The spirit of the Jungborn (the fountain of youth) born in Germany this alternative health treatment is still utilized in many parts of the world.
Emanuel Felke (1856-1926) was responsible for perpetuating the system that included: oLight and air parks oAir huts for being naked oLoam baths oFriction sitz baths oSpecial diets oHomeopathy oHerbal teas oFacial and iris diagnosis Fekle was a clergyman who reluctantly became a nature doctor.
His treatment of the congregation during a diphtheria epidemic where he gave the sick children of the congregation the homeopathic remedy Mercurius Cyanstus, as a result no children died and Felke was revered.
Felke did not think homeopathic remedies, herbal teas, and water applications were adequate to fully cure.
His idea was a retreat where patients could come for treatment.
His retreat was located on 60 acres was state of the art at that point in time.
Included were: oTwo airparks, one for women, one for men o 50 air huts with curtains for privacy oThe complex was surrounded by a high fence so people could be naked without fear oA n open wood building for walking, loam and friction sitz baths, and straw mats for sleeping The retreat was extremely popular and as many as 400 visited in peak periods.
The medical community was up in arms over the perceived moral issues and that Felke was practicing medicine without a license.
He was charged but never convicted of any wrongdoing.
Felke believed that cure lie in the treatment creating a healing crisis, especially with chronic disease.
Each patient's day was structured to follow a list of things to do for their particular issue.
The same thing goes on today in the retreat.
The regimen is less strenuous but people who go still come home healthier.