Maureen IvusicBy Gillian B
It may sound like a very bizarre treatment, but it works! It triggers the body’s natural defenses, according to Jamey Wallace, ND, Clinic Medical Director at Bastyr Center for Natural Health.
This hydrotherapy treatment is known as a “heating compress,” meaning that forces the body to heat the cold, wet socks, says Dr. Wallace. The body reacts to the cold socks by increasing blood circulation, which also stimulates the immune system. You have to ‘rev up’ the immune system, so it is ready for battle against the affliction or condition.
The vessels in your feet will constrict as your feet cool down, which sends all the good nutrients into your organs and tissues. These nutrients are needed to fight off infections and stimulate healing. Then your feet will start to warm up again, and your vessels will dilate to release the heat. This is when the junk in your tissues is dumped into your blood stream so that your body can dispose of it. The alternating of hot and cold creates a pumping mechanism that stimulates your circulation and lymphatics. The results are an active immune system and decreased congestion. By the morning, your socks will be completely dry.
This treatment acts to increase reflexively the circulation and decrease congestion in the upper respiratory passages, head, and throat. It also has a sedating action, and many patients report that they sleep much better during the treatment. The treatment is also effective for pain relief and increases the healing response during acute infections.
Make sure to do this at the first sign of a cold for a few days in a row.
How To Do It:
Things you will need:
- A bucket
- A pair of thin cotton socks
- A pair of thick wool socks
Directions:
Step 1. Soak the pair of thin socks in the bowl of ice water. When the socks are completely wet, remove them from the water and squeeze out the water.
Step 2. Put your feet in a bucket or bathtub of hot water to warm up your feet. Soak them for about 10 minutes until they are hot.
Step 3. Remove your feet from the hot water and quickly dry them off. Immediately put on the cold, wet cotton socks, then cover the wet socks with the dry wool socks.
Step 4. Go straight to bed. Make sure your feet are covered at all times. Otherwise, the treatment will not work.
If you wish you can massage your feet with rosemary oil for added benefit, it will significantly improve circulation!
This is also the ideal time to take some immune boosting supplements like Oil of Oregano and Vitamin C!
Source:
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