Hydrotherapy is the main activity of Sebastian Kneipp, who lived in Bavaria in the 19th century. Knowing the healing properties of water, he tried to systematize this knowledge. And he succeeded. Trying all the methods on himself, he was healed. Today, Kneipp hydrotherapy is actively used in sanatoria, fitness clubs, SPA centers, medical clinics.
Kneipp hydrotherapy involves several procedures, these are:
- barefoot walking on wet surfaces;
- baths;
- water intake (pure and in the form of herbal infusions).
Kneipp Healing Method
Sebastian Kneipp himself tried the most diverse options for the effects of water on the human body: baths, dousing, walking on water and much more. He described all his rich experience in a book that he called "My Hydrotherapy." As a result, a whole systematic technique for improving the body. It consists of several principles:
- Hydrotherapy.
- Healthy eating
- Phytotherapy.
- Gymnastics.
- Walks.
- Psychosomatics.
All these areas are still developing. Many sanatoriums, hospitals (both abroad and in Russia) offer advanced Kneipp methods.
Sebastian was actively developing an effective method of hardening the body. It included 3 stages:
- Walking on water.
- Immersion in cold water.
- Dousing.
Famous track
The first stage of hardening according to Kneipp was the impetus for creating a special track. It consists of several water tanks at once. Some are filled with hot liquid, some are cold. All of them are next to each other. To create natural reliefs at the bottom of these tanks, modern tiles with imitation of stone, grass, etc. are now used. Such a surface allows you to massage acupuncture points on the foot that affect the functioning of all organs of the human body.
For resorts, SPA salons and other similar institutions, the sale of such devices is provided. Kneipp path can be round, rectangular, with handrails, various designs. It is equipped with special systems that independently maintain the temperature inside the tanks, and are also responsible for changing the water.
Kneipp’s path, equipped with his own hands, will be a wonderful addition in the bathhouse, in the country. This is a great healing and relaxing tool. You can create both a temporary version of such a track (from various containers) and a permanent one. This will require basins or any other containers, grass, stones, sand, as well as water of different temperatures.
Kneipp track: how to use?
There are special recommendations on how Kneipp should be walked. This will help to get the desired effect faster. Before proceeding, it is recommended to thoroughly warm up the body, or at least only the legs and arms.
Further, experts advise to adhere to this sequence:
- Walk on the grass. This step should not take more than 10 minutes. The main thing is to feel a slight chill in your legs.
- Moving on cold water is better with a marching step. This will help to feel the contrast of warm air and cool water. The main thing is to maintain even breathing, and steps should be smooth and slow. This procedure should last several minutes.
- Then, in an accurate and slow step, you should go through the entire path. Then the step can be accelerated. Duration - 10 minutes.
- After this, you should lower your hands to the elbow in cold water for 10-20 seconds. This is the final stage.
After the Kneipp path is completed, it is recommended to dress and drink hot tea infused with medicinal herbs.
Kneipp path: indications and contraindications
Contrast bathtubs in the Kneipp path - this is a great healing and reflex stimulating therapy. If you regularly perform such a procedure, then you can:
- Protect the body from disease.
- Strengthen the immune system.
- Improve blood circulation and blood supply.
- Increase tone.
Like any other healing and healing method, Kneipp path has its contraindications:
- High body temperature.
- Cold limbs - they must first be warmed up.
- Passing procedures during which exposure to the body of low temperatures took place over the next two hours.
Kneipp tracks will always remain popular. This traditional method of hydrotherapy allows you to return to good shape, improve immunity and always be in a good mood.