Kneipp medicine is more than just entering the water: the therapy according to Sebastian Kneipp builds on five pillars and is considered the origin of modern naturopathy.
Sebastian Kneipp’s holistic healing concept relies on a natural way of life and thus wants to strengthen the immune system. The Kneipp applications can be used both preventively and in the event of existing diseases.
The concept that the pastor Kneipp developed in the second half of the 19th century is based on five pillars that structure his holistic lifestyle:
- Water
- Herbal medicine
- Nutrition
- Movement
- Order of life
Kneipp therapy: Development of the holistic approach
Kneipp developed his therapy approach around 130 years ago. At that time he suffered from a lung disease – but the doctors could not help him. So he undertook short cold water baths in the Danube after reading this method in a book, according to the pharmacies. In doing so, he created the origin of his water therapy, which later also earned him the title “Water Doctor”.
With his knowledge, Kneipp soon offered cures for other sick people. In 1886 he published his first book: “My water cure”. In 1889 the second book followed, in which he also described the other four pillars of what is now known as Kneipp therapy.
Today the water step basins act as a kind of monument and as a cooling for the feet tired hiking: inside. Throughout Germany, 1,200 clubs are organized in the Kneipp Association, which describes itself as the largest private German health organization. According to the NetDoktor medicine portal, the mode of action of holistic Kneipp therapy is scientifically justified.
Kneipp therapy sees people as a unity of body, mind and soul. It is therefore more concerned with what constitutes the lifestyle of a healthy person and not with how an illness can be cured.
Hydrotherapy according to Kneipp – the best known pillar
Kneipp’s water therapy is also often used. The warm-cold change, which is often typical in Kneipp therapy, is supposed to stimulate the circulation and strengthen the immune system (as with alternating showers). The water applications to Kneipp include water castings, washes and wraps as well as the well-known watering in the typical Kneipp pool.
Water
The following rule applies to this: You should not freeze and the application should not cause pain. Slowly go through the pool and lift your leg completely out of the water with every step.
You should discuss other water applications with medically trained specialists.
Water castings
According to NetDoktor, they should promote blood circulation and relax the muscles. Most of the time they are limited to a certain part of the body. Among other things, there are back, thigh, knee, arm or facial castings. Depending on the patient, they can be carried out hot, cold or warm.
The point where the cast is applied is crucial:
-
Cold faces should help with tension headaches and migraines.
-
Warm vertebral columns are used to relax the back muscles.
-
Cold breast casts strengthen the immune system, warm breast casts are recommended for respiratory diseases.
-
Cold knee and thighs regulate the blood pressure, expand the arteries, promote blood circulation, have a calming and sleep promoting.
Washing and wrapping
They are a gentler application than the water castings. Here, too, there are washes only for the upper body or full body washing. The wraps are intended for certain parts of the body such as the legs or breast. Kneipp also relies on the circulatory change between warm and cold.
The herbal medicine to Kneipp
In addition to its water applications, Kneipp has also examined plants for their healing effects. He administered various medicinal plants in the form of ointments, bathing additives, tinctures, teas or juices. With his research, Sebastian Kneipp joined a tradition of naturopathy that has been concerned with people since ancient times.
Kneipp emphasizes above all the preventive aspect that medicinal plants can have – such as linden flower or elderflower tea. With the monastery garden on the doorstep, the pastor Kneipp had the best prerequisites to deal with medicinal plants.
Kneipp medicine: movement therapy
Kneipp has also recognized how important and beneficial exercise for health is. That is why his holistic concept also relies on movement therapy. According to the Kneipp Association, this includes active movement therapy and passive. A massage would be passive, for example.
But Kneipp went even further by noticing at the time: hustle and bustle and stress are harmful to health, but moderate movement in the fresh air is health -promoting. He was also happy to recommend barefoot.
According to Kneipp, movement should harden the body and thus make more resistant to diseases.
Nutrition theory to Kneipp
When it comes to food, Kneipp recommends a varied and balanced diet. In addition, a little meat belongs to his menu. Kneipp has not pronounced bans. You should pay attention to a sufficient supply of vitamins and trace elements as well as enough carbohydrates and fats.
In general, Kneipp recommends a simple, nutritious food. So it is best to cook yourself healthy and eat as many unprocessed foods as possible. He followed the motto: “Everything in his time and everything in the right.”
The order therapy to Kneipp: Find balance
Sebastian Kneipp also recognized that not only the body is crucial for health, but also the balance of spirit and soul. What is known as order therapy or life of life today simply describes to keep the balance in life – no “too much” or “too little”, as Kneipp put it.
The aim is also to develop a mental balance and stress tolerance. This resilience occurs when life is organized. Anyone who also lives in harmony with themselves and with nature also mentally fulfills the best conditions for a healthy life.
Revised by Martina Naumann
Read more on utopia.de:
- Placebo effect: How treatments without active ingredient heal us
- Remove stress: 7 tips that slow down your life
- Forest walk: that’s why it is so healthy
** marked with ** or orange underlined Links to sources of supply are partially partner links: If you buy here, you will actively support Techzle\.com, because we will then receive a small part of the sales proceeds. More information.