Important information at a glance
Oh yes, it’s cold. Really cold. So cold your toes tingle. But Kneipp treatments are healthy, Sebastian Kneipp who they were named after extolled them more than 150 years ago. And wonderfully refreshing after a summer day up the mountain in Ruhpolding.
Hiking makes you happy but your legs tired. Your hot feet are steaming in your mountain boots. What wouldn’t you give for some refreshment? It’s a good job that a lake, riverbed or Kneipp facility always pops up in Ruhpolding. The cool mountain water of the Traun and Urschlauer Ache is sheer relief, the 3 lakes region is a heavenly place for hot mountaineers. Boots off, socks off and step into the clear water. It doesn’t just feel wonderful, it’s healthy too. Pastor and naturopath Sebastian Kneipp researched the healing power of water in the mid-19th century and publicised this. He made a name for himself with Kneipp treatments. His most famous treatment is water treading. But walking barefoot, the use of healing herbs and healthy eating are all part and parcel of what is known as Kneipp treatments today.
Water treading is very easy. The stream or water should be deep enough for part of your lower leg to be covered and the water temperature should not be more than 17 degrees Celsius. Lift your leg and foot completely out of the water and point your toes down slightly. Hold for a few seconds and then change legs. Anyone who feels like a stork is doing everything right. You can take steps or walk on the spot with water treading. When your feet are getting really cold after three to four minutes, that’s the right time to get out. Don’t dry your legs but just lightly wipe the water away with your hands instead. Your feet warm up again as you walk over the forest floor or soft meadow and then you move onto the next round. Sheer relief! Water treading stimulates the circulation in the legs and even the small blood vessels. It prevents varicose veins, alleviates migraines and circulation problems and strengthens the immune system. When practised in the evening, water treading is also supposed to bring a relaxing night’s sleep. Water, a real jack of all trades!
Ruhpolding has had its own Kneipp association for more than 40 years, which maintains the facility on the Traun near Grashof. Even on hot summer days it’s pleasantly cool here under the trees’ canopies. All water fans are welcome to do the
stork’s walk or have an ice-cold arm bath in the Kneipp pools. However, you should leave at least two hours between the two treatments to not put any unnecessary strain on the circulation, say experts. They also recommend warm feet for water treading. Anyone suffering from an illness should seek medical advice first. For everyone else, Kneipp treatments are not just the perfect mini refreshment but also wonderful prevention. Sebastian Kneipp used to say: Those who do not find time every day for health must sacrifice a lot of time one day for illness.
