Lately, we've been discussing paraffin
baths. The units cost around $200. If at
all possible, I strongly suggest you
purchase the actual machine to do your
paraffin treatments. It is
thermostatically regulated and much
safer to use.
I also realize that for some, $200 is
way out of reach with doctors'
bills/medication and so forth, so I am
sharing the following. Perhaps you could
try the following "recipe" if you can't
afford the actual unit. Again, before
trying or starting any treatments, run
it by your physician and be sure that if
you have any open sores or ulcers of any
kind, you do not use this treatment
until they are completely healed. Boy,
does it ever feeeel
goooooooooood!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! EQUIPMENT
1. 4 lbs. paraffin (canning wax)- melting point of 125/127 degrees F 2. 1 cup mineral oil (purchase from supermarket or pharmacy) 3. Crock pot (oval-shaped one works best) or double boiler 4. Candy or cooking thermometer
WARNING: Heating wax in a pot directly over an open flame or high heat increases the risk of fire! A crock pot or double boiler reduces this risk!
DIRECTIONS: On low heat, completely melt the paraffin (watch carefully and stir often if turned on high) Add mineral oil. I only let it begin to melt before adding the mineral oil. The oil helps it not scorch the wax. Turn crock pot off and allow wax to cool until a thin film has formed on the surface Check temperature with thermometer. Start treatment at 125°F.
CAUTION: DO NOT TOUCH SIDES OF CROCK POT. USE CAUTION WHEN HEATING AS THERE IS ALWAYS THE DANGER OF PARAFFIN CATCHING FIRE IF OVERHEATED. BEFORE STARTING TREATMENT BE CERTAIN THAT:
1. THE TEMPERATURE IS 125 DEGREES F. 2. That your hand is dry. 3. That your hand is without open wounds.
TREATMENT: 1. Keep hand relaxed and as still as possible. Keeping fingers separated, dip hand into paraffin bath to just above the wrist. Remove your hand from the paraffin for just a few seconds until drips stop.
2. Repeat this procedure 5 times. IMPORTANT: To prevent burns, DO NOT dip hands past the level of the first dip.
3. To retain the heat, wrap your hand in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil with the shiny side facing in. Seal well to hold in the heat. Do not move fingers or wax will break or crack.
4. After 20 minutes, remove the foil, plastic and paraffin. Used paraffin may be placed back in the crock pot. Cover pot and store for next time. (I also "paint" my knees with this using a paintbrush!) USE WITH CAUTION Keep Smilin', even when covered in wax!
Keep your entire body warm when outside
in cool or cold temperatures. Wear
loose, layered clothing, two pairs of
socks, a hat and mittens, which are more
effective than gloves. Chemical hand and
foot heaters are a good solution if you
are going to be outside a long time, but
don't "burn" numb digits. If you find
yourself dressed improperly for the
outdoors and you will be standing still
for a long time, stick some insulation
such as cardboard or leaves between your
feet and the ground. Use a scarf to
cover your nose.
Make everyday routines less chilling.
When handling frozen foods, wear an oven
mitt, and use insulated glasses for cold
drinks. Use tongs to pick up ice cubes.
Be sure to avoid things that constrict
the blood vessels, such as nicotine,
caffeine, diet pills and
over-the-counter cold medicines that
contain decongestants.
If preventive measures fail, some people find relief by rapidly swinging their arms in a windmill-type motion; others put their hands or feet under warm running water, or use a hair dryer. (But don't do both together!) Also suggested by some sufferers is a tincture of ginkgo and ginger to help increase circulation quickly.
Brave souls may want to try a cold reconditioning technique being tested by the U.S. Army. The idea is to train the blood vessels to relax rather than constrict when exposed to the cold. But you'll have to go through this routine three to six times a day, every other day: Fill two buckets with water of about 100 degrees F. Place one container in a cold area and the other in a warm room. Start in the warm room and put your hands in the water for 2-5 minutes. Wrap your hands in a towel, go to the cold area, and put your hands in the water for 10 minutes.
