WELL, WELL, WELL
The Science Behind the Philosophy at The Hydro
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At The Hydro we endevour to stay up-to-date with all the contemporary thinking behind what influences global health trends.
Read our articles to discover more about the science behind our therapies, treatments, nutrition practices and wellness philosophies. Where we strive to provide our guests with a long life of health and vitality.
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21/10/2025
Using Kneipp Therapy: The Hydro’s Guide to Keeping a Healthy Immune System
Kneipp Therapy: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Immunity
Kneipp therapy forms a cornerstone of the wellness philosophies used throughout The Hydro. Our expert team is shedding light on how to apply these foundational concepts to support a healthy and balanced immune system throughout the year. We’ll explore how to keep the body in balance during winter with warming nutrition, gentle exercise, herbal support, and beneficial cold-water therapies.
Kneipp Therapy is a method of treatment that dates back to ancient Rome. It was later rediscovered and adapted by Sebastian Kneipp and naturopath Vinzenz Prießnitz. The method focuses on cold and warm hydrotherapy (or water therapy) applications and has since evolved into a holistic approach to wellness.
Five key elements of Kneipp Therapy as used at The Hydro:
1. Hydrotherapy
A fundamental component is the use of hot and cold-water application through jacuzzi-style baths, sitz baths, sauna, and steam rooms.
Alternating between hot and cold-water applications has numerous health benefits:
- Dilates and then constricts blood vessels, promoting increased blood circulation and lymphatic flow
- Strengthens the nervous system and metabolism
- Eases pain and reduces inflammation
- Revitalises the body
- The increased blood flow helps to regulate body temperature, naturally warming the body in winter.
2. Balance
Our previous issue focused on mental health and how to manage stress for better wellbeing, echoing a second pillar of Kneipp therapy that encourages prioritising mental and emotional health, as there is an undeniable interconnection between mind and body.
For full Hydro tips on mindful mental health, see our June Blog Post.
3. Exercise
Physical activity is a key component to staying healthy. The level of activity should be adjusted to each individual’s needs and abilities. No matter the intensity, daily activity will improve blood circulation and strengthen muscle and heart functioning.
Try our Hydro activities for any level of fitness:
- Outdoor walks or hikes, combining movement and fresh air
- Aquacise movement classes – heated indoor pools are ideal for keeping active and warm in winter
- Pilates and guided yoga for gentle movement
- Mindful slow movement classes
4. Medicinal Herbs and Plants
The use of herbs for medicinal purposes draws on traditional knowledge of healing.
Try these ancient herbal teas for better immune support:
- Buchu is indigenous to South Africa. Dried leaves can be steeped into a tea and may reduce the risk of urinary infection, ease digestive disturbances, detoxify the liver and help ease the effects of gout.
- Ruta graveolens, commonly known as rue, is an ornamental plant high in anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. When used as a tea or tonic, it may strengthen the immune system, help better absorb vitamin C, defend against viruses and bacteria and is said to help with glycaemic control, improving insulin function and may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Wilde dagga has been used in traditional medicine to cure everything from headaches to coughs, fever and asthma. Both the leaves and flowers can be dried and brewed into a tea.
5. Nutrition
As mentioned in our April post Building Resilience for Winter, our bodies use and therefore require more energy in winter; extreme cold weather can lead to a weakened immune system and illness. Studies as early as 1937 show the need to adjust nutrition in winter in order to keep the balance within and maintain a healthy functioning immune system. Professor Mottram of Oxford University stated that nutrients can be classified according to what they do in the body, with body-building, body-protecting, and body-warming attributes. For these functions to perform at their optimum, our consumption of nutrients needs to be increased and/or altered in winter.
Eat more warm foods in winter, but also foods that warm the body from within due to their properties:
- Cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg are popular for stimulating good blood circulation, creating a warming sensation throughout the body. Cloves contain an essential oil called eugenol that is a natural antiseptic to soothe joints and relax muscles. Nutmeg helps reduce pain, aids digestion and relieves bloating, also improving sleep due to its sedative properties.
- Ginger is a common spice used for its medicinal properties, in particular gingerol, which helps strengthen the immune system, fight flu, reduce fever, cough and headaches.
- Garlic is a warming staple prescribed by Hippocrates himself for its health benefits. Compounds such as allicin have been linked to boosting the immune system, protecting cells from viruses, reducing blood pressure and in turn preventing heart disease.
See our monthly recipes for more ideas on how to incorporate warming spices and flavours into food to boost your immune system.
Concluding thoughts: Embracing Daily Balance the Kneipp Way
It’s easy to incorporate Kneipp-inspired wellness into your daily routine with a few simple steps. Start small by finding a winter rhythm that works for you: include more herbs and warming nutrients in your meals, maintain gentle physical activity throughout the year, and explore water therapy to boost blood and lymph circulation and support overall immunity.
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