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Kneipp Therapy

Pronounced Kn-eye-p

Our Kneipp inspired immersion add-on to your sauna experience comes from the traditional German routine of mixing sauna with rapid cooling of the extremities. While the concept of hot and cold therapy is not solely attributed to this man, the principles behind the formal science of cold therapy grew from his research.

​Here's a bit of history for you...

Father Sebastian Kneipp (1821-1897)

When Father Sebastian Kneipp contracted tuberculosis as a young man, he came across a book written by Dr Johann Sigmund Hahn on cold water cure, and began treating himself by self-administering water therapies based on his readings. He was successful in curing himself, and wrote "Meine Wasserkur" (‘My Water Cure’) in 1886 about his use of cold water treatment.

He went on to further study and refine his treatments, culminating in a signature treatment of cold water shower baths/gushes that were originally performed using a garden watering can. By pouring water on his patients, he discovered that a quicker reaction is brought on versus bathing. The objective of the treatment is to cause a brief constriction of the blood vessels. This stimulates the circulation of the blood and only needs to last long enough for the reaction to occur. 

He observed and studied both the primary and secondary reactions caused by cold water on warm skin, finding that the central guideline essential for success was that the patient must be warm prior to the treatment.

Sepia tone image of Sebastian Kneipp by Bischoff 1890

Kneipp went on to become a holistic healer, working with water, plants, exercise, nutrition and balance to address general well-being.

SchwitZen Saunas have integrated a Kneipp inspired immersion therapy for you to rapidly cool your hands and feet. In each room there is a wash stand, a foot bucket, and ICY cold water. There is also a 'how to' sheet provided.

We advise enjoying your sauna for 15 minutes before engaging in the Kneipp inspired therapy, return to the sauna, and then do it all again at the half hour mark, and at the end of your session. We love it. We think you just might too...

A vintage wooden washstand with jug and bowl and small white rolled handtowel. A white chair with a wooden footbucket filled with iced water is in front of the chair on top of a white footmat. a small lamp on a white side table is on.
Interested in ice baths?

While we don't have a full body ice bath on premises, we do have a collaborative partnership with the most amazing and dedicated Breath and Ice facilitator, who runs regular breathwork and icebath workshops in the East Fremantle, Fremantle, Bicton area. 

                       

                       Check out Breath + Ice by Flo

                       Use the code SCHWITZEN10 for an exclusive cheeky 10% discount for his workshops.

                       

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