More thermo-therapy at home

Using alternating temperatures can create amazing results to your health and well-being. It can help with aches and pains, strengthen the heart and circulation, support the lymphatic and immune systems, as well as increase your energy levels and ability to deal with stress. In short, daily thermo-therapy is good for you.

Last week I wrote how to do Thermo-therapy in your shower. This week I’ll describe a couple of other thermo-therapy self-treatments you can do at home.

Water Treading is good for the lymphatic system and pain in feet and legs. All you need is a bathtub or large bucket filled with ice cold water which is deep enough to cover your lower legs.

• Stand in the water and begin to walk, bringing your knee all the way to chest with each step
• Continue to do so for 1-5 minutes
• Step out of the water and dry only between your toes, letting the feet and legs air dry before you put on socks and shoes.

The Arm Plunge is good for the heart as well as pain in arms and hands. A massage therapist’s life-saver. What is needed is a sink or bucket filled with ice cold water, which is deep enough to cover your arms 10 cm (4 inches) above your elbow.

• Place your bent arms in the cold water, staying for 1-3 minutes – no more
• Take arms out of the water and brush off the water, and let the air dry them

Finally, for those of you who has the luxury of a bathtub you can do a Hot Bath followed by Cold Application. This treatment is good for isolated areas of pain.

You will need some more equipment, such as cold stones or cold packs, and moist heating packs can be used instead of going back into the tub the 2nd and 3rd time.

• Take a hot bath with Epsom salts and soak for at least 15-20 minutes, step out of the bath and dry off
• Place cold along the part of the body which is hurting and cover the rest of your body so you keep nicely warm
• Repeat three times

Applying the specific techniques when you have pains and aches might save you from taking pain-killers or even a trip to the physiotherapist. If the pain persists or is strong, see a doctor. Be aware if you have any conditions where heat and cold might be contraindicated. Should you begin feel sick during any of these treatments, cease immediately. Are you in doubt, ask your doctor for advice.

Even if you don’t suffer from any acute pains or aches, implementing thermo-therapy into your daily life will increase your overall well-being and strengthen your health.

Related articles:
The effects of hot and cold, Why cold stones, Geothermal Deep Stone therapy, Benefits of Stone Massage by Mary Nelson