Warming Socks

 

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is the use of hot and cold water, in very specific ways, to stimulate the healing capacity of the body. Treatments are very inexpensive and effective and can usually be done at home with readily available items.  Please consult your naturopathic physician or healthcare provider before doing this, or any other treatment.  One of the simplest and most effective hydrotherapy treatments is called warming socks.

 

Warming Socks

Cold hands and feet may be a sign of a warm heart, but they can also be uncomfortable and unpleasant.  Warming socks is an effective and simple way to greatly improve the circulation in your feet, and slowly, but permanently rid your self of chilly feet.  For best effect do this treatment at least 5 times per week for at least 5 weeks.

 

Warming socks can also be used as a supplementary treatment for colds, flu, sinusitis, congestive headaches, ear aches, sore throats and any condition with congestion or “excessive energy” in the head or throat.  It is very helpful for insomnia from over thinking, and is also helpful for swollen ankles due to sprains, or strains, and tired aching feet from standing all day.

 

This treatment is great for kids and wonderful for adults, and a good introduction to the simple, but amazing benefits of hydrotherapy. This treatment is not recommended for people with advanced diabetes, Raynaud’s syndrome or other vascular diseases, or those with loss of sensation in the feet.  It is safe for any child over 6 months of age, but should not be done on infants younger than 6 months.

 

The directions must be followed exactly.  Do not make changes or substitutions.  This treatment should be done last thing at night, when you are ready to go to bed.

 

• Soak the feet in very hot water (or take a hot bath) for no less than 15 minutes, no more than 20 minutes.  The feet should be rosy pink and very warm.

• Take a pair of thin (summer weight), 100% cotton socks soaked in icy cold water and wrung out as tightly as possible.

• Go to bed.

• Quickly pull on the cotton socks.

• Cover with a pair of dry wool socks (at least 80% wool) which are bigger than the cotton ones.

• Cover up well and don’t allow yourself to get chilled.

• Leave the socks on until morning or until they are completely warm and dry and your feet are hot.

 

Most people also notice that they get very sleepy with this treatment, as the blood moves from the head, to the feet to warm them up.  The “shock” of the cold will stimulate the immune system, and the rush of blood to the feet helps stretch the blood vessels. 

 

As your circulation improves, you will notice you are able to warm and dry the socks in less and less time.

 

Try it! It really works!