Seasonal Tip: Throat Compress
Submitted by on January 25, 2010 - 5:28pm.
This is a great wintertime treatment for sore throat and upper respiratory infections. A heating compress is a form of hydrotherapy involving a moist compress to the affected area. The compress is applied cold, but then heats up by the body's reaction to the treatment. The reaction is mediated through the nervous system which in turn directly effects associated blood, lymph, sebaceous glands, sweat glands as well as surrounding tissue and muscle. In treating the skin, we directly influence many activities associated with healing.
Indications:
Sore throat and associated hoarseness, any inflammation or infection in the neck or throat, neck pain, or tense muscles.
Materials Needed:
- Cotton cloth long and wide enough to wrap around the neck. Alternatively, cloth may be long enough to include ears when wrapping the throat.
- Wool flannel to cover the cotton cloth (a wool scarf works well).
- Supply of hot and cold water, safety pin and a face cloth.
Procedure:
Warm area first with warm face cloth for 2-3 minutes or take a hot shower. Soak the cotton in cold water and wring out well prior to application. Wrap around the neck only or include ears if desired. Wrap wool over the cotton and secure with the safety pin. Leave on at least 30 minutes but overnight is more effective. Follow treatment with a quick cold sponge to the area.
Precautions:
Chilling should not be experienced during the treatment. Keep warm either in bed or wrapped in a wool blanket. Change compress at least every 8 hours and allow the skin to dry for at least 1 hour between treatments. Do not tie compress too tightly.
Please consult us if your condition does not improve.
