In 1891, Kneipp-Werke was founded in Würzburg, Germany by Father Sebastian Kneipp, a famous naturopath and priest, and Leonhard Oberhauser, a local pharmacist.  For over 100 years, the company has used its botanical knowledge and pharmaceutical experience as the basis for the development and continued improvement of its body care products, skin care products, food supplements and pharmaceuticals.  By using constantly evolving state-of-the-art production techniques and equipment, and conducting continuous clinical and scientific studies, Kneipp has earned a reputation for innovative natural products and high quality that has been proven for many generations.    

As a young man, Father Kneipp had cured himself of a severe case of tuberculosis through the use of hydrotherapy (by immersing his body in the cold Danube River waters during the winter months), which stimulated the self-healing powers of his body.  For the remainder of his life, he studied pharmaceutical and natural medicines from all the world's cultures and worked to develop a holistic life philosophy that makes people realize that their daily habits and the natural environment are intertwined and inseparable.  This balanced holistic lifestyle is what is today frequently describe as true "wellness" or "well-being".

The elements of his philosophy are water (to stimulate circulation and improve the body's natural healing powers), plants (for effective healing and active health protection), moderate non-competitive exercise (to strengthen natural immunity and revitalize the body), and nutrition (enjoyment of frequent, balanced and low fat meals).  His visionary doctrine for living, built around regular exercise, healthy diet, and both mental and spiritual harmony, rings true to this day and in these modern times seems more relevant than ever.

To this day, in the German village of Bad Woerishofen (where Father Kneipp conducted most of his studies), almost every hotel offers treatments of the world famous Kneipp Cure where physicians and patients practice his "wellness" principles.