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Hot and cold packs and dressings are simple-to-use pain-control tools and treatments for various health problems that have been widely employed for many years. When applied singly or in combination, these techniques often provide relief not only health ailments but also from the pain itself, but, in some cases, from any accompanying swelling.
HOT & COLD DRESSINGS FOR TREATING HEALTH AILMENTS
Dressings and packs are familiar natural treatments. Father Sebastian Kneipp (1821-1897), a German monk and advocate of natural cures, made them an integral part of his work, which advocated the therapeutic use of water and healing. Dressings or packs are applied to the body either warm or cold and are often saturated in water or tea extracts, diluted vinegar or lemon juice. A cold dressing draws heat from the body, thereby alleviating fever and inflammation. A Warm dressing stimulates the metabolism and improves circulation in the skin. The positive effects of either kind of dressing are not limited to the area of application, because the stimuli received by the skin are transmitted along nerve paths to the rest of the body. Thus, warm or cold dressings can stimulate a deep healing response throughout the entire body.
DRESSING TECHNIQUE
Make a dressing using 3 layers: a linen cloth, a larger cotton cloth and a soft wool cloth. Moisten the linen cloth with very warm water and an active component, such as lemon juice or herb tea. Apply it to the skin, and wrap with a larger cotton cloth. Add the wool layer to trap the heat.
THE TREATMENT
Dressings are easy to make and apply, and very effective if you follow some simple instructions. Before applying a dressing, warm yourself in bed for about 30 minutes. Next, apply a cold dressing to the affected area, keeping it on for about 15 minutes or until it has warmed. While you have the dressing on, either lie down or sit comfortably.
THE EFFECTS OF HOT AND COLD DRESSINGS
The benefits of dressings results from the deliberate manipulation of the body's reactions to warm and cold. Warmth or coldness alone stimulates the autonomic nervous system, the immune system, metabolism and circulation. Dressings can reduce fever and relieve inflammation, sore throat, stomach and intestinal disorders, urinary-tract infections, menstrual pain, cramps, strains, nervousness and sleep disturbances. They also have an antispasmodic effect and can calm a bad coughing attack.
USEFUL DRESSINGS DRESSING OPTIONS LOWER ABDOMINAL DRESSING JOINT DRESSING
DRESSINGS FOR HEALTH AILMENTS
NECK DRESSING FOR A BLOOD NOSE
Try suppressing a bloody nose by applying a cold dressing. Saturate a cloth with water no warmer tan 60°F and place it while still damp on the nape of the neck. The slight pressure and coolness will help restrict blood flow.
LOWER-LEG DRESSING FOR FEVER
Apply a warm dressing to your lower legs to reduce a slight to moderate fever, between 101°-102°F. To make the dressing, add 1-2 tablespoons of cider vinegar or lemon juice to warm water. Repeatedly dip 2 linen cloths folded lengthwise into the water. Wring one of the cloths well and wind it tightly around your lower leg. Wring out the second cloth and wrap it the same way around the lower leg. Remove the dressings after about 20 minutes, and then rub both legs with a towel. Repeat the process after 1 hour if your fever has not abated. Consult your health care provider if the fever continues.
Take Care! - Because they stimulate the nervous and circulatory system, dressings can have an irritating effect and might at times be tiring. After you apply a dressing, be sure to rest for at least 30 minutes to give your body a chance to activate its self-healing powers.
HEAT THERAPY FOR PAIN RELIEF
Pain from backaches, arthritis, and similar disorders often responds well to heat therapy. By increasing the temperature in selected areas of the body, this treatment enhances blood circulation and helps muscles to relax, reducing stiffness and increasing mobility.
Heat can be applied to the affected area through a number of means, including hot water bottles and electric heating pads. Often, moist heat works better than dry heat. Some electric heating pads are capable of producing moist heat, as are some gel packs. Hot showers and wet towels are other means of concentrating moist heat on a painful area.WET TOWEL COMPRESS: A wet towel, folded and placed inside a plastic bag (a large heavy zip-lock bag works well for this... be sure to leave the bag "unzipped" while heating) heated in the microwave for 2-4 minutes or until hot. If you want to use the wet towel as a dry heat source, leave the hot wet towel inside the plastic bag, remove it from the microwave, press all air out of the bag and "zip" or close it up. If you want to have a wet therapy, then carefully remove the wet towel from the bag (carefully, it is very hot) and use it directly for moist heat.
