Hydrotherapy Kneipp cures in the private bathroom

Hydrotherapy can also be used at home in the bathroom

07/06/2013

Trend to Kneipp cures in the private bathroom. Sometimes naturopathic treatment methods experience support from an unexpected direction. For example, in a recent press release, the Association of the German Sanitary Industry (VDS) has pointed out the possibilities of using interchangeable casts based on the model of Kneipp cures in their own bathroom.

It is true that the Association of the German Sanitary Industry links its recommendations on the home use of hydrotherapy with references to special facilities in the bathroom, which clarifies the economic interests of the manufacturers. But this should not diminish the statements regarding the positive health effects of hydrotherapy. Whether special fittings are required for the processes or these are carried out with appropriate aids in the conventional bathroom is up to the users.

Positive effect of hydrotherapy
The hydrotherapy is attributed to numerous beneficial health effects, the treatment method is mainly the temperature-related but also on the mechanical stimuli of the water benefits. For example, so-called exchanges of cold and warm water should have an effect on the cardiovascular system. It is also assumed in natural medicine that the external temperature stimuli of the water have an effect on the internal organs. In addition to the classic Kneipp cures, for example, medical baths, sitz baths, foot baths and steam applications can be mentioned as forms of hydrotherapy.

Casting pipes for exchangeable castings
According to the VDS, a special bathroom fixture can greatly facilitate the use of different hydrotherapy forms. For this purpose be „When planning a new bath, pay attention to the division into different zones“, although the devices for water applications should be considered. Especially for the application of interchangeable casings so-called Kneipp tubes or novel pouring tubes could be installed. Also, the VDS recommends to install the shower as close to the floor as possible and to provide a seating area to facilitate the use of knee or thigh casts. Furthermore, a foot basin - ideally in combination with a bench seat - is well suited for home use of hydrotherapy.

Non-slip surfaces for a safe stand in hydrotherapy
To ensure a secure footing grab handles and non-slip surfaces should be provided. Also advises the VDS to purchase a wooden grate, the „According to Sebastian Kneipp, the pioneer of medical water applications, the feet are not in running water during hydrotherapy“ should. To what extent users follow the installation recommendations of the VDS is also a question of money, because the costs of a suitably designed bathroom are likely to be significantly higher than those of a conventional bathroom. (Fp)

Picture: Günter Havlena