(1799-1851)

In 1816, Vincenz Prießnitz defied a doctor’s grim prognosis after fracturing his ribs in a cart accident. Instead of accepting the fatal or crippling diagnosis, he applied wet bandages to his chest and consumed copious amounts of water, which led to his astounding recovery. This firsthand experience solidified his belief in the transformative power of these methods, earning him widespread recognition. As news spread, people began to visit Gräfenberg to seek treatment, leading Prießnitz to transform his father’s house into a spa for his increasing number of patients in 1822.