Either method, this heated towel can be applied on a sore area of the body. It works well, is economical and easily available in most homes. Be careful, however, the towel can become very hot using the microwave and you may want to wrap it with another towel or cloth as a buffer before applying it to the skin. This method worked well for an elderly woman I was taking care of for a few years. She was afraid to use an electric heating pad for many reasons and would only use this method. Her skin was very sensitive and I had to place a dry towel between the plastic bag containing the moist heated towel and her skin. The heated towel was good for about 20-30 minutes and then needed to be reheated.
WET WASHCLOTH COMPRESS: A wet washcloth can be folded and placed in warm-hot water and used for sore areas that are small in size. During childbirth, we often use wet washcloth compresses soaked in warm-hot water or warm-hot comfrey leaf tea on the perineal area during the pushing stage of labor. This reduces painful, stretching-burning sensations, relaxes the perineum and vaginal opening allowing tissue to stretch as the baby's head is crowning. It also keeps the blood circulation in the tissues, preventing tearing while it is stretching open and gives the mother a focal point on where to concentrate her labor efforts when we tell her to "push into the warm cloth". Again, do not make the water or tea too hot, just hot enough to hold in your hands comfortably. The perineal area and external genitalia is sensitive and you do not want to burn this area. Because the cloth is smaller, it will need to be replaced much more often. I often use two cloths and alternate their use so I always have a warm one available at all times, replacing the cooled one back into the warm liquid.
MICROWAVE COMPRESS: A tubelike microwavable compress can be purchased at most drugstores. These are reusable, reheatable compresses that are heated in the microwave and applied to sore areas, such as a sore neck. They are filled with a variety of substances such as heat-holding beads or sometimes uncooked rice or treated corn. Many have a looped handle on each end to grasp with hands. These may be used wet or dry, depending upon manufacturer instructions. If your compress is a commercially made one, read the instructions that come with it. It will tell you whether or not you are able to wet it before heating.
To make a homemade microwavable compress, obtain a large men's tube sock at any department store and fill with uncooked dry rice. The cuff end can be sewed or tied shut to keep the rice from spilling out. Do not use safety pins as most microwaves do not work well with metal objects. I do not recommend wetting these homemade compresses, however, I have never tried using them wet so I am not sure if wetting them would cause the rice to cook and soften - which you do not want to do. Microwave the homemade compress for a few minutes (depending upon your microwave) and apply to the sore area that needs the heat. The uncooked dry rice is excellent for holding heat, is inexpensive, easy to work with and can be obtained at any supermarket. For a larger homemade compresses, 2 terrycloth wash cloths or hand towels, or squares of heavy flannel that can be sewed together and filled with uncooked rice and heated in the microwave. Adjust the time in the microwave accordingly, depending on size.
In place of using a rice sock (they can be quite heavy if they are large enough to retain heat well), you can use old fashioned oats in place of the rice in a homemade sock. Herbs can be added if desired, but these are not necessary. An oat sock smells clean and sweet when heated, retains the heat well and weighs considerably less. You can sew small loops of elastic at the ends so the person using it can either hold it in place if she wants or cloth ties or belts may be used to hold it in place (be careful about using any metal fasteners for microwavable items). For more heat retention, the heated sock can be placed in a removable flannel sheath that velcros at one end and the elastic loops slip through.
Poultices can also be effective and, for certain disorders, sitz baths are helpful. For more information about these forms of hot therapy, see the following links:
MoonDragon's Health Therapy: Using A Poultice
Use all forms of heat therapy with caution. Monitor the intensity of the heat and the duration and frequency of the treatment. Do not allow yourself to fall asleep while using an electric heating pad. Regardless of the heat source, a good rule of thumb is 20 minutes on, and 20 minutes off. After removing the heat, firmly rub or massage the affected area. This will both dissipate the heat and help relieve tension. Do not massage the area if it is inflamed or has just sustained a serious injury. And never massage the area if you have phlebitis or other vascular problems.
COUNTER-IRRITANTS FOR HEAT THERAPY
A variety of over-the-counter topical products, such as capsaicin cream, Ben-Gay, and Icy Hot, can be used in lieu of a heat pack to treat localized pain. As counter-irritants, these products stimulate blood flow to the affected area, acting much like heat. While such products may be relatively convenient and easy to use, they should be used with discretion. Do not apply anything but ordinary clothing to an area that has been treated with a counter-irritant. Heating pads placed over treated areas can increase the medication's rate of absorption into the skin, thus causing serious damage. Do not used these products over sensitive skin areas, mucous membrane areas, genital regions, or near the eyes. Always thoroughly wash your hands with hot water and plenty of soap after applying the medication. Traces of medication left on your hands can seriously irritate your eye or other sensitive areas if you happen to accidentally rub or wipe it with your hand. Do not use these products on areas that have open lesions, wounds or sores or near any mucus membranes, such as eyes, mouth, genital areas.
