Heating Compress for the Throat
This treatment should be used at the first signs of a sore throat, hoarseness, neck pain, tense muscles, and any inflammation or infection of the throat or neck. It can also aid with drainage of the ear if used along with alternating hot and cold compresses to the ear.
This is a wonderful treatment to increase circulation to the entire throat area and upper respiratory tract. It works by forcing your body to heat up the cold cloth. In the process of attempting to warm the cloth you generate a “false” fever (one of the primary weapons employed by the immune system to fight infections). Also when you place the hot cloth on your neck it draws blood to the area. The cold forces the vessels to constrict flushing out the toxins from your throat and neck. As your body warms the cloth you bring fresh new blood along with all the new cells to fight your infection. This treatment is also sedating and may help with sleep. This therapy is also effective for pain relief and increases the healing response during acute infections.
Precautions:
You should not get chilled during this treatment. Keep warm either in a bed or wrapped up in a blanket. Change the compress at least every 8 hours and allow the skin to dry for at least 1 hour between treatments. Please consult your doctor if your condition does not improve or you have any questions regarding this treatment.
Procedure:
1. Warm your throat – soak a dish towel in hot water and wring it out as much as you can. It should feel wet, but not be dripping. Wrap it around your neck and cover with a dry towel. Leave in place for 5 minutes. This is crucial for the effectiveness of the treatment. If your are cold sensitive or chilled you can exchange the wet cloth for a newly heated one ½ way through the 5 mintues.
2. In the mean time soak a cotton dishcloth in ice-cold water. Shortly before your 5 minutes are up wring it out as much as possible. It should feel wet, but not be dripping.
3. Wrap the cold wet dishcloth around your neck and cover your neck with a dry towel or a wool scarf. Then wrap yourself up with blankets and rest.
4. Leave the compress in place for at least 30 minutes. Overnight is more effective.
5. Do not allow yourself to get chilled. Cover up with a blanket if necessary. At the end of the treatment dry your neck and dress warm and rest.