Kneipp Therapy

Disclaimer: This information is in no way intended to be a substitute for modern medical care. Do not self-treat any medical complaint without the guidance of a licensed health care provider.

In the nineteenth century, the german priest Sebastian Kneipp (pronounced Ka-nipe) developed the water-therapy system that bears his name. Today, variations of Kneipp therapy, or hydrotherapy, are practiced in spas around the world.

The core of this treatment involves the therapeutic application of hot and cold showers, rinses, baths and compresses. This approach may also include many other therapies, such as the use of simple nutritional treatments, herbs, movement therapy and courses of rest and exercise.

Kneipp's main motto is: "Inactivity weakens, exercise strengthens, excess harms." By having regular treatments, many of which can be done at home, this technique aims to increase blood flow, stimulate the metabolism, temper pain and boost immunity.

Saltwater Baths Rinse Away Stress

Water applications condition not only the blood vessels, but also the nerves, since 90% of our autonomic nerve endings are in the skin's surface. Hot water specifically, has a stimulating effect on the nervous system, relieving stress and such symptoms as insomnia. A saltwater bath cure may be especially useful for reducing stress. Stir 4½ lbs. of table salt into a 100°F bath, soak for 20 min., shower off with cool water, then rest for 20 minutes. Repeat this saltwater bath every third day for six weeks.

The Treatment

Kneipp therapy employs baths, showers, rinses, wet compresses and water exercises, with a full course of therapy lasing as long as four weeks. It is a therapy used to treat high blood pressure, low blood pressure, arthritis and rheumatism, sleep disorders, vascular disease, cramps, pains, stress, food allergies, digestive problems, immune deficiency and respiratory disorders. While this type of therapy is very common is spas in Europe, it tends to be less popular in the United States.

The Effects of Cold Water Applications

Kneipp therapy helps stimulate circulation. Cold water applications to the skin's surface initially cause the blood vessels to contract. The circulatory and nervous systems respond by sending warm blood to the chilled areas in an attempt to maintain the body's temperature. This stimulation of the more than 25,000 temperature receptors on the skin also increases the flow of blood to the organs. Always exercise to warm up the body before beginning any cold water applications. Keep the room temperature between 72°F and 75°F. It's also important to avoid drafts during cold water treatments.

The viewpoint of mainstream medicine

Kneipp worked closely with physicians across much of Europe to establish a scientifically proven foundation for his theories. Today, many of his ideas about the benefits of water therapy, nutrition and exercise are accepted by traditional doctors.

Methods of Administration

Water walking: Fill the bathtub 12 in. deep with cold water. Walk for 2 minutes with a stork-like gait, each time lifting your foot completely out of the water. Use slip guards to prevent falls. After exiting the tub, put on warm socks. Do this exercise in the morning to stimulate circulation. You can also do it at night to promote sound sleep, but you don't have to wear the socks to bed.
Cooling calf wraps for fever: Wrap the calves first with a cool, damp linen cloth, then with a layer of dry linen and then with 2 layers of cotton cloths and 2 layers of wool cloths. The wrap can be repeated every 15 minutes to lower a fever.

Body Wrap and Facial Rinse

Body Wrap

To relieve stomach pains, Kneipp recommended a moist, cold body compress. Fold a linen cloth so that it covers the body from the rib cage to below the navel. Soak the cloth in cold water, squeeze it dry and place it over the stomach. Wrap a large cotton towel and a wool blanket around the body on top of the damp linen. Rest quietly for about 1½ hours, until the compress warms up.

Facial Rinse

Ease head colds and sinus infection with a facial rinse. Varying the water temperature dilates blood vessels and loosens mucus, thereby easing congestion. To do the rinse, use a handheld shower or faucet extension. Direct a very cold jet of water onto the bridge of the nose for 1 minute. Then switch to warm water for 2 minutes. Finally, change back to cold water for 1 minute. Use the facial rinse morning and evening until the cold or congestion clears.

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Sources:
All information provided in this article is the result of research using (but not limited to) the following books and guides: Herbs for Health and Healing, Rodale; Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham; Magical Herbalism, Scott Cunningham; The Complete Guide to Natural Healing, International Masters Publishers; Earthway, Mary Summer Rain; Teach Yourself Herbs, Susie White; Natural Beauty from the Garden, Janice Cox; Nature's Prescriptions, Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing, and The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies, Joe Graedon and Theresa Graedon, Ph.D