Head congestion? Warming socks!
Feb 8, 2021
Alleviate Head Congestion with Warming Socks, aka Magic Socks
You’d probably never guess that a pair of wet socks could pull congestion away from your head and stimulate your immune system. Sounds like hocus-pocus promoted by a traveling charlatan, right? My skeptical mother-in-law asked when she should wave the dead chicken over her head.
Want to hear me discuss warming socks in a video? Click here for my YouTube version; and while you’re there, subscribe 🙂
Historically, this hydrotherapy was called “Wet Sock Therapy.” At some point, a marketing savvy naturopathic doctor explained to young patients that the overnight drying of the socks was a “healing magic trick” and the name quickly evolved into “Magic Socks.” Kids love it and it actually does work like magic to arrest the onset of colds, flus, viruses! Here’s how:
When covered (insulated) with wool, damp cotton socks draw congestion from the head and work overnight to stimulate systemic circulation. This treatment reflexively decreases congestion in the upper respiratory passages, head, and throat.
The socks will dry overnight as the body brings warm, fresh blood to the feet. This, in turn, invigorates the immune system and helps fend off acute illness. Magic Socks can be used nightly when any concern exists about the onset of an acute infection or illness and with any ongoing insomnia.
For best results repeat treatment for three nights in a row or as instructed by your doctor.
If you develop a loss of sensation in your feet while using Magic Socks, remove the socks and check in with your doctor. Do not use this therapy with any condition that has resulted in a loss of sensation or circulation to the feet unless first consulting with your doctor.
Make a Pair of Magic (Wet) Socks
- Make sure your feet are warm and dry to start (wear warm socks as you get ready for bed or consider a warm foot bath if your toes are chilly!).
- Wet a pair of thin, cotton ankle socks with cold water.
- Wring out excess water well so that they are cold and wet but not super drippy. You can place them in the freezer for 5-10 minutes for added intensity.
- Put the cold socks on your nice warm feet.
- Pull a pair of heavy wool socks (or any wicking hiker fabric) over the anklets and climb into bed.
- Cover well; sleep all night with the socks on.
- Your feet should be warm and dry when you wake in the morning. If not, get in touch.
After you’ve tried this and become a warming socks convert (like my mother-in-law!), post on social media about your experience 🙂