heating compress

How to use the heating compress

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A heating compress can be described as a “cold double compress” because the cold cloth is covered with a dry one to preserve the heat that is being drawn from the body into the underlying cloth. The dry cloth keeps the warmed air trapped inside.

Heating compress is best applied around the throat, around joints, to calf muscles, and on the abdomen (to address insomnia and constipation). The primary goal is to relieve congestion, although there is often a sedative/relaxation effect in the treated tissues, for example –

  • On the neck to treat sore throats and laryngitis.
  • For earaches, a similar process can be followed, wrapping a cloth under the chin to cover the ears and securing it with a pin or knot on the top of the head.

The compress is left on until it feels warm (up to 30 minutes). To achieve a stronger effect you may decide to re-apply cold, after it warms again the compress is left on for half an hour or up to 2 hours or overnight in home set up.

In additional, if the cloth is too wet the body may work too hard to heat the area up, possibly leading to a negative reaction, or if the area that is being treated does not warm up, this is considered a negative reaction.

What is a heating compress and Why is it good for us?

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In the next couple blogs we will discuss the nature of heating compress, the physiological effects and how to apply it.

Heating compress use cold water. Initially they have the effects of cold, but they are left on until the secondary action of derivation occurs. These treatments help to relieve deep congestion by mobilizing mild local perspiration. This detoxification effects can be enhanced by adding cider vinegar to the water.

So what exactly happens to our body?

Aim is to create the secondary response of the body to cold (active derivation), primary response of the body to the cold stimulus occurs (retrostasis). The body will begin to re-warm the cooler area by shunting blood from other parts of the body towards the cooled treatment area. Blood flow via active derivation will be shunted from the most congested area in the body first.

This will seen in the treated area as active hyperemia. The resulting heat from the derivative effect is trapped next to the skin under the dry towel leading to accumulation of heat and a general heating effect.

Colder temperature and damper applications will create a stronger secondary response. More than a single layer of towel will also be more difficult for the body to heat up.

Follow up our Massage clinic in Oakville to get more information in a next blog on how to use a heating compress.