Yes, I'm to the point where I'll try just about anything. I ran into this and wanted to run it by you guys to see if anyone has heard of it. Is it legit?
THE COLD WET SOCK TREATMENT
This simple safe treatment is utilized during times of detoxification, infection and inflammation to boost the immune system by increasing circulation and white blood cells as well as speeding up healing time. It's best to start the wet sock treatment on first day of an illness, ideally repeating it for three nights in a row.
Take a pair of cotton socks and soak them completely with ice cold water. Be sure to wring the socks out thoroughly so they do not drip.
Warm your feet first. This is very important as the treatment will not be as effective and could be harmful if your feet are not warmed first. Warming can be accomplished by soaking your feet in warm water for at least 5-10 minutes or taking a warm bath for 5-10 minutes.
Dry off feet and body with a dry towel.
Place ice cold wet socks on feet. Cover with thick wool socks. Go directly to bed. Avoid getting chilled.
Keep the socks on overnight. You will find that the wet cotton socks will be dry in the morning.
Dr. Wallace - ``The wet sock treatment is only one component of an integrated treatment plan that includes hydration, proper nutrition and immunity-boosting supplements.'' At Bastyr Center for Natural Health, practitioners can work with you to formulate a comprehensive immunity-boosting plan.
Effects of the Wet Sock Treatment: This treatment acts 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.
Posted by merrygirl (Member # 12041) on :
I have never heard of this. It doesn't sound like a good idea. Cold makes your blood vessels contract.
Doesn't seem to make any sense, but I have not tried it....
Melissa
Posted by motownlyme (Member # 11485) on :
Do we have a volunteer out there brave enough to try it?
Posted by wiserforit (Member # 9732) on :
I just shoveled snow and ice and slush in leakey boots that I didn't take off for a few hours. Does that qualify?
For what it's worth, I felt crummy afterwards!
wiserforit
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
How would you keep your bed or sheets from getting wet??
Yuck!
Posted by sparkle7 (Member # 10397) on :
I can see doing a sauna, then jumping in (or pouring on) cold water but I don't think this is a good idea.
Posted by Truthfinder (Member # 8512) on :
I get chilled just reading about this.....
I don't think this treatment is for chronic infections; I think it is for acute infections:
***" It's best to start the wet sock treatment on first day of an illness, ideally repeating it for three nights in a row.''***
Then it talks about acute infections in the last sentence.....
I've got a decent array of homeopathic remedies to treat most acute infections so I don't think I need to add the 'frigid foot' protocol.... but it certainly is an interesting idea. Posted by treepatrol (Member # 4117) on :
Moght help with a cold but I doubt very much that it will even bother spirochetes it may make them want to move around more though.
Posted by Hissyfits (Member # 10195) on :
I have heard of this, and I think it could work. The trick is that the wool socks wick out the cold water in the cotton socks. You will find that the wool actually insulates and warms your feet to a comfortable temperature despite being wet. I used wool diaper covers on my kids, which worked so much better than nylon or plastic because of this air-transfer. Good Luck...I say give it a go!
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
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I've done this a few times over the years. Each time it really helped. Each time, I dreaded it . . .. It stopped a sore throat in its track each time (along with other common sense ways to take care of myself). I tried everything else first, but this was really impressive and made a difference. I never would have believed it.
If you start with warm feet, as they direct, it's not so bad. A warm bath first is a good idea.
My feet were toasty warm - and totally dry - when I awoke in the middle of the night. Heavy wool socks over the thin cotton ones are key. The inner socks need not be ice cold, but cool and wet worked for me.
This is meant for acute stuff . . . like a sore throat, etc, and as they mention, foot pain. Wearing a hat and scarf to bed helps, too.
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