Knee casting
Origin: Who invented the knee affusion?
Kneipp irrigation goes back to the naturopathic health concept of Sebastian Kneipp (1821-1897). He developed various water treatments to support the body's own self-healing powers. This makes the knee splash one of the best-known and most frequently used treatments of classic Kneipp hydrotherapy, especially for complaints in the legs and lower leg area.
How it works: How does knee affusion work?
The cold knee bath stimulates the circulation and blood flow as the cold water jet stimulates the vessels on the inside and outside of the legs in particular and activatesthe immune system. The cold water creates a thermal stimulus that promotes the regulation of the autonomic nervous system via reflex zones. The stimulation of the back of the knee and the knee can also activate the lymphatic system and relieve tension in this area.
Warm showers have a relaxing effect, promote blood circulation in the muscles of the lower leg and relieve tension or nervous restlessness.
When treated in combination, alternating warm water casts support vascular elasticity and vegetative balance. Alternating temperatures during knee casts also promote the adaptability of the blood vessels. Regular treatments over several weeks sustainably improve circulation and general well-being.
Procedure: How does the Kneipp Knee Shower work?
The water is poured using a special pouring tube or a shower without pressure. The water is poured in a fine stream from the right little toe over the inside of the foot and the lower leg to above the knee, gently wetting the sole of the foot in particular to stimulate reflex zones.
Then the left leg follows. After the inside, the outside of the leg can also be included in order to achieve a more comprehensive stimulation. Each path should last around 10 to 15 seconds.
The back of the knee and the kneecap should also be briefly doused with water to gently stimulate blood circulation in these areas. Just a few seconds are enough for this. It is important that the foot remains relaxed during the pouring in order to maximize the effect.
The procedure is then repeated in reverse order, with the water flowing slowly and evenly in a gentle stream in order to stimulate the skin optimally. The treatment ends without drying off. Instead, the skin should be warmed up again through movement. This activates the circulation and gently mobilizes the entire body.
The following video from the Kneipp-Bund e.V. gives a brief overview of knee watering and shows how it can also be used at home:
Indications: When is a knee affusion helpful?
Kneipp knee watering is suitable for the prevention and supportive treatment of various complaints. The method has proven effective for complaints such as swollen toes or pain on the inside of the leg and lower leg, venous leg problems, tired legs, swollen toes, low blood pressure or to strengthen the immune system. The treatment can also have a beneficial and regenerative effect in cases of muscular fatigue or overuse in the lower leg area.
A study on the effect of hydrotherapy on peripheral neuropathy conducted by Charité Berlin and Immanuel Hospital in 2008 showed that regular water treatments such as knee and leg baths can have a positive effect on nerve conduction and pain perception.
Contraindications: What are the side effects of knee affusion?
Knee affusion is not suitable for acute infections, febrile illnesses, hypersensitivity to cold, open wounds or severe arterial circulatory disorders. Consultation with your family doctor may be advisable in any case.
Target group: Who is the knee affusion suitable for?
Knee affusion is particularly suitable for:
- People with low blood pressure
- Patients with venous insufficiency
- To strengthen the immune system
- Patients with peripheral nerve diseases (after consultation with a doctor)
Conclusion
The most important facts about knee casting at a glance
- 1. Kneipp knee watering is a simple but effective water treatment.
- 2. It promotes blood circulation, strengthens blood vessels and stabilizes the autonomic nervous system.
- 3. Studies show positive effects on circulatory problems and peripheral neuropathy.
- 4. The treatment is suitable for prevention and supportive therapy.
- 5. The treatment is simple, inexpensive and can also be carried out at home.
- 6. Medical advice is recommended for existing underlying illnesses.
FAQ - Further questions about knee casting
For preventative purposes, one treatment up to four times a week is sufficient. Ideally, the knee pour should be carried out in the morning or evening to support circulation and well-being. The entire treatment only takes a few minutes - each side is watered for around 30 seconds. The frequency can be higher for acute complaints.
It stimulates blood circulation, strengthens veins and circulation, has a stabilizing effect on the immune system and can counteract cold feet and toes, problems falling asleep and vegetative imbalances. The targeted cold stimulus from the flowing water also helps to gently stimulate the body. The fine jet promotes the transmission of stimuli to the nervous system via sensitive skin receptors.
The knee cast ends just below the kneecap up to the soles of the feet, while the thigh cast extends beyond this to the thigh. With the thigh cast, the area above the kneecap is also treated with water. The thigh cast therefore has a more intensive effect than the pure knee cast.
Yes, you can carry out the knee pour at home. A fine watering tube provides a gentle stream of water that optimally stimulates the skin. Make sure you use the right temperature and start with around two to three treatments per week. Please note that the thigh pour is more intensive and takes longer than the knee pour.
Sources
- https://www.kneipp.com/de_de/kneipp-wissen/kneipp-anwendungen/knieguss/?srsltid=AfmBOorPgklscaySy2Q-OXFjrnodPw-0lQG9WJBjO0L4zoeh1wCdbT1B
- https://www.fitreisen.de/studien/hydrotherapie/studie-zur-wirkung-von-hydrotherapie-bei-peripherer-neuropathie/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMXGkZyA1SI
- https:// www.wellnesshotels-resorts.de/de/lexikon/knieguss