruits, plants, and detoxification

American naturopath Robert Morse developed an approach centered on deep cellular regeneration and detoxification. His teaching emphasizes the abundant use of fresh fruits, medicinal plants, and a holistic vision of the body. Convinced that illness results from obstruction of fluids and toxicity, he proposes freeing the body so that vitality can circulate once again. His method attracts many seekers of natural health seeking complete and lasting regeneration.

The benefits of natural light according to John Ott

Discovering the essential impact of sunlight on health and vitality

American researcher John Ott studied the influence of natural light on biological rhythms and human health. He demonstrated that exposure to inadequate artificial light could disrupt metabolism, while natural light promotes hormonal balance, growth, and vitality. His work paved the way for modern photobiology and for the understanding of the therapeutic effects of light. His legacy invites us to rediscover the fundamental importance of the link between sunlight and health.

Chronobiology applied to health by Alain Reinberg

Respecting biological rhythms to support health and balance

French physician and researcher Alain Reinberg was one of the pioneers of chronobiology, the science of biological rhythms. He demonstrated that our vital functions are regulated by natural cycles, whose respect is essential to preserving health. Disrupted by modern lifestyles, these rhythms affect sleep, digestion, immunity, and overall energy. His research opened new perspectives on adapting diet, work, and rest to the body’s real needs.

Regeneration through fresh juices according to Norman Walker

Renewing vitality through raw, living juice extraction

American pioneer of natural nutrition Norman Walker is famous for popularizing the use of juice extractors. He maintained that fresh vegetable and fruit juices provide concentrated, directly assimilable nutrients while giving the digestive system a rest. His approach aimed to support detoxification, strengthen vitality, and prevent illness. His books, still widely read today, helped spread the idea that fresh juices are a powerful source of health and regeneration.

Micronutrition and cellular health according to Gabriel Cousens

Combining nutrition, spirituality, and awareness for integral health

American physician and teacher Gabriel Cousens developed an original approach to health, combining micronutrition, living foods, and a spiritual dimension. His teaching emphasizes the importance of high-quality nutrients to nourish cells, while cultivating an expanded awareness of health. He founded the Tree of Life Center, a place for research and experimentation on nutrition and regeneration. His vision connects physical health, emotional balance, and spiritual awakening in an integral understanding of the human being.

The ecology of health according to André Birre

Understanding that individual health is linked to respect for the environment

French physician André Birre was one of the first to develop an “ecology of health,” connecting the balance of the body with that of the planet. He emphasized that environmental degradation, pollution, and biodiversity loss have a direct impact on human health. His thought invites us to move beyond an individualistic view of health and to place it within a global, ecological, and collective context. His work remains a reference for understanding the interdependence between health and the environment.

Sensory and energetic nutrition according to Pierre-Valentin Dalet

Awakening the senses to rediscover a balanced diet

Pierre-Valentin Dalet explored an original approach to natural health, based on the sensory and energetic experience of food. He showed that eating is not only about meeting physiological needs but also involves vital energy and bodily sensitivity. His teaching proposed restoring a conscious, intuitive, and energetic dimension to meals. This approach opens the way to a more subtle understanding of food as a bridge between body, energy, and awareness.

The holistic medicine of Tal Schaller

Integrating body, emotions, mind, and environment into health

Swiss physician Tal Schaller advocated a holistic medicine that considers the human being in all its dimensions. He promoted the integration of natural, psychological, and spiritual approaches to restore overall balance. As a lecturer and author, he contributed to popularizing the notion of global medicine, which transcends the divide between allopathy and alternative medicine. His central message is clear: healing can only be complete when the unity of body, soul, and spirit is acknowledged.

My personal journey toward an edenic lifestyle

Offering children flourishing health through a life close to nature

Following serious health challenges with my second baby, born at home in Cameroon, I discovered the keys to natural health in 1998, inspired in particular by the work of Raymond Dextreit. This understanding of how the human body functions then guided us, with our eleven children, to adopt a lifestyle we call “Edenic”: a way of living in harmony with nature, where we grow part of our own food, especially fruits that young children naturally enjoy. Through this experience, I have witnessed that by living close to nature, children can be joyful, energetic, and in radiant health throughout the day.

This article was written by Claire Loiseleur, who is the founder and animator of the ¡Viva la Vida! center, whose mission is to offer children with cancer natural regeneration of health with all the Respect and Love they deserve.

To find out more about the ¡Viva la Vida! center and how it works, I cordially invite you to :

In addition, to go further and understand what the ¡Viva la Vida! center is basing on to fulfill its mission serving children with cancer, I invite you to :

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The Facebook group OFFERING MY CHILD WITH CANCER A NATURAL HEALING is a warm and friendly forum for exchange on the theme of Healing pediatric cancer using natural methods. It is open to all parents who have a child with cancer and who are curious to discover the extent to which the keys to natural health can help regenerate their child’s health. The aim is to help each other move forward, beyond the obstacles we face, in order to offer children with cancer natural healing with all the respect and love they deserve.