We all know the relaxing virtues of a hot bath or the energy boost that gives us a fresh shower. The use of water for therapeutic purposes has been known since ancient times in many traditions, think of the Roman Thermae or the Eastern Hammams.
The definition of a real water treatment system, or hydrotherapy, was one of the most important insights in naturopathy.
Derived baths are an application of easy and affordable hydrotherapy.
The healing power of water
Water has chemical-physical properties (exchange coefficient of temperature greater than that of air, ability to absorb heat and to diffuse chemical substances, etc.) which make it a very effective therapeutic tool .
The generic term hydrotherapy is defined as all the methods and treatment interventions that use water, through applications or baths. The success of these therapies is given by the benefits that the organism derives from the stimuli supplied with water, ie changes in temperature, pressure or substances dissolved in the water itself.
The treatment of skin or rheumatic diseases through baths in mineral or thermal waters is defined instead as balneotherapy . Another sector is still the use of thermal waters (particularly rich in minerals) for the prevention and treatment of allergic and respiratory diseases (through inhalations or fumigations).
It is the Viennese physician Wilhelm Winternitz (1835 - 1917) who introduced hydrotherapy into the official programs of the Faculty of Medicine in Vienna and then throughout Europe.
Naturopathic baths
The origins of modern hydrotherapy date back to the second half of the 1600s, thanks to the Hahn doctors, who treated every disease with baths, sponges, and fasting. A legend has it that the origin of naturopathy is in the discovery of the healing power of the baths . In fact it is said that the true father of naturopathy is an Austrian peasant, Vincent Priessnitz (1799-1851).
It seems that from observing a wounded deer who "cared" by immersing himself in the water of a stream, Priesstnitz deduced that the same practice could also work for men. It was the abbot Sebastian Kneipp (1821-1894) who perfected and spread the practice of hydrotherapy and natural treatments in general in Germany. Benedict Lust (1872-1942), a student of Kneipp, moved to the United States where he spread the knowledge of hydrotherapy and lifestyle advice: he is considered the founder of American naturopathy.
In addition to the baths (cold, hot or very hot), among the different techniques used in naturopathy which involve the use of water we mention: sponging, compresses, compresses, nasal irrigations, showers, vapors, saunas, mud and clay treatments, massages with ice, hay or linseed applications.
The derived baths
One of the applications of naturopathic hydrotherapy is derived baths, or derivative baths. The origins of this particular technique date back to the studies of Louis Kuhne, a German naturopathic doctor who lived in the 19th century. Kuhne practiced the " sockets with frictions ", ie immersions in the water of the genital-anal area, including the buttocks. The derived baths are therefore made by refreshing the private parts .
With a glove or a small towel or natural sponge, take cold water and gently slide over the area between the pubis, genitals and anus. With continuous gestures, proceed with fresh water for at least ten minutes . The rest of the body must be warm and covered.
As indicated by the name, the derived baths make the toxins of our body travel ("derive") towards the intestine, where they will be expelled. The body is thus purified in a natural way.
The daily practice of derived baths, combined with a healthy diet and a natural lifestyle, gives excellent results on sleep quality, fatigue, nervousness, digestive disorders, headaches, skin problems and many other disorders ..
Will it really work? We just have to try, it costs nothing.
