Kneipp treatments are named after Sebastian Kneipp, a German priest
who lived in the 19th century. Through a program of exposing his body
to alternate temperatures of hot and cold water, exercise and a healthy
diet of vegetables, herbs and fresh bakery products, he managed to cure
himself from a serious illness. It is this alternation of hot and cold
water on certain body parts and hosing down with jets that people
associate the principle of the Kneipp treatments. However certain
Danubius Health Spas offer, not only the water treatments, but full
Kneipp programs, which combine these water treatments with herbal dry
wraps, aroma baths a special healthy diet and exercise programs such as
Tai Chi and yoga (See Fitness: Exercise Classes). These programs last
between 2-3 weeks.
Alternating temperature bath
This treatment is similar in principal to the stepping bath (See: Stepping Bath) and is based on the Kneipp principle of hot and cold water on the body. The difference between the two treatments is in the stepping bath, you would physically step into baths of alternating temperatures whereas with our alternating temperature bath you sit comfortably with your feet in a basin whilst a gentle jet of water is sprayed onto the feet at a warm temperature with intervals of cold. This procedure is repeated for the wrists and hands, in the arm bath with water. This treatment improves the immune system, circulation and metabolism and leaves a rejuvenating feeling.
Alternating temperature pouring
Like ‘Scottish spray’ (See: Scottish Spray) this ‘pouring’ treatment is based on the Kneipp principle of contrasting hot and cold water upon the body. Whilst standing either naked or in a swim suit, a hose of warm water is gently directed over the body, first on the front and then on the back at a temperature of 38-40 °C. The temperature is then lowered to 16-18 °C and the action is repeated as before – first on the front of the body and then on the back. This combination of ‘pourings’ is repeated five or six times, finishing with cold water. This treatment improves the immune system, circulation and metabolism and leaves a rejuvenating feeling.
Herbal bath by Kneipp
This treatment is carried out in an individual thermal bath at a temperature of between 36 – 37°C. However it is uniquely different from an ordinary individual thermal bath since Kneipp herbal extracts are added to the water to create a variety of effects depending on the wishes or health needs of the guest. This treatment helps to re-energize and stimulate healing in the body and is particularly effective in combination with other therapies.
Scottish Spray
‘Scottish spray’ is a stimulating and extremely vigorous treatment. Whilst standing in a swimsuit or naked a pressurized jet of water (3 atm) is applied from a 3 to 4 meter distance. For the first 30 seconds the temperature set at 38-40 °C followed by a spray of 16-18 °C for 5-10 seconds. This procedure is repeated several times first in the area of the upper and lower extremities, then on the torso and belly, following the course of the large intestine, from the front and back. The treatment ends with a cold spray. This treatment improves the immune system, circulation and metabolism and leaves a rejuvenating feeling.
Stepping bath
This treatment involves stepping alternately into footbaths that are filled with water of contrasting temperatures. Firstly your feet are placed into a footbath of water between 40-50 °C, actively stepping for one to two minutes, then into a cold, water footbath of a temperature between 10-16 °C again actively stepping for 15-30 seconds. This whole cycle is repeated between 6 and 10 times, always finishing in the cold footbath. This treatment has a positive impact on headaches, migraines, circulation disorders (cold feet) and varicose veins in the early stage. It also helps improve the condition of loosening ankles, leg joints and is a suitable treatment for traumas to the feet and lower limbs.
