"Magic Socks" (aka "Warming Socks")

"...a simple agent such as water, which is cheap and easily available, is often neglected for a complicated system of therapy which is not so effective."
                                                                                                                                        - J.S. Coulter

​After using them, young children have lovingly dubbed these socks, “Magic Socks”, as have some adults I know! The traditional name of this home therapy, however, is “Warming Socks”. Now, before you envision your piggly wigglies being snuggled into nice toasty socks which were pre-warmed in your electric clothes dryer, oven or microwave, please allow me to  wipe that image from your mind's eye. This is a therapy involving socks that are warm; however, the name can be a bit confusing because the socks are actually applied cold. The warming part of the therapy (hence the name) relies on utilizing a warming process supplied by your very own body. 

Warming socks are useful in cases of colds, flu, sore throat, ear infection, headache, migraine, nasal congestion, coughs, sinus infection or in any inflammation/infection of the throat. The socks work best when they are used for three nights in a row - and at the first sign(s) of illness. 

Here is the How-To:

Supplies –

• A warm foot bath or a full bath
• A towel
• 1 pair of thin cotton socks (100% cotton is best, but not less than 80% cotton)
• 1 pair of thick wool socks large enough to completely cover the cotton socks (again, 100% wool is best, but certainly not less than 80% wool)

Directions –

1. Warm your feet. The "magic socks" may not be as effective if your feet are not first warmed. Foot warming can be accomplished by either a warm-water foot soak or a full-body warm water soak. Either method should last a minimum of 5 minutes; be sure you are soaking long enough to accomplish thorough warming.
2. Dry your feet and/or body with a dry towel.  
3. Now take a pair of cotton socks and immerse them in cold water. Make sure they are thoroughly soaked. (If you tend to be cold-natured or have low vitality, try using cool water rather than cold water during your first round of wearing the socks.)
4. Wring the cotton socks out thoroughly so that they do not drip.  Place the socks on your feet.  
5. Pull the thick wool socks completely over the cotton socks, making sure that no portion of the cotton socks are peeking out. Don’t walk around at this point.
6. Get into bed* - immediately. Cover up well and sleep all night with the “warming” socks on. They should become relaxing and not uncomfortably cold. In the morning, both the cotton socks and your feet should be warm and dry. If you are unable to sleep because your feet feel too cold, then consider removing the socks and soaking your feet again (in warmer water or for longer) and using cool rather than cold water when you are wetting the cotton socks this time around.  
7. You'll achieve the most effective action if the socks are done on 3 consecutive nights. They can also be utilized during the daytime (do not walk around in the socks); just keep repeating the steps 3-5 after the cotton socks have become dry. It's a good idea to let your feet air out for a bit before repeating application of the sock duet. 

* The warming socks duet (wet cotton covered by dry wool) will not result in your bed becoming wet.

Why the "warming socks" are useful: 

This is how they work -
The cold causes an initial vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels which slows blood flow). The body senses the cold and its effect so internal signals are triggered which initiate  vasodilation (relaxation and widening of blood vessels) to increase blood flow to the feet to warm them. The heat begins to build up from the influx of blood and because the feet are insulated within the socks, but because the cotton socks are still wet, evaporative cooling begins to take place, bringing back the initial cold phase. 

Thus the cold/vasoconstriction and warm/vasodilation phases continue to cycle back and forth until the cotton socks are completely dry. This is a beneficial cycle; it is a constant, gentle, self-modulating treatment with tonic effects on the body. This vacillation between the cool and warm temperatures is what leads to increased circulation (blood flow) to the feet and to a decrease of blood in the congested areas (the upper respiratory passages, head, and throat). It is a reflexive action by the body - an involuntary response to a stimulus. This increase in circulation, as well as the decrease in congestion, also allows the body to better deliver fighting members of its immune system army to the sites where they are most needed.
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Reference: Wade Boyle, N.D. and Andre Saine, N.D. Lectures in Naturopathic Hydrotherapy. Eclectic Medical Publications. Sandy, Oregon 97055. Copyright 1988, Fourth printing 1995.