As fall is just around the corner and along with that comes cold and flu season, I wanted to share a simple hydrotherapy treatment that our family has used for years to relieve the discomfort associated with sore throats. Hydrotherapy is the use of water (both hot and cold) to affect the immune system, increase blood supply and relax muscles in the human body.
A throat wrap or compress is simple to make. It is a good idea to get these things on hand so that when you need it you aren’t searching for it.Material:All of these materials should be long enough to wrap snugly around the throat of the ill person.1. A strip of cotton about 3 inches wide (an old t-shirt or bandana works great for this).
2. A 3 inch wide strip of saran wrap.
3. A thick longer sock. Wool is ideal, but it can be a bit itchy. So just a thick winter sock will work great.
4. A large safety pin.Wet the strip of cotton with cool water and wrap it around the throat. It should be snug, but ensure it does not affect breathing in any way. Next, wrap the saran wrap and finish with the thick sock. Carefully secure with the safety pin. This can be worn during the day but is especially effective at night. The cool cloth will warm up increasing the circulation to the area which increases the local immune response. Do not use it on children less than 5 years old due to the risk of choking or taking off the safety pin.
A throat wrap or compress is simple to make. It is a good idea to get these things on hand so that when you need it you aren’t searching for it.Material:All of these materials should be long enough to wrap snugly around the throat of the ill person.1. A strip of cotton about 3 inches wide (an old t-shirt or bandana works great for this).
2. A 3 inch wide strip of saran wrap.
3. A thick longer sock. Wool is ideal, but it can be a bit itchy. So just a thick winter sock will work great.
4. A large safety pin.Wet the strip of cotton with cool water and wrap it around the throat. It should be snug, but ensure it does not affect breathing in any way. Next, wrap the saran wrap and finish with the thick sock. Carefully secure with the safety pin. This can be worn during the day but is especially effective at night. The cool cloth will warm up increasing the circulation to the area which increases the local immune response. Do not use it on children less than 5 years old due to the risk of choking or taking off the safety pin.
I hope you all stay well this season. And of course, make sure to avoid sugars, processed foods, get plenty of water, rest, sunshine, fresh air, fruits and vegetables.
May Your Health Prosper,
Elizabeth Perry, DNP