Derives from therapy developed in the last century by Father Sebastian Kneipp (1821-1897) that included Yes hydrotherapy, but also other important therapeutic aspects.

The history
Sebastian Kneipp was born in Bavaria in 1821 by a family very poor. He worked as the guardian of animals in a farm, but, growing, his only desire was to study and to become priest. Luck wanted that he was a sponsor and so, at the age of 23 years, he began to study. But the poverty during his childhood had weakened his physical and Sebastian was ill with tuberculosis, which at that time was a deadly disease. In the library of the King to Munich, which had access to his studies, he found an old book written by a doctor in the country of Slesia where were described the healing properties of the water. The young Kneipp decided to follow the methods described and began to bathe every day in winter for a few seconds in icy waters of the Danube. Was the "miracle" and healed. After having finished his studies he was sent to the monastery of Woerischofen where he began to treat other monks and then more and more people who had heard of him.

The Kneipp therapy
The key feature of Kneipp therapy is to consider the man as an inseparable unity of body and soul. To improve the resistance of the body and the ability to adapt to different requirements of life looking for the harmonisation of all the functions physical, intellectual and spiritual.

Kneipp therapy is based on five columns:

• The Hydrotherapy
• The Phytotherapy
• The Diet
• The Movement
• The Life ordered ("Lebensordnung") or, as they say today:" A balanced style of life ".

Physiological basis of hydrotherapy
The operation of hydrotherapy is based on thermal and mechanics effects. The nervous system brings the stimulus received in the skin inside the body, stimulating the immune system, influencing the gastric and hormonal secretion and reinforcing the cardiovascular system. The heat calm and soothes the body, slowing the activities of the internal organs. The cold on the contrary stimulates and reinvigorated by increasing the internal work. The alternation of hot and cold decreases stress and stimulates the body and mind.

Contraindication
Must be made with care and control of your doctor, especially from diabetes, the elderly and pregnant women.

Techniques
The techniques vary greatly and include showers and bathrooms is hot and cold with diving partial that total. Often, as in therapy original Father Kneipp, are used herbs (such as eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary and chamomile) and minerals.

Cold bath (or shower) from 10 to 21° C. From a few seconds at a few minutes accompanied by massage. Have a stimulating effect and of vasoconstriction. Neutral bath To 34° C have an effect somnolent, relaxing muscles and blocker. Hot bath Especially used for patients with chronic arthritis. Patients with muscle contractions derive therefrom immediate benefit. Other variants , as contrast baths (one leg immersed in hot water and one in cold water) or other techniques.