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Warm Feet, Cold Feet: Health Benefits of Contrast Hydrotherapy

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A contrast hydrotherapy foot bath (CHFB) is an excellent way to strengthen your immune system, alleviate congestion, soothe sore muscles, and improve circulation.

A contrast hydrotherapy foot bath (CHFB) is an excellent way to strengthen your immune system, alleviate congestion, soothe sore muscles, and improve circulation. | KalenaSpire

It’s also beneficial for individuals with diabetes, as they are prone to a foot problem known as peripheral neuropathy. This condition causes unrelenting burning, stabbing pains, numbness and aching in one or both feet.

What You Need to Know about Contrast Hydrotherapy

Contrast hydrotherapy involves alternating applications of cold and warm compresses or immersion in cold and warm water for specified times.

You’re probably familiar with using it for muscle injuries such as a sprain. For individuals with diabetes, it can reduce swelling and pain and improve blood flow circulation.

Additionally, when under medical observation, if a change in blood flow to the feet is not achieved, it can signal an impairment in circulation that requires further assessment.

Adding Epsom Salts to the warm water may help increase circulation and ease pain or discomfort.

A contrast hydrotherapy foot bath (CHFB) is an excellent way to strengthen your immune system, alleviate congestion, soothe sore muscles, and improve circulation. | KalenaSpire

Indulge in a Contrast Foot Bath

  • Purchase two basins and keep them for your foot baths, each one large enough for both feet and sufficient water to cover them.
  • Gather up a pair of cozy socks and a supply of towels (water will splash when you move from one basin to another).
  • Fill one basin with ice water, and another with warm water. (Test water with your hand to make sure it’s not too hot).
  • Start with the warm water, from 3-5 minutes.
  • Immediately switch to the cold water for 30 seconds to one minute.
  • Repeat the process about 3-5 times
  • Always end with the cold water.
  • Gently dry legs and feet and put on warm socks.
  • Rest for 20 minutes
Important: if you have inflammation or open wounds on the legs or feet, varicose veins, thrombosis or phlebitis, consult with your health practitioner before using a foot bath.

 

Have you tried contrast hydrotherapy? Share in the comments below!

 

 

References
  • Pizzorno, Joseph E. (2013). Textbook of Natural Medicine. St. Louis, MO Elsevier. (chapter 40), 335
  • Mooventhan, A, and L Nivethitha. “Scientific Evidence-Based Effects of Hydrotherapy on Various Systems of the Body.” North American Journal of Medical Sciences 6.5 (2014): 199-209. PMC. Accessed on: 5 Sept. 2016. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4049052/
  • Petrofsky, J., Lohman III, E., et al., “Effects of contrast baths on skin blood flow on the dorsal and plantar foot in people with type 2 diabetes and age-matched controls.” Physiotherapy Theory & Practice (2007) 23:4. Accessed on 5 Sep 2016: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17687732
  • HumanKinetics.com. “How to use heat and cold to treat athletic injuries.” Accessed on 5 Sep 2016: http://www.humankinetics.com/excerpts/excerpts/how-to-use-heat-and-cold-to-treat-athletic-injuries
  • DiabetesSelfManagement.com. Accessed on 5 Sep 2016: http://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/managing-diabetes/complications-prevention/controlling-neuropathic-pain/
Photo Credit
  • Kzenon/bigstockphoto.com

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Alexandria Z., M.S.

Christine is my wellness goddess. Her amazing support, extraordinary expertise, and undeniable compassion invited me to a world of freedom from digestive discomfort that I didn’t know was possible. The whirlwind of bloating, constipation, brain fog, and digestive upheaval was consuming my life. Exhaustion and frustration were becoming my very existence. And then I met my health goddess! Christine’s astute listening and meticulously tailored guidance, transformed my thinking and whirlwind of digestive discomfort. She helped me achieve a state of equilibrium. The balance I now experience is the center of my wellness existence—the core of my life with digestive happiness.

 

Christine instilled in me the power to embrace the grace and strength of my very own body! She has taught me to internalize the boundless evidence of my body’s functionality to heal digestively. While working with Christine, my exhaustion, pain, and bloating were overshadowed with energy, digestive comfort, glowing skin, and knowledge. Her coaching raised my awareness of food sensitivities, and promoted better food choices, which led to better sleep, a stronger link to overall wellness, clarity in my thinking, and ultimately, more joy in my life.  Christine’s remarkable spirit of wellness will forever echo in my digestive wellness journey. I bestow upon Christine the well-deserved exceptional title, “my wellness goddess.”
2015-07-27T17:47:59+00:00
Christine is my wellness goddess. Her amazing support, extraordinary expertise, and undeniable compassion invited me to a world of freedom from digestive discomfort that I didn’t know was possible. The whirlwind of bloating, constipation, brain fog, and digestive upheaval was consuming my life. Exhaustion and frustration were becoming my very existence. And then I met my health goddess! Christine’s astute listening and meticulously tailored guidance, transformed my thinking and whirlwind of digestive discomfort. She helped me achieve a state of equilibrium. The balance I now experience is the center of my wellness existence—the core of my life with digestive happiness.   Christine instilled in me the power to embrace the grace and strength of my very own body! She has taught me to internalize the boundless evidence of my body’s functionality to heal digestively. While working with Christine, my exhaustion, pain, and bloating were overshadowed with energy, digestive comfort, glowing skin, and knowledge. Her coaching raised my awareness of food sensitivities, and promoted better food choices, which led to better sleep, a stronger link to overall wellness, clarity in my thinking, and ultimately, more joy in my life.  Christine’s remarkable spirit of wellness will forever echo in my digestive wellness journey. I bestow upon Christine the well-deserved exceptional title, “my wellness goddess.”