Effects of Hydrotherapy During Flu

Cold and cough is not a disease in itself. It is a symptom that your body s immune system is fighting a virus. Naturopathic treatment just helps boost these defence mechanisms to function better. And for seasonal disturbances in the form of cold and cough, naturopathy can be one of the best solutions.

1. COLD SOCKS TREATMENT
Hydrotherapy is the use of water as a method of healing. Hydrotherapy called the Cold Sock treatment is good for nasal congestion due to cold. For this therapy you need a pair of cotton socks and a pair of woollen socks.

• Soak the foot part of the cotton socks in cold water and wring them thoroughly.
• Put your feet in a basin of hot water and soak them till they are hot.
• Remove your feet from hot water, dry them off quickly, and immediately put on the cold socks.
• Quickly put on the woollen socks over the cold socks.
• Go to bed immediately, and cover yourself. Your feet should not be uncovered at any point in time.

You can get relief from congestion within 30 minutes.
The therapy works on the principle that cold water constricts the superficial blood vessels stimulating them, and hot water causes expansion of vessels, thereby relaxing them. This causes increase in circulation, decrease in inflammation, and it improves elimination of congestion. Naturopathy can boost your immunity and help you keep this disease at bay easily. Naturopathy is a science-based practice that promotes wellness by restoring physiological, psychological, and structural stability in a person. It stresses on a healthy lifestyle that brings about a balance between the mind and body.

2. GARGLE WITH HOT SALINE WATER
Before going to sleep and after waking up in the morning, gargle with warm salt water. This will also help soothe a scratchy throat. The salt drags the mucus out of your swollen, inflamed tissues and helps reduce the discomfort. Naturopathy recommends combining ¼ to ½ teaspoon table salt with 4 to 8 ounces of warm water. Stir until the salt dissolves

Then gargle with it for a few seconds and spit it out. Gargling frequently with salt water can save you from the highly contagious FLU virus. In fact, researchers believe that a simple saltwater solution may help to reduce the intensity of the early symptoms and halt progression of the virus.

3. STEAM INHALATION
It may be an effective way to clear up your nasal and respiratory passages when you’re sick with a cold or the flu, but it won’t actually cure your infection. Your body’s immune system will still do the bulk of the work to get rid of the virus causing your symptoms. As the season changes, common cold is the first thing which hits adults and children equally. Common cold is a self limiting condition and gets better on its own in stipulated time. Unless high fever or throat infection is present not much of the treatment is required.

This is the most effective way to ease nasal congestion and runny nose. Bring water to boil in a wide pan till steam begins to form. Keep head above the pan (at least a foot away) and deep breathe through nose. A readymade steamer is a safer option to do so.for added effect, add 1 spoon crushed ajwain (carom seeds), a dollop of Vicks Vaporub or a table some peppermint/ menthol oil.If taking steam is not your cup of tea, go for a long, hot & steamy shower in an enclosed cubicle. It will moisturize and decongest your nasal passage.

4.LUKE-WARMWATER
Drink luke-warm water frequently as it helps in fighting against common cold, cough and sore throat. Warm water reduces inflammation in the throat and helps in replenishing the fluids and infection out of the body. That will be good if you can drink plenty of warm water with lemon.

5. SEA SALT, EPSOM SALT AND EUCALYPTUS BATH
Add 1 cup of sea salt, 1 cup of Epsom salt, and 10 drops of eucalyptus oil to warm running water. You can also add up to 2 cups of baking soda, if you chose. Mix well by moving water around with your hand or foot. Soak for 12 minutes up to an hour. You can do foot bath with Epsom salt and warm water. It helps to cure cold cough or any type of flu.

6. COLD PACK/ COLD COMPRESS
Take a bath in cool or lukewarm water. Use an ice pack wrapped in a small towel or wet a washcloth with cool water. Place the ice pack or wet washcloth on your forehead or the back of your neck. It help to relieve pain & fever.