Sebastian Kneipp was a German Catholic priest and one of the forefathers of the naturopathic movement. He is most commonly associated with the “Kneipp Cure” form of hydrotherapy.

Kneipp, born in Bavaria, began his journey as a weaver and later pursued his calling for the priesthood. Under the guidance of Matthias Merkle, a priest in Grönenbach, he began the journey to become a member of the clergy.  Kneipp’s path was interrupted by tuberculosis in 1847. As he sought remedies for his illness, he delved into books on water cures.  Once he regained his health, he was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1852.

Carrying out numerous tests on himself and his patients, he developed water treatments into curative and preventative concepts, now known as the Kneipp-Cure (the application of water through various methods, temperatures, and pressures, which had therapeutic or healing effects.  He went on to build several hospitals in Bad Wörishofen.

His approach to health combined a simple diet of whole grains, fruit, and vegetables with limited quantities of meat, exercise, spirituality, hydrotherapy, and plant-based medications. During his time in Bad Wörishofen, thousands came from all over the world to receive his healing advice. 

Kneipp’s Five main beliefs:

• Hydrotherapy – The use of water to treat ailments.
• Phytotherapy – The use of botanical medicines.
• Exercise – Promoting the health of the body through movement.
• Nutrition – A wholesome diet of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables with limited meat.
• Balance – Kneipp believed that a healthy mind is the foundation of a healthy person.

Publications – Kneipp only wrote a few books in his lifetime, but they have been translated into several languages, including English, Polish, and Spanish.

• My Water Cure (as tested through more than thirty years and described for the healing of diseases and the preservation of health) (1893) – In German
• Thus Shalt Thou Live (hints and advice for the healthy and the sick on a simple and rational mode of life and a natural method of cure) (1895)
• My Will: a Legacy to the Healthy and the Sick (1896)
• The Codicil to “My Will” for the Healthy and the Sick (containing chapters on the anatomy and care of the human body, gymnastic exercises, first help in accidents, cooking recipes, medicinal plants, and the cure of diseases) (1897)
• The Kneipp Cure (1897)

The NHA wishes to remind the readers that nothing in this or other publications is intended to constitute medical treatment or advice. Readers should be aware that some previous publications do not reflect the NHA’s current health teachings or approach to health in several areas.

Our Mission

The mission of the National Health Association is to educate and empower individuals to understand that health results from healthy living. We recognize the integration of all aspects of health: personal, environmental, and social.

We communicate the benefits of a plant-based diet, exercise and rest, a healthy environment, psychological well-being, and when indicated, the use of fasting.