This is my tried-and-true intervention for acute illness. I often feel that when I recommend this to my patients, they think I’m crazy but once they have tried it for themselves, they become huge fans of this intervention. As a health care provider, I am good at telling others what to do in regard to their health, but I can be guilty of not always following my own advice when feeling under the weather. However, at the onset of illness this is the one intervention that I ALWAYS implement to support my immune system. I find that this treatment works best for acute viral illnesses, fever, respiratory infections, congestion, coughs, and headaches. In addition, it can have a sedating action and I have experienced myself that I tend to sleep much better during the treatment. This treatment is also effective for pain relief and increases the healing response during acute infections. It is important that you implement it for three nights in a row to experience the full benefits, but most people will notice an improvement after the first night.

SUPPLIES:

  • 1 pair cotton socks
  • 1 pair thick wool socks*
  • Towel
  • Warm bath or warm footbath

DIRECTIONS:

1. Take a pair of cotton socks and soak them completely with cold water (the colder the water the better!). Be sure to wring the socks out so they do not drip any water.

2. Warm up your feet in warm water or take a warm bath for at least 5-10 minutes. This is very important, as the treatment will not be effective if your feet are not warmed first.

3. Dry off feet and body with a dry towel.

4. Get dressed for bed.

5. Place cold wet socks on feet. Cover the wet socks with the thick wool socks. Make sure the wet socks are completely covered by the wool socks.

6. Go directly to bed to avoid getting chilled.

7. Keep the socks on overnight. You will find that the wet cotton socks will be dry in the morning.

8. The wet sock treatment is best when repeated for three nights in a row, or as instructed by your physician.

*If you are allergic to wool or don’t have wool socks, use thick socks of another material or cover wet socks with 2 additional pairs cotton socks.

Once you have tired this intervention for yourself you will realize why it is called “Magic Socks”. The healing benefits are truly magical and when you wake up in the morning the wet socks will be completely dry! Kids tend to find this fun and they become more compliant with the intervention after the first night after experiencing the magic powers of this treatment.