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Water Cure for Common Upper Respiratory Infections
‘Warming Socks’ is an old traditional Naturopathic hydrotherapy method that is commonly used for colds and flu to decrease symptoms of congestion, sore throat, cough, and headaches.
While there may not be much published medical literature on the topic, the theory is that this treatment acts to reflexively increase the circulation and lymph movement within the body. Some sources also say that the therapy also helps to increase immune cells (white blood cells) to fight off whatever is causing the inflammation and/or infection. This in turn can decrease congestion in the upper respiratory passages, head, and throat. It has a sedating action, and many patients report that they sleep much better during the treatment. This treatment is also effective for pain relief and increases the healing response during acute infections.
In order to get the cumulative effects, it works best if you do this for 3 nights in a row or for the duration of your symptoms. It is easy to add to your bedtime routine and works while you’re sleeping. Even children seem to enjoy it.
Indications:
Sore throat, or any inflammation or infection of the throat, neck pain, ear infections, headaches, migraines, nasal congestion, upper respiratory infections, coughs, bronchitis, and sinus infections.
Contraindications:
Use with caution in diabetes, Raynaud’s phenomenon or syndrome, arterial insufficiency, advanced intermittent claudication, or if you have certain types of cancer, and in some cases of HIV and AIDS. The warming phase is especially important for these patients.
Supplies:
Water – bowl of cold or ice water
Towel
Pairs of socks
1 pair lightweight cotton socks
1 pair thick woollen or cotton socks
Directions:
Place the towel at the foot of your bed if you feel the moisture may wet your bed/mattress.
Make sure your feet are warm. Take a hot shower or soak your feet in warm water for 5-10 minutes.
This is very important as the treatment will not be as effective and could be harmful if your feet are not warmed first.
Dry off feet and body thoroughly with a dry towel.
Soak the cotton socks with cold or ice water and wring them out thoroughly, removing excess water.
Get into bed. Take a deep breath and quickly put the cold, wet cotton socks on your warm feet.
Put the thick wool socks on directly over the cotton socks.
Go to sleep - keep the socks on overnight. You should wake in the morning with warm feet, less congestion, and less pain and inflammation in your throat, head, and sinuses.
If you wake up in the morning and the socks are still wet, please contact your doctor.
“Although this sounds like a strange thing to do in the name of health, wet sock therapy is one of the easiest and most effective ways to 'boost' your immune system in the short and long term. The idea is to cause your body to think it is under attack, to think it is being ‘threatened' when you first put cold wet socks on.” - Dr Amy Neuzil, N.D. -
Sources:
1. Dr. Douglas Lewis, N.D.
2. Dr. Erin Balodis, MSc, N.D.
3. Dr. Kiran Khaira, N.D.
4. Dr Amy Neuzil, N.D
5. Dr Carrie Dennie, N.D. - Michigan Center for Holistic Medicine
6. Dr. Michelle Brannick, ND, DC
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