Vincenz Priessnitz, born in 1799, is considered the founder of modern hydrotherapy techniques.

Hydrotherapy, or the use of water to treat pain, common illnesses, and diseases, dates back thousands of years. People the world over have used steam baths, wet wraps and bandages, trips to the ocean, and simply wading in cold water to treat anything from sore throats to chronic lung conditions, and pain. What sets Priessnitz apart is his use of wet wraps and baths in specific ways to treat many types of ailments. He created a protocol of water treatment that other doctors would learn from him and then practice with their clients. One such student was Father Sebastian Kneipp, also known as the father of Naturopathic medicine.

Father Kneipp modified Priessnitz’s cold water treatments by introducing warm and hot water applications and introducing moving water such as showers or gusses to his protocol. He also added herbs to the water, at times, to facilitate a healing effect. The Kneipp school in Germany teaches Kneipp’s theories and protocols to a new generation of hydrotherapists each year keeping alive the German tradition of the water cure.

A Better Life Naturopathic Healthcare uses the Kneipp theory of hydrotherapy in its clinics to treat both physical and mental health conditions. Learn more about hydrotherapy and if it is right for you by contacting us today.