A brief history of water therapy

The healing properties of water has been recognized since ancient civilization, with numerous public baths created by the ancient rulers for their people. The Romans, Greeks, Turkish and the Chinese empire have credited the power of water to relieve muscular ache and to help bring a restful sleep. The Hindus has been attributing the power of water in their religion by making the Ganges River a holy place while Muslims all over the world are obliged to use water to wash specific parts of their body before their obligatory prayer 5 times a day.

The first use of water for medical purpose was first introduced by Vincent Priessnitz who opened a spa in the early 19th century in Austria. This was followed by Father Sebastian Kniepp, a Bavarian monk who claimed that water could cure disease by improving the elimination of toxic waste from the body.

Father Sebastian Kniepp was a believer of water therapy when he cured himself of fatal lung condition by plunging into ice cold water every day for many months. He got the idea from Priessnitz who believe that bacteria disliked cold more than heat. Priessnitz reasoned from his experience as a farmer that cold condition generally inhibited animal breeding.

After he was cured, Father Kniepp began to advocate ice-cold baths and barefoot walks in grass and cold streams. Apart from that he also believe in the use of fresh air and herbs in his treatment.

Can't find what you're looking for ?