Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Warming Socks to help ease your head colds...


The 'Warming Sock' treatment is a bit of a misnomer. 
Indeed the aim is to warm the body - but it is through the use of cold rather than warmth.
Sound strange...? Read on! 

Hydrotherapy is an ancient form of therapy where water is used to treat a multitude of ailments.
Gentle AND effective. 
There are a variety of different forms that hydrotherapy can take - saunas, peat baths, formentations, poultices, compresses, sitz baths...

Water in its many forms aids in circulation through the body - pulling the congestion and inflammation from, say, the sinuses and head (as in a typical cold) down to the feet (ok - not literally!)
The congestion doesn't literally pool down at your feet - but rather the increase in circulation helps move that inflammation from collecting up in your head, which is what creates that 'stuffy' sensation.

Don't believe it? You don't have to - try it, you'll see! 

Here's what you need: 
2 pairs of socks - 1 wool, 1 cotton
Thoroughly soak the cotton pair in cold *as cold as you can* water. 
Ring out the excess water *you don't want them dripping* and put them on your feet
Put the dry wool socks over top.
Go directly to bed and stay warm. 
If you sweat through your pj's (and you might) make sure you have a dry pair to change into in the night, but leave the dry/wet socks on.
In the morning, you will have warmed the cotton socks and have dried them through while in addition, your congestion will be eased! 


Want to read more? 
Check out: 
www.hado.net
www.watsu.com





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