The Wonders of Compresses

In the previous article, we explained that illnesses are part of the body's cleansing process to get rid of accumulated toxins. We suggested dietary guidelines to use when you are unwell.

Now, in addition to proper nutrition, I want to introduce another gentle method for stimulating the body's cleansing process: compresses. From my extensive experience in advising and guiding people, I've seen these compresses work wonders and alleviate almost any pain. They can even prevent surgeries in some cases. They provide immediate relief and help induce sleep, so it's advisable to apply them before bedtime, significantly easing various aches.

I've used them on myself, my family, and friends, and I recommend them to anyone willing to pause before taking medication, especially if medicine hasn't helped. Remember this great tool and use it precisely, as it can help but also harm if not used correctly. Read the instructions multiple times until you are confident in applying compresses accurately.

And now, the instructions:

Instructions for Use

The most useful compress is one placed around the waist. Use a cotton cloth, without any synthetic materials. The cloth should have the thickness of a sheet, no more. You can use a diaper or pillowcase made entirely of cotton. The cloth should be about 15 cm wide and long enough to wrap around the waist once.

Wet the cloth with cold tap water, wring it out, and place it on bare skin around the waist. Over the wet cloth, wrap a woolen cloth or dry towel held with safety pins, and lie down covered. If the compress doesn't warm immediately and causes persistent chills, remove it and try again later. This happens only in extreme weakness or immediately after eating. If all is well, in cases of very high fever, use a wider compress from the armpit to the pelvis. The heat will remain within safe limits.

The compress improves blood flow to the kidneys, enhancing their ability to expel toxins. It slightly reduces high fever and improves the general feeling during cleansing processes, including reducing various pains. Many people fall asleep quickly, especially when an additional compress is applied around the neck. Between uses, wash the compress, occasionally boiling it.

What About Children?

For young children, it's convenient to use a wet, wrung summer shirt with a dry shirt or other dry cotton or wool clothing over it.

In cases of high fever, you can frequently bathe the child in warm or cool water to prevent heat-induced convulsions. While it is more onerous for parents who prefer using a suppository or other fever-reducing medication, these methods confuse the immune system, potentially worsening and prolonging the illness. In severe cases, try a cold bath and rub with ice under the armpits and groin.

Headaches

For headaches, placing a compress around the neck is sometimes more effective than on the forehead. Lying down during this time can also help with a waist compress to ease toxin expulsion through the kidneys.

Sinusitis

For sinusitis, prepare a bowl of hot water and one of cold water, each with a cloth. Alternate between hot and cold compresses on the pain area, starting with hot for about two minutes, followed by cold for about 15 seconds. Alternate for about 20 minutes, always ending with cold. During the process, add hot water to the hot bowl and replace the cold water. Extend the hot compress time to four or six minutes if needed.

Joint Pain and Arthritis

For joint pain and arthritis, use alternating hot and cold compresses, always ending with cold. Sitting in a bath is more convenient here. Pour hot water on painful joints and use a cloth dipped in cold water for the cold "shock." This is best done before sleep. The heat expands blood vessels, and the cold contracts them, enhancing drainage and eliminating pain. Joint pains may occur during cleansing even in non-rheumatic individuals. Joint activity after compresses and massages accelerates recovery.

Finger Arthritis

For rheumatism and finger arthritis, alternate submerging hands in hot and cold water for 20 minutes, always starting with hot and ending with cold. Keep the hot water hot and the cold water cold.

Asthma

During asthma attacks, expanding the airways is crucial and can be done in a natural, harmless way without inhaler drugs, except in severe cases. Sit in a bath with warm wet towels on the chest and back (or alternate hot and cold), replacing them to maintain warmth or cold. Continue until relief. Press a small, hot water-soaked towel on the lower neck, exchanging it for a cold towel, repeating the cycle. Always finish with cold. If there is no adequate relief, use medication. Typically, as general toxins decrease, lung condition improves, handling the attack without harming the lungs. Relax with assistance from a specialist in shoulder and neck muscle manipulations.

Inflamed Wounds

Inflamed wounds heal faster when kept under a moist compress frequently changed. Avoid using iodine for any wound; flowing water washing usually suffices, followed by a compress.

Burns

For burns of any kind, like from fire, hot water, or even acids and other chemicals, hold the affected area under cold running water or in a cold water vessel, then apply a cold-water soaked compress. Keeping the burn moist at all times helps prevent scarring.

If the skin is destroyed, apply a well-washed, old linen cloth larger than the burn and very moist. From then on, treat it as if part of the skin, adding more new compresses to maintain moisture and absorb discharges. The edges of the linen will flake as healing progresses. Carefully trim these edges without lifting the remaining cloth, allowing it to release slowly until healing completes. Linen is crucial due to its resistance to body acids.

Deep and extensive burns, like any severe injury, require urgent hospital treatment.

Minor Injuries

For minor injuries, first wash under running water to enable blood flow to remove any foreign bodies. For deep cuts, bring the edges together and secure with a well-washed, wet linen compress. Ensure wound closure without excessive tightness. Keep adding moist compresses, ensuring they remain moist even overnight. At night, add a waist compress.

In any injury case, eat less to aid recovery. Following complete natural healing rules usually avoids antibiotics or anti-tetanus, as a strong immune system manages independently.