Contrast treatments, or local alternate baths, are a powerful stimulant to the circulation and nervous system. This treatment is based on the principle that by alternate contraction and dilation of the blood vessels, brought about by contrasting application of heat and cold, the circulation is improved and the removal of waste products is brought about.

The contrast treatment is the immersion of an extremity alternately in hot and cold water.

Uses

• Sprains, strains, trauma, fractures – after 24 hours
• Arthritis (rheumatoid and osteoarthritis)
• Edema
• Infections
• Ulcers
• Impaired venous circulation
• Reduce pain locally or distally
• Increases local metabolism
• Frostbite
• Cold feet or sweating feet

Items Needed

• 2 containers large enough and proper shape to allow the part to be covered well with water. 1 container with 103º water; the other container with 70º water.
• Water thermometer
• 2 towels – one for under the container, the other to dry the area being treated.
• Pitcher to remove and add water or ice.
• Means for heating water.
• Container of ice.

Treatment Procedure

• Have a word of prayer and ask God to bless the treatment
• Explain the procedure.
• Have everything ready ahead of time.
• Position the person and the container so that the part treated can be easily immersed in either container.
• Carefully immerse the extremity to be treated into the hot bath (103º water) for 3 minutes and gradually increase water temperature to 110º - 115º. (As person tolerates, with each rotation.)
• Switch to the cold bath (70º water) for 30 seconds.
• Make 3-8 rotations – ending with cold. (In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, end with hot.)
• Dry area well.
• After the treatment and the condition have been relieved, pray and give our Heavenly Father thanks and praise for working through this simple treatment.

Special Notes

• Use a suitable disinfectant when treating a wound. (Like hydrogen peroxide or goldenseal)
• ¼ cup mustard powder or 1 Tbsp cayenne powder can be added to the hot bath for painful conditions or sluggish circulation.
• 2 cups of table salt can be added to relieve edema.

Cautions

• Keep hot water temperature for Diabetes and peripheral Vascular Disease at 104º or below.
• Tendency to hemorrhage.