Kneipp Hiking Trail Altfasstal
Maranza
Kneipp Therapy
In the late 19th century, Sebastian Kneipp, a Bavarian clergyman developed effective natural therapies for stressed bodies, based on the power of nutrition, herbs and water.
Kneipp Therapy is based on five pillars.
1. Water therapy
‘Toughening up the body is the best protection. It is also the first choice of therapy and can be achieved only through the use of cold water.’
The stimulus which the water elicits on the body strengthens important basic functions like respiration, circulation, the temperature regulation system and metabolism and therefore also the immune system. Hydrotherapy includes cold ablutions, partial and half baths, wrappings and walking in water, on wet grass, or on wet stones.
Never perform Kneipp applications after physical exertion or eating.
2. Phytotherapy – herbal therapy
‘With these two agents - water and plants - it is possible to correct the sources of illness.’
3. Kinesiotherapy – movement therapy
‘The drop of sweat perspired in the sauna is not so valuable. Rather, the drop of sweat resulting from physical exertion is worth its weight in gold.’
4. Diet – nutritional therapy
‘Food should be prepared in a simple and plain manner. The nearer the food is to its orginal condition as found in nature, the healthier it is.’
5. Ordering your life
‘In sickness, vital energy becomes curative energy. A firm will and trust develop the first curative and fortifying effects. Therefore, each patient must contribute to his own healing process. This makes it easier for him to stay on the course.’
10 Golden rules for cold water application and trading water
1. Empty your bladder and your bowel prior to every major application.
2. Immediately prior to and after any meal, treading water should be avoided. Wait at least one hour before beginning the application.
3. During the application, one should recreate, breath regularly and avoid conversation.
4. Water applications may be performed only on a warm body and warm feet! Therefore, feet must be warmed up – by means of a quick walk or gymnastics.
5. Always begin ablutions, arm baths, and foot baths from the right (away from the heart)
6. Do not follow an arm bath with treading water; the reverse is also true. Failing to abide by this rule can result in dizziness, nausea, headaches and so on.
7. When treading water, one should adopt a stork position.
8. The colder the water, the shorter the application. However, water temperature should be pleasant.
9. Following the session, the legs should not be dried. Rather, the water should be scraped off using bare hands. Put on warm woolen or cotton socks.
10. It is then necessary to ensure that the feet and legs are comfortably warmed up. This can be achieved by going for a walk, running, gymnastics, or resting on a bench.
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