Hot fomentation
Treatment
Hot
fomentations increase circulation, decrease congestion, stimulate the immune
system, and increase elimination.
Indications:
Hot
fomentation treatments can be used in a variety of acute conditions including
bronchitis, asthma, chest colds, muscle spasm, gallstones, dysmenorrhea, and
insomnia.
Contraindications:
Do
not use hot fomentations over areas of decreased/loss of sensation, hemorrhage,
gastric ulcers, malignancy, peripheral vascular disease,
conditions aggravated by extreme cold.
Caution:
Speak
to your physician regarding changes in treatment for patients with asthma or
other conditions that are induced or made worse by cold applications.
Supplies:
• Blanket
• 1 Sheet
• Pillow
• 2 Wash cloths
• 4 Towels
• Tub for hot foot bath
Directions
for Chest Application:
•
Spread a blanket lengthwise on a bed with a sheet over it.
The person to be treated should lie on their back, unclothed from the
hips up and without socks.
•
Wring out 2 towels in hot water. Place
1 hot towel under person's back and have them lie down.
Apply 1 towel to chest/abdomen. Wrap
sheet and blanket tightly around whole body.
•
Place feet in a hot foot bath and drape bottom of blanket around legs and
tub. Keep water hot during the
entire treatment.
•
Leave hot towels on chest and back for 3 minutes, then change with 2 more
hot towels and repeat for 3 more minutes.
•
During this time apply a cold washcloth to forehead.
•
Remove towels and place in warm water.
Dip a washcloth in cold water, fold it in half and wrap it around fingers
and hold in place with thumb to simulate a mitt.
Rub the chest and abdomen with the cold washcloth very rapidly, back and
forth for 30 to 60 seconds.
•
Repeat procedure two more times. After
the last round of hot towels, apply the cold friction to the whole body starting
with the hands and arms, chest and back, then the legs and feet.
Cover the completed areas after the doing the cold friction to keep them
warm.
•
Dry and wrap warmly. Have
them rest for at least 10 minutes or go to bed.
