History
The early naturists based on the life reform movement was motivated by the health benefits. Recent research suggests that naturism can have positive benefits for physical and mental health.1The secret to a long life: Strip naked and have a coffee! Naturism is a lifestyle that promotes health and well-being through a connection with nature. Naturists believe that spending time in nature, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly can help to improve physical and mental health.
At the turn of the 20th century, naturists believed that the best way to achieve optimal health was to live a simple life that was in harmony with nature. They advocated for a number of health practices.
Naturist health practice
The health practices of naturists at the turn of the 20th century were based on the belief that the body has the ability to heal itself when it is given the proper environment. Naturists believed that by living a simple life that was in harmony with nature, they could improve their physical and mental health.
- Sunbathing:** Naturists believed that the sun’s rays could help to improve circulation, boost the immune system, and relieve stress.
- Nutrition:** Naturists believed that a healthy diet was essential for good health. They advocated for eating whole, unprocessed foods that were grown locally.
- Exercise:** Naturists believed that regular exercise was important for physical and mental health. They recommended a variety of activities, including walking, swimming, and yoga.
- Water therapy – Naturists believed that water could be used to cleanse the body and improve health. They used a variety of water-based therapies, including bathing, hydrotherapy, and saunas.
- Massage: – Naturists believed that massage could help to improve circulation, relieve pain, and reduce stress.
Naturist medicine
Without clothes, people tend to rely on their personalities to make a statement and accept others for who they are, rather than clothing that might be worn. Some say that when they shed their clothes, they also shed the stress of their busy lives.
The physical benefits of being in nature, breathing fresh air exposure to sunlight were strong motivators for the start of the modern naturist movement. Recent studies indicate that the recent move to avoid sun exposure may have a negative effect on life span due to vitamin D depravation. 2Sun Avoidance: A Risk Factor for Mortality? The principles and teachings of physical heath and fitness gurus like Bernarr Macfadden strongly influenced the early naturist pioneers.
A form of naturist medicine existed in the earliest days of modern naturism and it precursors. many alternative medicine facilities (sanitariums) including naked air baths in their medical treatment plans.
Besides getting a healthy dose of vitamin D, naturist living also has other health benefits. Naturists commonly sleep naked This practice is widely documented to have many physical and mental health benefits 3SLEEPING NAKED MAKES ME FEEL HOLLYWOOD-STAR-LEVEL CONFIDENT. Sleeping without clothing is a simple easy way to begin a naturist life. Learning how to sleep like a naturist doesn’t take much effort, just practice
Mental health
Naturism and mental health. – Self actualization psychologist Abraham Maslow posited that nudism could be seen as a a form of therapy.4Eupsychian Management: A Journal by Abraham Harold Maslow (1965-06-24) Psychologist Lawrence Casler also studied nudisms social and mental health benefits.
“In short the most interesting thing about nudism seems to be not that it exists but that so little has been done to learn what it has to teach” Lawrence Casler PhD.
Innovators like Paul Bindrim explored mental health treatment through nude therapy based on some of Maslow’s initial findings.5JOURNAL OF THE HISTORY OF THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES :BARING THE SOUL: PAUL BINDRIM, ABRAHAM MASLOW AND ‘NUDE PSYCHOTHERAPY Mainstream society in most places has not moved towards acceptance of social nudity as practiced in naturism. However some segments of society have begun to recognize the health benefits of spending nude time indoors and outdoors. 6The health benefits of being naked: How stripping down is good for you Recent studies also suggest that naturism may have significant mental health benefits as well. 7Naked and Unashamed: Investigations and Applications of the Effects of Naturist Activities on Body Image, Self-Esteem, and Life Satisfaction
“The naturists have been saying this for some time. However, despite a lot of positive claims, little to no empirical research has investigated whether naturist activity (rather than attitude or beliefs) actually makes us happier or, just as importantly, why it makes us happier.” Dr. Keon West
Body image and self esteem are aspects of mental health and well-being that seem most greatly and easily impacted by naturist practice.
Diet and healthy eating
Healthy eating was also a part of modern naturism and nudism. Many of the early proponents of naturism also advocated vegetarian or vegan diets. Many naturist and nudist clubs would publish healthy food options for their members.
Naturists also believed in the importance of personal hygiene and cleanliness. They advocated for regular bathing and grooming, and they avoided using harsh soaps and detergents.
Whether it’s called naturism or nudism. Regardless of which term is used naturism and it modern American expression nude recreation is a great way to support mental health and physical well being.
References
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- 5JOURNAL OF THE HISTORY OF THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES :BARING THE SOUL: PAUL BINDRIM, ABRAHAM MASLOW AND ‘NUDE PSYCHOTHERAPY
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