As mentioned briefly in a previous blog, Father Sebastian Kneipp, a poor Bavarian with the dream of becoming a priest developed a popular water treatment program and tradition leading to healings, books, and an international association. As a child, Kneipp learned his father’s weaving trade, but his priestly aspirations led him to Munich University at the age of 27 to study theology.
After five wearing years of study he became too ill from pulmonary tuberculosis to carry on as treatment for this illness was not available and often met with certain death. In Kneipp’s desperate search to heal himself he came across an 18th century book written by Sigmund Hahn entitled Cold Water Treatments. Kneipp became fascinated with the healing ideas presented in this book and began to develop a treatment system for himself.
Stationed in, Woerishofen (close to Munich), a small Bavarian village, Kneipp perfected his water treatment program and assisted thousands of poor individuals for free who had little if any access to medical care. Not much unlike today. Over the course of time he integrated various applications to his water cure including various water temperatures, herbs, steam, clay, wrappings, simple healthy foods, prayer, exercise, and so forth.
As he worked with more and more people, he astutely diagnosis medical problems and developed individualized treatment programs. Kneipp’s success drew the attention of medical professionals from all over and the once small town of Woerishofen is now the world’s première spa destination. Today, Germany’s medical insurance program recognizes and covers spa treatments up to 3 or 4 weeks when prescribed by Physicians for various ailments.
Kneipp’s healing methodology has five principals to understand, perform, and benefit from. The central concept of Kneipp’s holistic approach is a balanced, synergistic, and harmonious emotional, spiritual, and physical lifestyle built on nature’s gifts.
1. Hydrotherapy-the use of water applied in various fashions including hot baths, steam, cold/hot water alternating temperature treatments, wet bandages, foot bathes, water stepping, drinking water, and so on. Please refer below to the link with samples of Kneipp’s techniques.
2. Kinesitherapy- the use of regular massage, movement, and preferable outdoor exercise.
3. Phytotherapy – the use of herbs, essential oils, plants, tree, seaweed, and so on in massage, steam baths, teas, etc.
4. Nutrition – a balanced whole foods diet crafted to your metabolisms needs.
5. Lifestyle – an emotionally and spiritually balanced life incorporating these five principals as listed here.
For a more in-depth look at Kneipp’s 5 principals please click here.
Resources
· The Healing Power of Water written by Dr. Reinhard Bergel provides you with a few of the water treatment processes. To access the article click here
· To visit Woerishofen where Kneipp perfected his water cures click here for more information.
· To visit the Kneipp Museum click here.
· The International Kneipp Association started by Kneipp in 1894 click here.
· My Water Cure (Published in 1894) by Sebastian Kneipp
· The Natures Garden of Sebastian Kneipp by Dr. Hans Horst Frohlich
· Healing with Water-Kneipp Hydrotherapy at Home by Giselle Roeder
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