Soaking your feet in hot water every night can give your body's organs a rest after a day of work, improve sleep quality, boost immune system, promote meridian flow, enhance metabolism, and achieve the goal of strengthening the body. Next, we will introduce how to soak your feet for the best health benefits.
When to Soak
The best time to soak your feet is at 9 PM, when the kidney meridian is relatively weak. Soaking your feet at this time can expand blood vessels and improve blood circulation, thus achieving the best kidney nourishing effect. However, people with heart disease, heart failure, low blood pressure, or frequent dizziness should avoid using water that is too hot.
What Container to Use
The best container for foot soaking is a wooden barrel. If you don't have a wooden barrel, you can use a larger plastic bucket instead. Make sure to place your feet comfortably flat at the bottom of the container to avoid cramping.
How Much Water to Use
When soaking your feet, the water should immerse your calves. Only by reaching this depth can the blood vessels in your feet fully expand. So, the principle is to have the water immerse more than half of your calves.
Ideal Water Temperature
The ideal water temperature is generally around 40℃. Water at 40℃ is ideal for eliminating fatigue. Normally, the temperature under the armpit is 37℃, and the body temperature is 40℃. Therefore, 40℃ is closest to the body temperature. If the water temperature is too high, it will not eliminate fatigue and may cause discomfort. If the water temperature is too low, the blood vessels will contract and fatigue will not be easily relieved.
How Long to Soak
Soaking your feet for a longer time is not necessarily better. The optimal soaking time is 30 minutes. Soak your feet once a day or every other day. For the elderly, soaking their feet for 20 minutes before bedtime is ideal. Prolonged soaking can increase the burden on the heart and trigger cardiovascular diseases. In addition, when soaking your feet, blood flows downward to the lower limbs. If weak individuals soak their feet for a long time, they may experience dizziness due to insufficient blood supply to the brain, and in severe cases, they may even faint.
What to Add to the Water
1. Salt: Adding two tablespoons of salt to the foot soak water can have the effects of sterilization and improving constipation.
2. Ginger: Adding a few slices of ginger to the foot soak water can dispel cold and dampness.
3. Lemon: Adding two slices of lemon to the foot soak water can promote smooth qi flow, invigorate the spirit, and prevent colds.
4. Vinegar: Adding three tablespoons of white vinegar to the foot soak water can moisturize the skin, promote metabolism, and improve foot odor.
Massage after Soaking
When soaking your feet, if your body starts to sweat slightly, it indicates that the meridians are open and blood circulation has accelerated, which means the soaking is complete.
After soaking your feet with hot water, sit on the edge of the bed and raise one leg, bending the knee and placing the sole of the foot on the edge of the bed. Massage the sole of the left foot with your right hand, and the right foot with your left hand, alternating the massage until the area feels warm. Massaging your feet after soaking can relieve fatigue and improve sleep quality.
