Good for body and limbs
In several German spas, he is part of the wellness and pampering program: a hay bath. Is that just relaxing or does it also do something for your health?
Hay baths have a rich tradition in the Alps. Originally, the phenomenon comes from South Tyrol, where it is known as ‘Alpenbaderl’, or: Alpenbad. More than a century ago, the mountain farmers noticed that after their nights in the hay barn, they not only slept exceptionally well, but also that their tired muscles benefited from sleeping in the hay. There are even scientific studies from 1888 in which the healing effect of hay is described. Also Sebastian Kneipp praised the health effects of the aromatic oils from hay. And it wasn’t just the farmers, because around 1890 richer people from the city also came to the Alps to enjoy the beneficial effects of the hay. The tradition of hay bathing was born.
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Strict hygienic conditions
It was different then than it is now. The hay was heated and thrown into a hole in the ground. The spa guest stood in the hole until his entire body was covered with hay and he or she started to sweat. Fun fact: the hay was used several times during that time. Fortunately, things are much better these days. From 1991 the German spas started to offer hay baths and there it is, of course, done under strict hygienic conditions.
How does a hay bath work?
For a hay bath in a spa, 4 to 5 kilos of hay are heated in warm water. The hay bather lies naked on a bed or an air cushion filled with water and is completely covered with hay at 40-42°C up to his neck. That warm hay starts to heat, releasing essential oils, minerals and tannins that stimulate blood flow and care for the skin. Many spas cover the hay with foil in order to maximize the effect of the essential oils released from the heated hay, not only for the skin but also for the respiratory tract. The guest remains in bed for about 20 minutes, after which sufficient water must be drunk to remove the waste products.
What effect does a hay bath have?
- Stimulates the metabolism
- Works stress-reducing and sleep-promoting
- Calming effect on the skin
- Relieves muscle and joint complaints
- Relieves rheumatic complaints and osteoarthritis
- Good for the immune system
- Has a cleansing effect
What kind of hay is used?
The hay used in the German spas is made from various grasses, plants and flowers. The composition depends on the region where the spa is located and therefore varies. In any case, many medicinal herbs are added, such as arnica, thyme, gooseberry, heather and gentian which are packed with essential oils.
In addition to hay baths, the German spas offer a range of other treatments. So do you also want to take a cure at the neighbors? For more information about spa visits in Germany, please visit: germany.travel/spa-en.
