Earaches

The wet sock treatment may sound like someone’s idea of a joke, or perhaps a riotous comedy featuring the Keystone Kops, Buster Keaton, or W. C. Fields.

However, we probably shouldn’t be quick to dismiss wet socks,  since this admittedly strange-sounding hydrotherapy application has established a solid record of success.

It requires extremely simple supplies readily available in the home. It is very relaxing, and infants and children who may have had trouble sleeping due to congestion will often quickly drop off to sleep. Be prepared for some vocal resistance from the little ones, but the outcries will soon subside as the therapy works its magic.

The wet sock treatment can help relieve the following conditions:

• Head and sinus congestion
• Headaches
• Earaches
• PMS
• Sore throat
• Prostate hypertrophy
• Other conditions where there is congestion

It also relieves stress, helps prevent (and shorten) upper respiratory infections, warms chilled persons, and soothes abdominal pain.

Equipment Needed

1. A foot tub, basin, or bathtub
2. Hot water
3. Cold water
4. A pair of thin cotton socks, soaked in cold water
5. A pair of thick, dry, wool or cotton socks
6. A warm blanket
7. A towel

General Instructions

1. The wet sock treatment should be carried out in the evening just before bed, or at other times when the patient can remain at home and not have to move around.
2. The warmly dressed patient sits in a chair or on the side of a tub with his/her feet in hot water (100 to 110 degrees F), with a blanket draped around the shoulders. Hotter is better, though take care not to burn the skin. Infants may be immersed in hot water. The water should be 3 to 8 inches above the ankle bones. Keep feet in water for 10 minutes. The feet should be a rosy color.
3. Take the feet out of the hot water and dry quickly. The thin cotton socks, which have been soaking in cold water, are wrung out and immediately put on the feet.
4. The thick, dry wool socks are immediately put on over the thin cotton socks.
5. The patient should them lie down and take a nap, read, or go to sleep. Within 2-3 hours, the body heat will dry the socks and they may be removed, if uncomfortable.

Contraindications: Insulin-dependent diabetes, Buerger’s disease, arteriosclerosis of lower extremities, loss of feeling in legs, skin rashes.

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In planning our Hawaii vegan naturopathic cleanse retreats, we’ve searched for innovative products that make restricted cleanse diets easier, tastier, and more fun.

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Most electrolyte drinks contain sugar. Why? The main reason is that sugar helps your body absorb electrolytes more effectively. Also, sugar can help prevent leg cramps and maintain energy during long exercise. However, too much sugar can make it hard to drink the beverage and can slow fluid absorption. For lower-intensity exercise, you may not need sugar in your electrolyte drink. Other nutrients, such as potassium, chloride, phosphorus, and amino acids can facilitate electrolyte absorption. At our Hawaii Peace Garden Cleansing Retreats, we use sugar-free Fast Lyte, found HERE.

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