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    When It Flows, Warms, and Cools: Water Applications to Bathe Yourself to Good Health

    "Water, bestowed by the creator of man, and plants selected from the plant kingdom form the essential elements needed to cure diseases and make the body healthy." Sebastian Kneipp, herbalist priest and water doctor, already knew how to use the healing power of water more than 200 years ago. His hydrotherapy findings form the basis of water applications across the Austrian wellness sector.

    Austria’s Waters

    Austria is a true "land of water". With more than 700 waterfalls, 25,000 stagnant bodies of water as well as countless little mountain springs and wild streams, the power of water is encountered on almost every tour through nature here. And when used correctly, water can even have a positive effect on health.

    • Woman drinks clear mountain spring water
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    • National Park Hohe Tauern - Krimmler Cascades / National Park Hohe Tauern
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    • children swimming in lake Weissensee
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    • Salzburger Saalachtal
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    • upland moor in Nationalpark Hohe Tauern
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    "Water contains healing; it is the simplest, cheapest and – if used correctly – the safest remedy." 

    water
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    Sebastian Kneipp (1821-1897)
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    How Effective Is Hydrotherapy?

    Kneipp and His Successors

    Had Sebastian Kneipp, "herbalist priest" and water doctor of the 18th century from Bavaria, been born in our times, they most probably would have been colleagues: in her scientific research at the Institute of Ecomedicine at the Paracelsus Medical University in Salzburg, Johanna Freidl dedicates herself to the connection between humans and the healing power of water. And this is precisely what Sebastian Kneipp’s hydrotherapy is all about – using water to promote health.

    Which of Kneipp’s findings can Johanna give her seal of approval to as a scientist? "There is research on Kneipp applications in German-speaking countries which confirms that hydrotherapy can be used to effectively treat cardiology patients." Improved blood pressure, strengthened immune system – this could be the work of one of the numerous water applications.

    The Fine Art of Healing Water Applications

    Water works wonders – the ancient Greeks and Romans already knew that thousands of years ago. They used water treatments to relax, but also to heal, and the many still preserved thermal baths and archaeological findings from places of relaxation testify this. Sebastian Kneipp was interested in the power of water in all its forms, from ice to steam, warm or hot, and cold water in particular. Here are some examples:

    Die Alltagssorgen wegsprudeln, Bezau

    5 Top Hotels with Kneipp Applications

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    1. Alternating Showers
    What happens in the body when it is showered with alternating warm and cold water is as simple as it is effective: the blood vessels constrict and widen. This boosts the immune system. Digestive system, circulation, and heart rejoice. And when you feel so great in your body, your mood is lifted too.

    2. Cold Arm Bath
    Immersing both arms in cold water invigorates the senses! The "healthy cup of coffee" amongst the treatments is particularly stimulating and refreshing for circulation.

    3. Ice Bath
    Only for the courageous: the body responds with improved blood circulation after bathing in ice cold water, strengthening the immune system. And: ice baths make you happy, thanks to adrenaline and endorphins!


    Please note for all water applications: consult a doctor first about which treatments are suitable for you!

    Even More Information on the Healing Power of Water

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      The Krimml Waterfalls’ Health Secret

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      Why Spas and Thermal Baths Are So Good for Us

      They strengthen our immune system or relax us through and through. Find out why spas can be a veritable fountain of youth.
      Dive in

    Even More Information on the Healing Power of Water

    • The Krimml Waterfalls’ Health Secret

      Austria’s highest waterfalls can boost your respiratory health: Learn more about the Krimml Waterfalls' special aerosols.

      How to breathe freely
          Krimml Waterfalls / Krimml Waterfalls
      media_content.tooltip.skipped
    • Why Spas and Thermal Baths Are So Good for Us

      They strengthen our immune system or relax us through and through. Find out why spas can be a veritable fountain of youth.

      Dive in
          Panorama Spa at Hotel Alpenrose
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