- Modern times the development of hydrotherapy in Europe has been largely attributed to the English doctor Floyer (1649 - 1734)
- The German doctor Johann Sigmund Hahn (1696 - 1773)
- Professor Dr. Wilhelm Winternitz (1834 - 1917). University of Vienna is considered to be the founder of scientifically based hydrotherapy.
- Sebastian Kneipp (1821 - 1897) The Father of Wellness
Born in 1821, the son of a poor weaver in the Bavarian region of Germany, his ambition was to join the priesthood. During his theological studies Sebastian Kneipp was taken ill with pulmonary tuberculosis, at that time a fatal disease. By chance, a small book on hydrotherapy, authored in 1734 by Dr.Hahn, found its way into his hands, which motivated Sebastian Kneipp to take short full-immersion dips in the icy waters of the winter Danube. The treatment enabled him to stimulate his physical stamina, or immune system, so much. That his tuberculosis went into remission and he was able to complete his studies.
Dr. Sebastian Kneipp (Stephansried, Germany, May 17, 1821 - June 17, 1897 in Worishofen, Germany) was a Bavarian priest and one of the founders of the Naturopathic medicine movement. He is most commonly associated with the "Kneipp Cure" form of hydrotherapy, a system of healing involving the application of water through various methods, temperatures and pressures.
In Norway he is mostly known for his bread recipe, Kneipp Bread. Although most commonly associated with one area of Naturopathic medicine, Kneipp was the proponent of an entire system of healing, which rested on five main tenets:
- Hydrotherapy
- Herbalism - The use of botanical medicines
- Exercise
- Nutrition - A wholesome diet of whole grains, fruits & vegetables with limited meat
- Spirituality - Kneipp believed that a healthy mind begot a healthy person.
During his time in Bad Worishofen, Kneipp was able to counsel many people. Tens of thousands came from all over the world to receive his healing advice. He was the author of the books "My Water Cure", "Thus Shalt Thou Live", and "My Will".
