Constitutional hydrotherapy focuses on the contrast between hot and cold water to help stimulate your body. Hot water naturally warms the skin and brings blood to the area to help release heat. Opposite of this, cold water shunts blood away to keep the body warm. This drastic contrast moves lymph throughout the body which fights off infection. 

Wet Sock Treatment

Indications
Sore throat or any inflammation or infection of the throat, neck pain, ear infections, headaches, migraines, nasal congestion, upper respiratory infections, coughs, bronchitis, viral and bacterial infections, sleep disturbance, and sinus infections.

Contraindications
Use with caution in diabetes, Raynaud’s phenomenon or syndrome, arterial insufficiency or advanced intermittent claudication. 

Supplies
1 pair white cotton socks
1 pair thick wool socks
Towel
Warm bath or warm foot bath

Directions

1. Take a pair of thin cotton socks and soak them completely with cold water.  After wetting the socks, wring them out thoroughly so they do not drip. You may consider placing them in the freezer for 3-5 minutes (during the duration of step 2) to enhance the cooling effect.
2. While the socks are cooling, warm your feet in a warm bath for 5-10 minutes.  This is very important as the treatment will not be as effective and could be harmful if your feet are not warmed first.  
3. Dry off feet and body with a dry towel.
4. If needed, remove the cotton socks from the freezer, and bend or thaw them to the point where they can be worn. Place socks on the feet and cover the cold socks with a second pair of thick, dry wool socks.  Go directly to bed & go to sleep.  Avoid getting chilled. 
5. Keep the socks on overnight. You will find that the wet cotton socks will be dry by the morning.  

Effects of the Wet Sock Treatment
This treatment acts to reflexively increase the circulation and decrease congestion in the upper respiratory passages, head, and throat.  It has a sedating action and many patients report that they sleep much better during the treatment.  This treatment is also effective for pain relief and increases the healing response during acute infections.

Pro Tip
Try and just do the treatment and get your mind off of it. Adults tend to think to much about having wet socks on their feet and get uncomfortable. Try and just let it be and go to bed right away!
And one more, if you are doing this with kids, try saying "Magic Socks" instead of Wet Socks... makes a world of a difference!