Germ Theory vs Terrain Theory

I hope you and your family and friends are doing well.
Because of some controversy regarding how to deal with COVID 19 and avoid getting sick I thought it might be a good idea to write about the two different approaches to immunity – Germ Theory (Pasteur) vs Terrain Theory (Bechamp).

Here is a brief and very simplified description:

Germ Theory

Modern germ theory basically states that germs or microorganisms (living and non-living) can lead to disease. Louis Pasteur’s theory was based on the assumption that the body is sterile and vulnerable to external pathogens. Because of this it suggests that in order to be well we need to kill the germs and avoid contact in the first place. This is part of the foundation of modern medicine and microbiology and led to the development of antibiotics, vaccines, pasteurization and so on. Pasteur’s approach places all the emphasis on the germ/microorganism, making the external environment responsible for disease and looking at immunization and antibiotics for instance as the only way to deal with it. Unfortunately it doesn’t take into account the body’s immune system and how this built in defence system can be strengthened through healthy nutrition, good sleep, low stress, resolving trauma, exercise …

Terrain Theory

Antoine Bechamp (a contemporary of Louis Pasteur) basically stated that it’s not the germ that’s responsible for the disease, but the terrain or microbiome. His theory states that by cleaning up and restoring the body’s healthy microbiome the body is no longer susceptible to germs/disease, in other words effectively taking away the fertile soil or ground on which the germ can thrive. The big difference in Bechamp’s Terrain Theory is that it puts the power into the hands of the individual, giving them the agency to enhance their immunity and wellbeing through their own health practices. In other words, the healthier the lifestyle, the more in balance the body is, the greater its ability to defend itself from disease and maintain its healthy state.

Who should you believe? Pasteur or Bechamp? Believe them both. Neither of them is wrong, because it is all about the context. Here’s some food for thought though: Louis Pasteur is rumoured to have said on his deathbed in a moment of inspired lucidity, “the terrain, the terrain!”, but modern medicine had already adopted the germ theory model by then.

I personally prefer the approach of prevention, which is the Terrain Theory, through supporting and strengthening the body’s natural defences. This is also the approach of the NES system. It identifies energetic terrains that are not fully protected and the NES system with its infoceuticals can help the body to secure those energetic terrains.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or want to make an appointment for a free consultation or a NES Wellness scan with balancing energetic imbalances.

Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year!

Get well, stay well