The warming socks treatment is my favorite old-school hydrotherapy treatment. I recommend it at the first sign of any congestion in the ears, eyes, sinuses, throat, and/or lungs. This treatment is helpful for speeding up the recovery from sore throats, ear infections, headaches, migraines, upper respiratory infections, coughs, bronchitis, and sinus infections. It’s even helpful to mitigate the brain fog that results from a night of over-indulgence!
The warming socks also have a grounding effect by helping to draw the body’s energy down, this ensures a deeper, more restorative sleep.
The warming socks treatment works best if it repeated for 3 nights in a row.
Supplies:
- 1 pair white cotton socks
- 1 pair thick wool or heavy weight winter/hiking socks
- Towel
- 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 3-5 minutes.
- Place cold wet socks on feet. Cover with thick dry wool socks. Go to bed. 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 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. I usually recommend taking a night off after performing the warming socks 3 nights in a row.