COLD THERAPY FOR PAIN
Because of its ability to prevent swelling, cold packs are often the treatment of choice directly following a strain, sprain, or other injury. In such cases, cold packs alone should be used during the first 24 to 36 hours. Cold packs can also help relieve certain types of chronic pain.
Immediately following childbirth, midwives will often have the mother apply a cold pack to the perineum to reduce swelling and relieve pain after the baby has been born and the placenta has delivered. There are cold packs that are inside maternity size sanitary pads/napkins that are specifically made for this use and wonderful to use.
Ice packs are probably the most common means of applying cold. These packs can simply be applied to the painful area, or they can be rubbed on the area using a circular motion for 5 to 7 minutes. Lower back pain seems to be particularly respondable to ice rubs. Ice packs can be made with crushed ice or small ice cubes placed in a sealed plastic bag (these may become wet and messy if water leakage occurs, but can be replaced with new ice once it has melted) or may come as a one-time-use pad that is in a permanently sealed packet. Cold gel packs (these are often used for ice coolers and food refrigeration) are kept in the freezer between uses and are also effective in cold therapy. Because of their pliable consistency, these are often more comfortable than ice packs. Not to mention the convenience and economics of being refrozen and reusable. These packs are also used by biochemical and medical laboratories to keep blood and tissue samples cold.
HOMEMADE ICE PACKS
Make Your Own Homemade Ice Packs: If you do not have a readily-made commercial ice bag or ice pack available for your acute injury, try these ice cold substitutes that can be made easily in your own home. The easiest and the most inexpensive way to get started with your cyrotherapy is to place a wet washcloth over the area that is inflamed or hurts. Then, grab a bag of frozen vegetables out of the freezer, such as frozen peas or frozen corn, and mold it around the targeted body region. Place a dry towel over the frozen vegetables to insulate the cold and leave the frozen vegetables in place for 15 minutes until the skin is slightly pink and numb. An ace wrap also works quite well to help hold the ice in place. Frozen vegetables make an excellent a homemade ice pack as it molds nicely around irregular body parts. As the ice pack (frozen vegetable bag) is first applied, you will feel intense cold. Then, a short-lived burning sensation quickly begins which progresses rapidly into a mild ache. This ache will eventually die off as one becomes numb from the cold.
Beware that extremely cold ice packs left on for too long can possibly give you a mild frostbite injury. Stop all cold applications immediately if you start to see small white patches or discoloration on your skin.
Another convenient and inexpensive way to make an ice pack is it to fill a plastic ZipLoc bag with a 1:3 alcohol to water mixture. Leave the baggie in the freezer until it becomes slushy. Remove the baggie from the freezer and apply to the body in the same manner as the frozen vegetable technique noted above.
ICE MASSAGE
If you have a small area, such as knee, which is in need of cold therapy, take a small dixie cup and fill it with water and place it in the freezer until frozen. Then, peel down the upper edges of the cup to expose 2" or so of the solid ice. Move the icy cup edge over the skin and desired body part in light quick circular motions. Have a washcloth nearby to catch the water drips from the melting ice cup. This technique applies cold very fast and takes only seven minutes to reach the pink and numb stage. If you only have limited time and can stand intense cold, then this cyrotherapy technique is for you. You can also freeze water in small popsicle containers which work well for ice massages applied directly to the skin.
Like heat therapy, cold therapy should be used with caution. Wrap ice packs and gel packs in a towel or heavy cloth before applying them to the affected area. Then apply the packs for no more than 20 minutes at a time. You do not want to cause tissue damage by leaving the packs against the skin for too long.
HEAT & COLD ALTERNATING THERAPY
In some cases, alternating hot and cold treatments work best. For a painful and stiff neck, for instance, try using a warm shower to relieve tension. After the shower, use a 5 to 7 minute ice massage to reduce swelling and further relieve pain.
WHEN SHOULD I USE HEAT OR COLD OR BOTH?
Experimentation is the best way to discover whether heat, cold, or alternating heat and cold best relieves your discomfort. If several applications of one type of treatment - such as heat - do not provide any relief, try the opposite treatment. If your pain persists, and especially if you are not sure of its cause, consult with your health care provider.
Consult with your health care provider if you have any concerns, questions or health problems that may contraindicate the use of heat or cold therapy or alternating heat-cold therapy.
THE VIEWPOINT OF MAINSTREAM MEDICINE
Today, conventional medicine recognizes dressings and packs as supporting measures for treating many diseases and treatment of joint and muscle pain. They are valued because they are comforting and well tolerated.
