Hi there,
I thought we were out of the woods with the cold season. But last week my kids had ear fullness and pain. What did I do for them? I did the wet sock treatment. Overnight they felt better and ready to go to school the next day.
The wet sock treatment is a centuries-old healing remedy that can help alleviate symptoms of a cold, flu, sinus or ear infection, or upper respiratory congestion. This hydrotherapy technique is an easy and safe way to boost your immune system and promote healing, making you feel better faster.
So, what exactly is the wet sock treatment? The treatment is based on the idea that the body naturally regulates its temperature. By putting on cold, wet socks, the body’s heat is redirected towards the feet and away from other areas, which can help open up congested nasal passages and improve sleep quality. To do the wet sock treatment, you’ll need a pair of cotton socks and a pair of wool socks.
Here are the steps to follow:
Soak the cotton socks in the coldest tap water possible, then wring them out and put them in the fridge for 20 minutes or the freezer for 5 minutes. We want the socks to stay pliable and not frozen hard.
Take a hot bath or shower to warm up your body.
Dry up right away and put on warm pajamas.
Put on cold, wet cotton socks on your feet.
Cover the wet socks with wool socks.
Go to bed, bundle up, and get cozy.
As time passes, the socks will get warm and then will be completely dry. It’s like MAGIC!
It’s important to warm up your body before putting on cold, wet socks, as not doing so can make you sicker. A few months ago, I was sick. One day, I put on the socks right after my shower while still in the bathroom. I went to bed, and within one hour of cuddling with my kids, my socks were dry. The following day, I made the mistake of stopping by to see what the family was watching on TV and only then put on the socks. It was a different experience. Instead of feeling better, I started to get chills. I was worried that my cold was getting worse. However, as soon as I took off the wet socks, the chills stopped. Learn from my mistake: don’t allow any time for your body to cool off before putting on the socks.
Also, if your socks aren’t completely dry in the morning, there may be a unique situation that requires a unique approach. Typically that means the person’s vitality is reduced. We can support you through other immune-boosting treatments at ISM Health to increase your vitality. And it varies from person to person. Reach out to us if you need to troubleshoot ways to increase your vitality.
So, what are the benefits of the wet sock treatment? The treatment can help boost your immune system, making it easier for your body to fight off infections. It can also relieve congestion, reduce inflammation, promote relaxation, and improve circulation throughout the body, which can help bring nutrients and oxygen to the cells and tissues, aiding in the healing process.
In conclusion, the wet sock treatment is a simple, safe, and effective way to promote healing and boost your immune system when you’re feeling under the weather. It’s a natural remedy that has been used for centuries and is still popular today. So, the next time you feel like you’re coming down with something, give it a try and see for yourself the benefits it can provide.

Stay Well,
Dr. Jamie Agisheva and Team
dra@ismhealth.org