[Arnold Rikli and the "atmospheric cure"]

Area of Science:

• History of Medicine
• Naturopathy
• Phototherapy

Background:

• Arnold Rikli, a Swiss naturopath, developed the "atmospheric cure" in the late 19th century in Veldes (Slovenia).
• His approach integrated natural therapies, including "light air cure," hydrotherapy, exercise, and nutrition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine Rikli's "light air cure" concepts and their indications.
• To assess Rikli's contributions and naturopathic methods from a contemporary medical perspective.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of Arnold Rikli's original writings on his "light air cure" (a form of phototherapy).
• Review of secondary literature to contextualize Rikli's historical impact and modern reception.

Main Results:

• Rikli championed the "light air cure" alongside hydrotherapy, exercise, phytotherapy, and diet.
• He gained fame through 53 publications but faced controversy for opposing conventional medicine and vaccination.
• His work brought "light therapy" to prominence, influencing treatments for rickets and tuberculosis, and inspiring the Arnold Rikli Prize for Photobiology.

Conclusions:

• Rikli popularized phototherapy within a holistic framework, influencing conventional medicine, particularly for tuberculosis.
• His pseudoscientific justifications sometimes hindered medical acceptance, yet he is recognized as a pioneer of phototherapy and hydrotherapy.
• His integrated approach to physical medicine, nutrition, and phytotherapy was ahead of its time, contributing to tourism and recognized by the Arnold Rikli Prize.