MOONDRAGON'S PAIN CONTROL LINKS
MoonDragon's Health Therapy: Pain Control
HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
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DreamTime's Back in Motion Lumbar Wrap encourages tight, stressed muscles to relax with a healing warmth or cooling touch. Our exclusive aromatherapy blend of cinnamon, clove and eucalyptus delights the senses, while its generous size and luxurious fabric elevate you to a state of comfort and calm.
HerbalRemedies: Hot & Cold Gel Pack, CorPak, Soft, 6 Inches X 10 Inches, 1 Each
Sized to fit nearly anywhere you need hot or cold therapy. Helps treat strains, sprains, tendonitis, and other injuries. Soft, "frost-free" cover. Store in freezer until needed. Heat in microwave. Non-toxic, biodegradable gel. Other sizes are available.
HerbalRemedies: Hot & Cold Gel Pack, CorPak, Soft, 6 Inches X 10 Inches, 1 Each
Sized to fit nearly anywhere you need hot or cold therapy. Helps treat strains, sprains, tendonitis, and other injuries. Soft, "frost-free" cover. Store in freezer until needed. Heat in microwave. Non-toxic, biodegradable gel. Other sizes are available.
HerbalRemedies: Warm Embrace Body Wrap, Sage Green, Dreamtime
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HerbalRemedies: Calming Crescent Shoulder Wrap, Lavender Velvet, Dreamtime
DreamTime's Calming Crescent Shoulder Wrap promotes well being and harmony with heat or cold, soothing sore shoulder and neck muscles while calming the senses. The signature DreamTime herbal fill may be heated or cooled, enveloping you with scents of cinnamon, clove and eucalyptus. The generous size covers your entire shoulder area and luxurious fabric elevates the healing experience to absolute indulgence.
HerbalRemedies: Orthogel Advanced Pain Relief Gel, 4 oz.
Orthogel Advanced Pain Relief Gel is made with high quality ingredients such as OptiMSM and Pureflex Glucosamine. ORTHOGEL Advanced Pain Relief Gel 4 oz Jar with ILEX, Menthol 3.5%, Camphor 0.2%, Pureflex Glucosamine, Boswellia Serrata, Curcumin, Aloe, OptiMSM and Vitamin E. ILEX is extracted from a holly shrub grown in South America and has been used by the Paraguay Indians to enhance the effects of their medicines for centuries. Orthogel Advanced Pain Relief Gel is greaseless, stainless and has no lingering odor. The effects last for several hours for the temporary relief of pain. For external use only.
HerbalRemedies: Orthogel Pain Relief Roll-On, Orthopedic Pharmaceuticals, 3 fl. oz.
Orthogel is a topical analgesic for the temporary relief of pain.
HerbalRemedies: Orthogel Pain Relief Tube, Orthopedic Pharmaceuticals, 4 oz.
Orthogel is a topical analgesic for the temporary relief of pain.
HerbalRemedies: Tiger Balm Ultra Strength, Non-Staining Sports Rub, Natural Pain Relief, 1.7 oz.
Tiger Balm Ultra sports rub for sore muscles and overexertion. Tiger Balm Ultra sports rub provides natural pain relief for aches and pains due to overexertion, backaches, stiffness, joint pains, arthritis, and sprains. Tiger Balm's concentrated formulation penetrates quickly and provides effective temporary relief. Tiger Balm Ultra-Strength contains more pain relieving menthol than Extra-Strength Tiger Balm. This non-staining formula provides deep penetrating ultra natural pain relief to work where it hurts.
HerbalRemedies: Tiger Balm Regular Strength, White Sports Rub, Natural Pain Relief, 0.63 oz.
Tiger Balm White has a higher concentration of mint oil than the red balm which help relieve muscular aches and pains, increase circulation in arthritic joints and ease soreness after a working out.
HerbalRemedies: Tiger Balm Patch, 5 (4 X 2.74 Inch) Patches
Tiger Balm Patch is a flexible pain relieving patch. Once applied, its ingredients penetrate the skin and are absorbed, thus stimulating blood circulation around the area of pain. Its warm penetrating action provides fast, long lasting pain relief and comfort for hours. It is not messy or greasy and will not stain your clothing. Its thin design can be comfortably worn unnoticed underneath clothing.
HerbalRemedies: Swedish Bitters Capsaicin Cream, Nature Works, 4 oz.
Swedish Bitters Capsaicin Cream contains cayenne pepper and Swedish bitters and is suggested for the temporary relief of aches and pains in muscles and joints due to arthritis, backache, strains and sprains, and may be used to revitalize after strenuous exercise. Nature Works Swedish Bitters Capsaicin Cream. Natural Pain Relieving Cream.
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
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Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
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The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
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