A handy immune-supportive tip to have at the ready!
As rates of infection are on the rise, it feels like an appropriate time to continue sharing immune-supportive tips for you to have at the ready. This week I’m highlighting the ‘Warming Socks Treatment’ – be forewarned – when you read the instructions, you may think this is the last thing you want to do on a cold winter night! However, I swear, this is a safe, simple, inexpensive, AND highly effective hydrotherapy technique – it’s a staple in naturopathic practice
This therapy is often recommended at the first sign of any congestion in the ears, eyes, sinuses, throat, and/or lungs. Those who try it quickly learn how effective it can be in helping relieve nasal or chest congestion, earaches, sinusitis, and colds or upper respiratory infections. It’s even helpful to mitigate the brain fog that can result from a night of over-indulgence!
The beauty of this therapy is that it is a nice complement to botanical medicine, homeopathic remedies or other medicines, both natural and conventional.
Note: this treatment should NOT be used by those who are very weak, tend to run cold, or who have a fungal infection on the skin of their feet. For small children or people of weaker vitality, wet only the toes of the cotton socks. If you don’t have heavy winter socks sized for kids, use larger ones folded down.
Supplies:
- 1 pair cotton socks
- thick winter weight or wool socks
- Warm bath or warm foot bath
Directions:
- Warm feet first. Warming can be accomplished by soaking in warm water for 5-10 minutes or by taking a warm bath or shower.
- Take the pair of cotton socks and get them wet with cold water only up to the ankle of the sock. Be sure to wring the socks out thoroughly so that they do not drip. Place in the freezer for a couple of minutes.
- Place cold wet socks on feet. Cover with thick dry heavy-weight or wool socks. Go to bed and cover with blanket. Avoid getting chilled.
- Keep the socks on overnight. The wet cotton socks will be dry in the morning.
Effects of the Warming Socks Treatment:
This treatment works to reflexively increase the circulation and decrease congestion in the upper respiratory passages, head, and throat. It has a sedating and grounding action – many patients report a deeper, more restorative sleep during the treatment. This treatment is also effective for pain relief and increases the healing response during acute infection.
The person’s body will dry the wet socks by pulling the circulation toward the feet and past all the organs of elimination. The immune system will be stimulated, and the person will sleep well. Throbbing may be felt in the feet. For optimum benefit, leave both sets of socks on throughout the night, even after the cotton socks have become dry.