In general, “Kneipp” is understood to mean cold casts and treading water. However, the actual Kneipp concept is a holistic therapy that wants body, mind and psyche in harmony and focuses primarily on prevention. The Catholic priest Sebastian Kneipp (1821-1897) founded the therapy concept named after him after he cured his severe tuberculosis, which was still considered incurable at the time, by taking ice-cold baths in the Danube himself. For a long time Sebastian Kneipp had to fight – again and again he was controversial, especially among medical experts – until his method was recognized.
Positive effects on health
The rules of Father Kneipp, his way of life and healing are as up-to-date today as they were then and are very suitable for the prevention and healing of various diseases of civilization. They are optimal for prevention and maintenance of health, because they:
- Strengthen the immune system
- Increase physical fitness and
- Build increased resistance to psychological and physical stress.
For example, water applications and exercise stimuli prevent a strong release of stress hormones.
Holistic Kneipp therapy
A quote from Sebastian Kneipp shows his thought process: “The means which the natural cure claims are based in light, air, water, diet, rest and exercise in their various applications; things which, if present normally, can keep the healthy organism healthy and make it healthy again when it is diseased.” Consequently, the holistic Kneipp therapy includes five elements:
- Order therapy – prevent and heal through the correct division of life.
- Nutritional therapy – prevent and heal by eating right.
- Exercise therapy – prevent and heal through physical activity.
- Hydrotherapy – prevention and healing with water
- Phytotherapy – prevention and healing with plants
Order therapy
Order therapy can also be called the core of Kneipp holistic therapy – it aims to get a healthy attitude to life. Body, mind and soul should be brought into harmony to create the conditions for a healthy life. This includes the establishment of healthy structures for the outer and inner order of life as well as the orientation of life towards meaningful goals. Disease-causing influences must be perceived and, if possible, eliminated so that the person becomes more physically and mentally resilient.
Nutritional Therapy
The therapy concept recommends a varied, balanced diet. The motto: protein moderately, carbohydrates abundantly and fat little. Components should therefore be primarily plant foods, fresh foods, native vegetable oils, and dairy products and fish. Denatured foods, such as white flours and white sugar, as well as coffee and alcohol are allowed only in moderation.
Exercise therapy
Regular activity without exaggerated performance demands and the targeted interplay of tension and relief are the fundamentals of this therapy. The type and duration of physical activity are determined on a completely individual basis, since Kneipp therapy knows no prohibitions, only suggestions. Exercise therapy includes a wide variety of sports: from gymnastics to yoga, from swimming to Nordic walking – everything that is beneficial to health. With a regular workout it is possible to promote muscle development, bones, cardiovascular system, mobility and coordination.
Water and bath therapy
Hydrotherapy is based on the healing power of water, as water exerts a temperature stimulus on the body, which in turn stimulates the immune system. This form of application includes casts, baths, washes, wraps and packs. For example, casts: They are simple in application, but have a lasting effect on the organism. The applications are made with a hose and almost pressureless water jet according to the cold-warm principle:
- After a warm shower, arms and legs are doused with cold water from the bottom up, then the torso from the outside in the direction of the heart.
- The same procedure is then done with warm water.
- The whole thing can be repeated several times in a row. But the conclusion always offers a cold pour.
- The water afterwards only wipe with your hands to take advantage of the evaporation and cooling effect.
Regular repetitions of these applications produce a training effect that strengthens the immune system, leading to hardening.
Plant therapy
Medicinal herbs have been used for therapy since ancient times; nowadays – with modern scientific methods – the effectiveness and effects of herbs have been proven. They are used both for prevention and treatment of diseases, usually without strong side effects. They are used in the form of teas, infusions, juices, bath additives or ointments.
Conclusion: Kneipp therapy still up to date
“Whoever does not spend a little time every day for his health, must one day sacrifice a lot of time for his illness.” (Sebastian Kneipp)
Kneipp is as relevant as ever against the backdrop of a world that is becoming increasingly complex and therefore more demanding. The different therapies can all be applied individually, but if all five elements of Kneipp’s theory are lived, the full efficiency of this teaching can unfold.
