The coughing, sniffling, cold and flu season is officially upon us. Thankfully, there’s an at-home treatment you can try that can help stave off a nasty cold as soon as you start to feel any symptoms or it can help speed up recovery when you’re already feeling sick - warming socks.
Warming socks is a form of hydrotherapy that has powerful therapeutic benefits on the immune system and can help fight off an acute cold and flu infection. It's also effective in helping to relieve headaches, sinus pressure and body aches. Warming socks stimulate the body’s natural defense system by increasing overall blood circulation to warm the feet. This increase in blood circulation helps stimulate our immune system and clears congestion in the upper respiratory passages, as well as in the head and throat. Other advantages of this treatment are that it’s inexpensive, simple, and does not require a lot of time or supplies.
What you will need:
- One pair of cotton socks
- One pair of wool socks
Directions:
- Soak your feet in warm water for 1-3 minutes and dry them off with a towel.
- Wet the cotton socks in cold water and wring out excess water so there is no dripping.
- Place the wet socks on your feet.
- Place the dry wool socks over the wet socks.
- Go directly to bed and keep your feet covered with a blanket throughout the night. In the morning, your feet will be warm and dry.
- Repeat for 3 consecutive nights, or until congestion has cleared.
Note: This treatment should be used with caution for individuals with diabetes, heart conditions, circulatory disorders, or those with certain types of cancers or a compromised immune system. We advise consulting with a health professional, such as a naturopathic doctor, before starting this treatment.
Author: Helya Bahmanpour, CCNM Integrative Cancer Centre Intern