Sebastian Kneipp (1821-1897) was a Bavarian priest and one of the founders of the Naturapathic medicine movement. He is most commonly associated with the “Kneipp Cure” form of hydrotherapy, a system of healing involving the application of water through various methods, temperatures and pressures.
While he was studying to become a priest as a young man, he contracted a deadly disease of his time-tuberculosis. Physicians of his time did not have any remedy for this illness. However, Kneipp did not give up hope and use of cold water in healing. He first tried its prescriptions for half a year but found neither perceptible improvement nor harmful effects. Then came the winter of 1849, when he sought out a lonely spot and bathed for a few minutes twice or thrice a week in the Danube, and then quickly hurried home to his warm room. Kneipp derived ‘small benefits’ from these cold exercises.
In 1850, he found another poor student with extremely poor health. Kneipp initiated him into the mysteries of the little book, and they both challenged each other on who could be healed first. Kneipp’s treatment enabled him to stimulate his physical stamina and immune system, so much so that his illness went into remission. The student’s health improved tremendously as well. After he was ordained to become a priest, Kneipp started to research on the use of water in treating illnesses. The sick flocked to listen to his talks as well as seek his treatment. He had many patients, including numerous famous people of his time. Among them were Pope Leo XIII; Prince of Wales, later Kind Edeward VIII; Empress Fredericka of Germany; Empress Elizabeth of Austria; Baron Rothschild; and Benedict Lust.
In 1886, Kneipp wrote a book, My Water Cure, which was published and translated into many languages. This book, now in its 36th edition, is still in circulation today and is used by students studying to become professional hydro therapists.
In this book, Kneipp described different types of baths—footbaths, semi-baths, sitz baths, full baths and partial baths.
Sebastian Kneipp introduced ‘water stepping’ as a form of wellness activity. Today it is commonly seen in many European countries, particularly in Germany. He left behind a logical, holistically orientated therapy concept that is appropriate for all age groups, mainly for preventative health care and the treatment of acute and chronic illnesses. He was conferred the title “Father of Hydrotherapy” by the German government for his contribution to hydrotherapy.
