HIGH DESERT NATUROPATHIC CARE Deborah M. Keller, ND, LM, CPM
2019 Galisteo St., Suite E2, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Tel: 505/670-9042
HOME HYDROTHERAPY TREATMENTS FOR COLDS & FLU
The purpose of these hydrotherapy treatments is to heat the body and induce a sweat. It may be used either to
mount an immune response to an impending or full-blown infection, or as a detoxification procedure to rid the body
of impurities.
UNLESS YOU HAVE FIRST DISCUSSED IT WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN, DO NOT USE THESE TREATMENTS IF
YOU HAVE:
1. Low blood pressure
2. Pre-existing metabolic alkalosis
3. Pregnancy or possible pregnancy
4. Heart disease
5. Tuberculosis
6. Diabetes
7. Anemia
8. Anxiety reactions
Also, eat a snack or meal containing protein within and hour or so of the treatment. If you feel hypoglycemic, do
not do the treatment.
WET SHEET PACK
The three-step process of the wet sheet pack (first heating, then cooling, then re-heating) increases the body’s
defenses much more than a single heating treatment. The immune system stimulation will last between 24 and
36 hours, and the procedure may be repeated daily or every other day if needed. Heating the body with either a
bath or heavy exercise usually precedes the pack, and the entire process may last from 1.5 to 4 hours. An assistant
is needed to wrap and unwrap the patient.
MATERIALS:
· 1 sheet preferably cotton (flannel is fine)
· 2 - 3 blankets preferably wool (sleeping bag may be used)
· Pillow & Pillow case
· Small pillow for under knees
· 1 bath towel
WET SHEET PACK PROCEDURE:
1. Fill basin or large pan with cold water & ice cubes in sink. Soak sheet.
2. Cover bed or chosen sweat-site first with plastic, then with one wool blanket laid open.
3. Fill bathtub with water 106° - 107 ° F. Patient gets into tub and immerses self as far as possible (arms & legs under
water) for up to 20 minutes.
4. As patient is finishing bath have partner carefully wring a cold, wet sheet and spread on top of blanket.
5. Patient climbs out of hot tub and lies down on sheet folding arms across chest. Partner wraps sheet around patient
up to neck. Wrap under-blanket around as well, cover with second blanket folded in half and tuck in the sides and bottom.
Drape bath towel around head so only face shows. Put small pillow under knees if needed.
6. Partner checks patient in 30 minutes to make sure heating/sweating process has begun. If no heating process, remove
patient from pack and put back into hot bath or shower to re-warm. If process is proceeding well, check every 15 to 20
minutes for 2 hours.
HOT HOT HOT TREATMENT
If a partner is not available the HOT HOT HOT treatment may be used instead. It also works well with cranky, irritated kids
who have a cold, flu or ear problems and will often put them to sleep (an occasional child will be stimulated by the heat).
Those who tolerate cold poorly will also respond well to this treatment.
1. Hot bath for 20 minutes (shorten this time if you feel at all light-headed).
2. Drink hot Ginger tea, adding honey and lemon if desired.
3. Get into warm, comfortable clothes (sweat suit or flannel PJ’s, socks on feet and cap or towel on head).
4. Climb into bed and cover with extra blankets. Add small pillow under knees if needed.
5. Stay in bed at least 1 hour, nap if you want, overnight is fine. Remove warm clothing and shower if necessary when
through.
COLD, WET SOCKS
A quick, easy alternative is the COLD, WET SOCK TREATMENT. It is beneficial for head congestion, lung congestion,
sore throat, ear infection and insomnia associated with colds or flu. Someone who has low vitality or constantly cold
hands and feet should not attempt this treatment. In that case the HOT HOT HOT treatment would be more successful.
1. Just before bed, wet 1 pair of thin, cotton anklets in cold water. Wring out well and put on.
2. Put on 1 pair of heavy wool socks over the anklets and climb into bed.