Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Hypothermia

Description

Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures causes your body to lose more heat than it can generate, resulting in a condition called hypothermia. Symptoms of the condition do not usually appear immediately; often signs of hypothermia come on so gradually that the person suffering from it has no idea anything is wrong. Hypothermia may occur in any number of cold environmental situations, including being underdressed in the middle of winter, falling into cold water, and wearing damp clothing in a cool environment.

Hypothermia can strike anyone who is exposed to extremely cold temperatures over a prolonged period of time. People who are at increased risk include very thin people (who have little natural fat insulation), elderly people, and infants. Alcoholics and people with hypothyroidism, diabetes, malnutrition, or heart disease also stand a greater chance of developing hypothermia.

Signs and Symptoms

Body temperature below 94°F

Pale skin that is cold to the touch

Lethargy

Muscle stiffness

Loss of motor coordination

Confusion or delirium

Shivering

Body swelling

Unconsciousness or coma (in severe cases)

Fixed pupils (in severe cases)

Very slow pulse (in severe cases)

Conventional Medical Treatment

Hypothermia is an emergency situation. If someone you know has the condition, get the person out of the cold environment and remove any damp clothing. If you are unable to get the victim indoors, move him or her to an area that is sheltered from the wind, remove all damp clothing, and layer blankets, jackets, and any other dry clothing over the victim to create insulation.

Next, call an ambulance. While waiting for the medical assistance to arrive, check the victim's pulse and breathing. Once at the hospital, the victim's body temperature will be gradually increased with a combination of intravenous fluid and lukewarm water therapy.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Nutrition and Supplementation

Drink plenty of warm, quality beverages and take a supplement with vitamin B complex (50 mg 3 times daily).

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture Acupuncture can be used to improve circulation, which may help prevent permanent nerve damage In the affected area.

Acupressure Acupressure can help increase the flow of blood to the affected area, which hastens healing. The specific acupressure points vary, depending on the location of the hypothermia.

Chinese Herbal TherapyPeony and dong Quai formulas may be helpful in improving circulation, which can prevent permanent nerve damage.