The Felke Cure

Pastor Emanuel Felke, who was also known as the "clay pastor", was ahead of his time in many respects. He was born in Kläden near Stendal in 1856. He became interested in naturopathy at an early age and studied medicine for a few semesters alongside theology.

Felke became famous when he successfully treated sick people with homeopathic remedies during a diphtheria epidemic at his first pastorate in Cronenberg. He studied the treatment methods of Kneipp, Prießnitz, Hahnemann, Paracelsus and other outstanding figures in naturopathy and combined them to create a unique holistic therapy. Felke's aim was to regulate the functions of the human organism and activate the body's self-healing powers.

In 1898, Felke worked as a pastor in Repelen and founded the first naturopathic clinic there, which treated patients according to "Pastor Felke's guidelines". They combined a healthy diet, outdoor exercise and the healing use of baths and treatments with clay. Felke became increasingly well-known. His good reputation also attracted spa guests from the USA, England and Russia.

In 1915, Emanuel Felke came to Bad Sobernheim, where he worked therapeutically until his death on August 16, 1926. He died destitute, having treated patients mostly free of charge throughout his life. To thank him, the people of Bad Sobernheim erected a monument to their honorary citizen in the town center.

Rheumatic complaints

Diseases/weakness of the immune system

• Allergies
• Susceptibility to infection

Exhaustion syndrome

• Burn-out
• Poor performance

Disorders of the digestive system

Menopausal symptoms

Venous diseases

Convalescence after surgery and illness

At the heart of Felke therapy is the natural product clay, which is millions of years old and is used as healing earth. Clay consists of a variety of minerals. The main components are sand, silt and clay. With a pH value of 8.8, clay is clearly in the alkaline range.

The high alkalinity of the very swellable, finely dispersed clay minerals is primarily responsible for the therapeutic effect. They can bind large quantities of water, acids and other substances and exchange dissolved minerals.

In Bad Sobernheim, the clay is excavated at least one meter below the surface to avoid organic content. Stones are sieved out. The clay is not treated in any other way. It is simply sludged with well water immediately before use.

In this way, it has a natural effect directly during the various applications that are part of Felke therapy:

• Clay bath

The clay bath is the central application of the Felke cure and is carried out outdoors or in floor-heated halls.

• Clay pack

Clay packs are local applications that are dosed with cold or warm clay depending on the symptoms.

• Clay tread bath and clay hand bath

The clay treading bath is carried out in the pits. The legs are immersed in a clay mash up to below the knee joints, which is "trodden" alternately with both legs - similar to Kneipp therapy.
For a clay hand bath (cold or warm), immerse your hands up to the wrists in a container of clay. In doing so, you knead the clay paste and crush lumps of earth, which strengthens the hand muscles.

• Rasul/Serail bath

This whole-body mud treatment in the steam bath is an alternative to the clay bath for anyone who wants warmth during the treatment. In the bath, heating elements create an even base and feel-good temperature of 37 degrees. At the same time, steam is released at a height of around one meter, which keeps the room at a pleasant temperature.

• Sitting friction bath

The cold sitz friction bath has a special activating and healing effect that has been known since around 1830. It may sound a little daunting at first, but anyone who has tried it will appreciate the beneficial effects.

Many spa guests come to us not only to reduce their weight through Felke therapeutic fasting, but also to stimulate their body's self-healing powers. Whether preventative fasting for healthy people or therapeutic, longer-lasting therapeutic fasting:

Both forms are supported with clay applications, liver compresses, colonic irrigation as well as exercise and relaxation techniques. This is good for body and soul:

• The immune system is measurably supported
• The digestive system and metabolism are relieved
• The body is detoxified and deacidified
• Soul and spirit draw new vitality
• You gain distance from everyday life and stressful problems

Fasting also has a positive effect on vascular diseases, high blood pressure, gastrointestinal complaints, allergies, metabolic disorders and rheumatic diseases.

In Bad Sobernheim, the Felke fasting cure is based on Dr. Buchinger's renowned fasting method. The "menu" includes freshly squeezed fruit juices, herbal teas, vegetable broths and juices. You can lose 300 to 500 grams of body fat per day.

Fasting can thus become the impetus for a change in diet or permanent weight loss. During your stay, doctors and nutritionists will teach you how to eat healthily after the fasting cure.

Medical wellness - this is the modern form of spa treatment as introduced by Pastor Emanuel Felke in Bad Sobernheim. This word combines wellness (or well-being) with health and sums up the holistic approach.

Anyone who comes to Bad Sobernheim to spend a few days or weeks in one of the three "Medical Wellness Hotels" will take something important with them:
A lasting improvement in their individual quality of life and health.

Along the way, a qualified team of doctors and therapists will be at your side to give you a holistic understanding of the "enjoyable healthy living" approach to life - in the sense of "help for self-help". So that you can continue to do something to maintain your health and quality of life at home long after the Felke cure.

Our Medical Wellness Hotels look forward to your visit.