Hydrotherapy History Flashcards
How much water does the average person need to take in daily to stay healthy?
2.5 Liters a day
What did Priessnitz observe about water?
He observed the wounded stag going to the water daily over time to heal its wounds.
In Ayurvedic Medicine what does “Ether” govern?
Ether governs space both outside and within the body.
In Ayurvedic Medicine what does “Air” govern?
Air governs movement within the body.
In Ayurvedic Medicine what does “Fire” govern?
Fire governs the metabolic fire and metabolism.
In Ayurvedic Medicine what does “Water” govern?
Water governs bodily fluids.
In Ayurvedic Medicine what does “Earth” govern?
Earth governs the bones, hair, nails, teeth, and solid waste.
What are the two similarities with water practice in cultures across the planet?
Cultures across the planet have used water to cleanse the body and to renew the spirit.
What is the large Hindu ritual of Kumbh Mela?
This water ritual meets every 12 years in 4 separate rivers to bathe for spiritual cleansing and renewal.
What is the Islamic tradition of water and prayer?
The tradition speaks of cleansing before prayer and as such bathing houses were located near Mosques.
What role does water have in Buddhist traditions?
Traditional Buddhist temples had separate buildings with bathing facilities used in purification rites for the monks.
What role does water have in American Indian culture?
Sweat lodges are an important part of spiritual practice, medical practice, as well as rite of passage.
What role does water pay in the Judeo-Christian Tradition?
The ritual of bathing the feet of others as an act of humility and purification. Baptism as a ritual of rebirth and cleansing of sin. Healing waters within the bible. Holy water used by priests to heal and sanctify.
Who created the most elaborate bath houses, that eventually aided to the fall of the empire through the spread of disease?
The Romans build massive elaborate bath houses that eventually spread disease. As well as lead poisoning.
When did the Hydrotherapy resurgence happen and why?
In the late 1700’s and early 1800’s for a method used to decrease the spread of disease.
Who was Vincent Priessnitz (1696-1733)?
Born in Graefenberg, Silesia now part of the Czech Republic. He was raised on the family farm and without formal schooling. He learned from observing the animals and how they healed quickly with cold water applications.
How did Vincent Priessnitz use hydrotherapy the further health?
He used the priessnitz cold compress to heal himself through an injury of the wrist. He used this Priessnitz compress to heal farm animals, workers, and neighbors. He established quite a reputation that drew people from afar. So much so that the Austrian government build roads so that people could reach him. He treated acute and chronic illness including small pox.
What were Vincent Priessnitz’s hydrotherapy applications and remedies?
His treatments consisted mostly of cold water applications and cold water drinking – with sweating treatments between cold water applications and plenty of exercise to improve the circulation. He also included a simple diet, exposure to fresh air and rest.
Who was Father Sebastian Kneipp (1821-1897)?
As a child he suffered from Tuberculosis. He wanted deeply to become a priest, but his family lacked the money for his education. He found a small book about the curative powers of hydrotherapy (Johann Sigmund Hahn’s Lectures on the Wonderful Healing Power of Fresh Water) and began giving himself water treatments.
How did Father Sebastian Kneipp use hydrotherapy to further health?
His mother was an herbalist who taught Kneipp about herbs as a child. He added his knowledge of herbs to the water cure to great effect.
What were Father Sebastian Kneipp’s hydrotherapy applications and remedies?
He finally made the priesthood, but couldn’t keep himself from helping the sick with his cold water cures.
Who was Benedict Lust (18772-1943)?
Born in Germany, he contracted TB after travelling to various parts of the world. He returned to Germany to die, but ended up becoming a patient of Fr. Kneipp. His health improved rapidly under Kneipp’s care and he fully regained his health.
How did Benedict Lust use hydrotherapy to further health?
Having lost and regained his health made him determined to share the benefits of this cure with others.In 1896 Kneipp sanctioned Lust with the task of taking his Nature Cure to the United States.
What were Benedict Lust’s hydrotherapy applications and remedies?
Eventually he opened a sanatorium, started a magazine (the Kneipp Water Cure Monthly – which he later named The Naturopath), and founded a college. Applications included water gushing.
