Hardening the body helps it to cope better with physical and mental stress. The organism should be made more adaptable so that the immune system is strengthened and stabilised.

Hardening is suitable for the prevention of physical ailments; in the case of existing illnesses, the immune system can be weakened by hardening measures. Hardening is therefore not a treatment.

 

The most commonly used methods for hardening the body are respiratory therapy, physical exercise, fresh air, sunbathing and a change of climate, as well as sauna and water treatments.

 

A weight loss programme should be put together individually and, if possible, discussed with your family doctor.

 

Here is an example of a hardening programme:

 

In the morning, you start with dew treading (walking barefoot through dewy grass), alternating showers, gymnastics in the fresh air and breathing exercises.

 

At lunchtime we do cold water showers, starting with the hand and moving up the arm to the shoulders and relaxation exercises.

 

In the afternoon, you sunbathe (for about half an hour), do outdoor exercises and Kneipp treatments.

 

In the evening, do some endurance sport (jogging) or a long, strenuous walk, followed by a warm herbal bath or a sauna session.