Abstract
Vincenz Priessnitz was born on October 5, 1799 in the settlement of Gräfenberk above what was then Frývaldov. From his youth, his experience with the effects of cold water on the healing process stuck in his memory.
He was struck by the hoof of a frightened horse, and then a wagon wheel ran over his chest. Not only did the wounded survive, but even the accident left no serious consequences.
He straightened the broken ribs against the edge of the chair and steadily applied compresses to his chest, soaked in the cold water of a nearby stream. Gradually, the neighbors began to come to him with a number of their, especially post-accident problems.
Priesnitz adhered to his proven method, and continued to apply cold water to sprains, dyslocations and similar injuries - to baths, tiles and drinks. The "water doctor" was gradually sought after from a far, so that already in 1818 his house became a small hydrotherapy institute, which laid the foundation for further growth.
In 1938, the so-called large spa house was added, still standing today. Gräfenberk gradually became a world-famous spa resort.
The patient was awakened around four o'clock in the morning, followed by a sweat treatment, a cold water bath, a frugal breakfast, other water treatments during the day, mostly in nature, a frugal lunch and dinner in the communal dining room. After dinner, which was served with cold milk and bread and butter, which took place between 7 and 8 pm, some patients still received a sitting or foot cold water bath.
At 10 pm, all the patients went to bed. The physical activity of the patients consisted mainly in walking to the forest springs around the spa.
Pure natural water was used for drinking as well as for washing, browsing and showering. After the completion of the gym, exercises on various tools and strengthening were available, adequate with the abilities of individual clients.
Occupational therapy was often used - in which patients chopped, cut or carried and stored firewood, in the winter they raking, shoveling and clearing lots of snow. The duration of the treatment course was from only three weeks (rarely) to several months.
In 1839, 1544 guests were recorded. The founder of the spa caught a cold in the adverse autumn and died on November 28, 1851.
To this day, the Jeseník Spa offers its guests everything promoted by its founder - water procedures, stay and exercise in the fresh air and a moderate healthy diet.