Fomentation

Fomentation is a therapeutic practice involving the application of heat and moisture to the body, typically to relieve pain, relax muscles, or promote healing. It is commonly delivered as a hot, damp cloth or towel placed on the skin, a warm poultice, or a heated compress. Historically associated with humoral medicine, fomentation has been used in various traditional systems to draw out stagnation, improve circulation, or loosen secretions.

Methods and forms: moist heat fomentations use cloths soaked in hot water or herbal infusions, sometimes with a covering to retain heat. Dry fomentations use warm, dry heat applied by a blanket or pad. The goal is to increase local blood flow, soften tissue, and alleviate spasm or congestion. Fomentations are distinct from baths, though heat therapy and poultices may overlap in practice.

History and terminology: the term derives from Latin fomentare, meaning to warm or to excite; in English, fomentation has also carried the sense of inciting or provoking, but in medical use refers to heat application. In modern medicine, fomentation as a formal treatment has largely given way to evidence-based heat therapies, such as moist heat packs and hydrotherapy, with usage now typically guided by safety considerations.

Safety and limitations: heat should not be applied to broken skin, acute injuries with swelling, or areas with sensory loss; there is a risk of burns, especially in elderly or pediatric patients. Fomentation should be used with a barrier (such as a thin cloth) and removed if skin becomes red or uncomfortable. It is usually a short-term measure and should be used under guidance when used for medical purposes.

See also: poultice; heat therapy; hydrotherapy.