Health is among the things money can't buy.
Sebastian Kneipp
At the end of the 19th century Sebastian Kneipp developed a
water cure called Kneipp therapy. This therapy form makes use of nature and is convinced that water is the best medicine of all. Kneipp therapy is especially efficient in case of metabolism complaints, heart and circulation disturbances, high or low blood pressure, early complaints of old age, obesity, diabetes, migraine, kidney, bladder or prostate complaints, sleeping disorders, weak immune system, and is ideal to prevent illnesses.
The
high-alpine spa resort Villabassa in Alta Pusteria,
the 1st Kneipp für mich® adventure village in Italy, uses its own water sources for this form of therapy. An active park with Kneipp treatments has been realised in the village centre.
ONLY IN SUMMER!!!
- The arm bath: Both forearms up to the middle of the upper arms are placed into the water. Keep the arms in the water until you feel a reaction (tickle, light redness of skin). Do not dry the arms off; wipe the water away and move until you get warm again.The cold arm bath has a refreshing effect, stimulates circulation and calms a nervous heart.
- The face basin: If possible leave your eyes open; after a few seconds take your head out and wipe the water away. The facial bath has a very refreshing effect and stimulates circulation of the facial skin: beauty pour. This bath reduces the risk of colds and keeps your body fit.
- Water treading: Warm feet and legs are a prerequisite! This treatment is not to be done just before or after eating. Walk forward and alternately raise your legs out of the water: Stork step. The treatment duration depends on the reaction (strong feeling of cold and tickle). The treatment has to be interrupted once the reaction has been achieved. Do not dry off after the treatment. Wipe the water away and move quickly until you get warm. Very good to stay fit; extra refreshing. The treatment has a positive effect on the veins and is therefore recommended in case of suffering from varicose veins.
- Dew treading: In addition to other medical plants, especially lady's mantle – or dewcup – grows on natural fields. The leaves have the shape of a cup, which is filled with shining, crystal-clear dew drops in the morning. Step on the fresh dew with your bare feet for two to five minutes. Afterwards put on warm socks and make sure you get warm again by walking around. Ideal in case of circulatory complaints, headaches, high blood pressure, varicose veins.
- Clay packs: Clay has an anti-inflammatory effect and has a high absorbance capacity; it can take up toxins and pollutants. Applied on the affected parts of the body it stimulates circulation. The tissue is activated and toxins are eliminated. Use: Apply the clay to your skin (one finger thick). The pack stays on the skin until it becomes warm and hard - usually about ½ h to 1 hour. Wash off afterwards. Treatment areas: cellulite, skin impurities, veins and joint inflammations.
- Barefoot path: Sebastian Kneipp regarded walking barefooted as very important. Take off your shoes and walk slowly on your bare feet along the various sections of the nature trail. Walking barefoot strengthens the feet musculature. The "painful – beneficial sensation" on your feet stimulates the entire body and its organs.
- Drinking pavilion: the park features a drinking pavilion. This is oligomineral water, which helps in case of digestive complaints and metabolic disorders. It has a positive effect on the respiratory tract, hysteric illnesses and pelvic complaints. According to the oldest medical essay dating back to 1675, this water apparently contains saltpetre, vitriol and a "gold-layered" substance. The water contains only a very small element of minerals. The fill is very low, the fountain is therefore also supplied with other water sources which have been applied in the facility for years. Whenever the fountain is emptied, the water flows out of the Puster Valley via mountain crystals and the liveliness of the water is further increased.