13
12
CAN YOU TELL US SOMETHING
ABOUT THE WATER APPLICATIONS AND
THEIR MODE OF ACTION?
J. Reisberger — Willingly – let’s take
a look at warm affusions, for instance.
They are performed at a temperature
between 37 and 40 degrees in the neck
and back area. They are a gentle and
effec tive way to help ease tense muscles.
By contrast, cold affusions are adminis-
tered in cases of hip and knee joint inflam-
mation, or for vein disorders. The facial
affusion, however, is a beauty Treatment.
It improves blood circulation in the face
and leads to firmer skin. The whole
process only takes a matter of seconds:
use an affusion pipe or hose to direct
the water up and down your right cheek
three times, then three times on your
left cheek, and then across your forehead.
Finish by making a further three rounds
of your face. Not much effort involved, but
the effect is obvious.
AND THE FAMILIAR CONTRAST
AFFUSIONS?
J. Reisberger — The warm water part
lasts for a few minutes and the cold-
water part only lasts for a few seconds.
Affusions administered at the start of a
course of Kneipp Treatment are usually
shorter. This allows the body to slowly get
used to them. The specific temperature
stimuli are then continuously increased
as the course of Kneipp Treatment
progres ses. The thing about affusions is
that generally speaking, if they are ad
ministered above the pelvis they have a
stimulating effect, raise blood pressure,
strengthen the cardiovascular system and
enhance the body’s natural defences.
By contrast, affusions administered below
the pelvis have a calming effect, strengthen
blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
They also stimulate the body’s natural
defences.
HOW DO KNEIPP BATHS WORK?
J. Reisberger — Full baths, for in
stance can have both a stimulating and
calming effect. It depends which medi
cinal plants are added. The cold arm bath
is also interesting, as it qualifies as a
sort of “Kneipp espresso”, so to speak.
It is very fastacting, very refreshing and
improves concentration.
WHAT OTHER WATER
APPLICATIONS ARE THERE IN THE
CONTEXT OF KNEIPP THERAPY?
J. Reisberger — Washing is another ex
ample. These are early applications which
– because of resting muscle tone – are
carried out between five and six
in the morning. The body is washed with
a linen glove that has previously been
immersed in cold water. Then the night
dress or pyjamas are put back on
and it’s back to bed. The body is well
wrapped up, so that it warms up imme
diately. You usually fall back into a deep
sleep afterwards.
AND WHAT IS THE EFFECT?
J. Reisberger — Washing in the Kneipp
therapy context has a balancing effect on
socalled mental and autonomic system
swings. It also strengthens the immune
system, regulates blood pressure and im
proves blood circulation in the skin.
“The water applications
can be individually
and subtly graded.
They are always
tailored to the par
ticular individual
and/or the particular
situation.”
