The means of applying ice to the skin (in a towel or other material) in order to relieve pain, stem bleeding, or reduce inflammation. Cold causes the blood vessels to contract, reducing blood flow. Ice-packs are used to relieve pain in a variety of disorders, including severe headache. They are used on sports injuries to minimize swelling and bruising, and they also help to stop bleeding from small vessels, as in a nosebleed.
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