We all know the relaxing virtues of a hot bath or the burst of energy that a fresh shower gives us.The use of water for therapeutic purposes has been known since ancient times in many traditions, think of the Roman Thermae or the Oriental Hammam.

The definition of a real system of treatments with water, or hydrotherapy, was one of the most important insights into naturopathy.

Derivative baths are an easy and affordable application of hydrotherapy.

The healing power of water

Water has chemical-physical properties (temperature exchange coefficient higher than that of air, ability to absorb heat and diffuse chemical substances, etc.) which make it a very effective therapeutic tool .

The generic term hydrotherapy is defined as all those methods and treatments that use water, through applications or baths. The success of these therapies is given by the benefits that the body derives from the stimuli supplied with the water, that is, variations 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 as balneotherapy . Another sector is 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 due to the Viennese doctor Wilhelm Winternitz (1835 – 1917) the inclusion of hydrotherapy in the official programs of the Faculty of Medicine in Vienna and then throughout Europe.

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The baths in naturopathy

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, sponging, and fasting. Legend has it that the origin of naturopathy lies in the discovery of the healing power of baths . In fact it is said that the real father of naturopathy is an Austrian farmer, Vincent Priessnitz (1799-1851).

It seems that from observing a wounded deer that “healed” itself by immersing itself in the water of a stream, Priesstnitz deduced that the same practice could also work for humans. It was Abbot Sebastian Kneipp (1821-1894) who perfected and disseminated the practice of hydrotherapy and natural cures in general in Germany. Benedict Lust (1872-1942), a student of Kneipp, moved to the United States where he divulged hydrotherapy knowledge and lifestyle advice: he is considered the founder of American naturopathy.

In addition to baths (cold, hot or very hot), among the different techniques used in naturopathy that involve the use of water we remember: sponging, compresses, nasal irrigations, showers, vapors, saunas, mud and clay treatments, massages with ice, applications of hay or linseed.

The derived baths

One of the applications of hydrotherapy in naturopathy are derivative 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 ” sitz baths with friction “ , that is, immersion in the water of the genital-anal area, including the buttocks. The resulting baths are therefore carried out by refreshing the private parts .

With a glove or a small towel or natural sponge, take cold water and gently slide it over the area between the pubis, genitals and anus. With continuous gestures you always 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 organism 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 the quality of sleep, tiredness, nervousness, digestive disorders, headaches, skin problems and many other ailments ..

Will it really work? We just have to try, it costs nothing.