Berlin - Proponents of Kneipp therapy would say we're pampered. It is warm and cosy indoors - the heating system keeps temperatures constant. Car interiors are temperature-controlled and room temperatures at workplaces are pleasant, too. Could this be why we keep catching colds?

'Our bodies are pampered,' said Ulrich Betz, director of the Institute for Physical Therapy, Prevention Rehabilitation at the University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. 'Over time, the lack of exposure to natural stimuli weakens the immune system.'

Kneipp therapists believe that inuring oneself to cold can strengthen the immune system, in the same way athletes toughen themselves up during sports training. The more often the body is exposed to cold, Kneipp therapists say, the less sensitive to cold it becomes. In other words, it becomes acclimated.

The concept of physical toughening appeared in literature on naturopathic medicine as early as the 18th century. The natural scientist and physician Johann Georg Kruenitz (1728-1796) defined 'Leibes-Abhaertung,' or 'body toughening,' as 'acclimating the body so that it can withstand the effects of the elements and other hardships, or so that it doesn't feel them.' Sebastian Kneipp's infamous cold water cure was invented that same century in Germany.

The sundry methods of physical toughening - air and sun baths, Kneipp therapy's cold showers, going barefoot, sauna visits - were developed in Europe from England to Switzerland and in various ways came to be part of contemporary naturopathy.

Why does exposure to natural stimuli improve health? 'The impact of warm and cold on the body is, above all, stress' noted Rainer Brenke, head physician in the naturopathy department of the Hufeland Clinic in the German spa town of Bad Ems.

As soon as the body registers the difference between body temperature and ambient temperature, it works to keep the former at a normal level. 'This boosts blood flow and the entire body is invigorated,' he said.

How this strengthens the immune system remains unclear. 'Preliminary scientific findings indicate, however, that regular cold-water applications increase the number of white corpuscles,' Betz remarked.

The cardinal principle of successful physical toughening is regularity. 'The body only becomes acclimated through repeated, long- term measures,' said Wolfgang May, a physical medicine specialist in the German town of Schwangau. A second principle is: Toughen yourself up only when you are healthy. Brenke mentioned a third principle: 'Don't overdo it. Start slowly and increase slowly, too.'

There are many ways to fortify your body's defences. One simple and effective method advocated by Kneipp therapists is to take a cold shower in the morning. First you douse your legs and arms, and finally your torso. It is time to stop when the cold starts to sting.

For frigophobics, Betz outlined encouraging prospects. 'The sensitivity decreases day by day,' he said. Afterward the body is pleasantly flushed and you feel alert and fresh.

As an alternative, the whole family can take a barefoot walk in the garden in the morning.

'But if you're going to walk on dew or snow, you've got to make sure that your feet are warm before you start, and that you warm them up again immediately afterward,' May said. Warmth can be provided by thick socks or a warm, ankle-deep foot bath. Small children can take part as well, added May.

In addition to reducing susceptibility to colds and flu, stimulation therapy helps to lower hypertension and alleviate nervous disorders. It also strengthens blood vessels and the cardiovascular system.

'Treading water as advocated by Kneipp therapy strengthens the veins and helps in cases of varicose veins,' May said.

A weekly visit to the sauna improves lung and skin function. The general Kneipp therapy rule applies here, too, Brenke noted, namely: 'Cold must follow heat, otherwise the contrast stimulation won't occur.' 

Source: M&C News with contributions by AltMeds.com editorial staff.