Vincenz Priessnitz (1799-1852) - promoter of hydrotherapy and founder of the first hydrotherapy spa in the world
Abstract
On October 5, 1799, Vincenz, the youngest child - the sixth - was born to the family of the farmer Jan František Priessnitz. His eldest brother Josef, heir to the estate, died in 1807 and his father became completely blind four years later.
The weight of the mountain farm remained with Vincenz, 12, his sister and old mother. In his young age, Vincenz Priessnitz was struck by a serious injury, when a carriage pulled by a runaway horse ran over his chest.
He steadily and patiently applied compresses soaked in cold water to the injured area. It helped, and Vincenz recovered miraculously.
Similarly, he began to help his neighbors, who gradually followed him more and more often. In 1820 the first patients began to come to his house for a longer stay.
In 1822 he rebuilt his birth house into a hydrotherapy institute. This was the first hydrotherapy institute in the world.
He did not always meet with understanding. Disputes continued until January 1831, when Priessnitz received an official permit to operate the spa facility.
He was of the opinion that man is endowed with his own life force, which has defensive abilities, and if supported by proper medical procedures, he can overcome the illness himself. On June 9, 1839, the grand opening of the large spa house took place.
At that time also the number of clients reached a record - 1544 guests were recorded. He died on 28 November 1851 as a result of the cold he had brought on his way to Javornik.
To this day you can indulge in traditional spa treatments "balneopark" in the spa Jeseník, which is a European rarity. In the natural area flows a healing spring.
The park is conceived as a "water garden" trail with individual stops. You can try Priessnitz's natural baths of the upper and lower limbs, foot bath with acupressure, Priessnitz's bench, spray, natural shower with cold spring water or terraces for relaxation and exercise.