For ages, heating compresses have been known as a simple, inexpensive and effective method of treatment, helping to relieve the pain or minimize swelling from bruises and sprains. Though nowadays medicine presents information about the psychological impact of the touch, things are much simpler: heat of the compress improves circulation of blood and this additionally reduces the pain. This therapeutic bandage put on the injured or affected part of your body may not only have such positive effect as spreading the heat but it can also be prepared to freeze body’s tissues, it can be dry or wet. Compresses particularly are the best solution for children, instead of giving them chemical medicines, and the elderly, when oral medications don’t help.
Since the ancient times, heat has been known for its soothing effect. By applying the warming compress, blood vessels expand and improve the blood flow into your skin and deeper tissues. Together with blood, such treatment additionally improves the flow of white blood cells that fight against infections. It has been also noticed that all the healing processes are accelerated with a help of warm bandage.
Heating compresses are dry and wet. Dry compresses are mostly made of heated materials, such as sea salt, sand or flax seeds, while wet compresses are made of warm water mixed with alcohol, oil or honey.
Where to apply the heating compress?
• On the ear – when you start feeling pain.
• On the cheek – when toothache comes out.
• On your neck – to relieve sore throat.
• On the joints.
• On a chest – to eliminate dry cough (make a compress with heated sea salt, honey, oil, oil mixed with essential oils).
• Hot Compresses can also be used to lessen the discomfort of menstrual cramps and irritable bowel syndrome, and to increase blood flow to a particular part of the body.