According to a folk saying, "Three hundred steps in the morning, a bowl of soup in the evening." Foot bathing plays a very important role in our daily lives, just like having three meals a day. With the development of the times and the popularization of health concepts, foot bathing has become a trend, influencing people's lives and health. So how does foot bathing contribute to health and disease treatment?
1. The stimulation of water temperature
When the body is in a state of fatigue, the blood circulation is slow. However, during foot bathing, the stimulation of water temperature increases the temperature of the foot skin, dilates blood vessels, and accelerates blood circulation. This can help eliminate fatigue and promote sleep. Additionally, appropriate thermal stimulation can promote the body's metabolism, which is beneficial for daily health maintenance and disease treatment.
2. The permeation of drugs through the skin
During drug foot bathing, the heat from the water can stimulate the dilation of blood vessels in the feet and accelerate blood circulation. This increases the absorption of medicinal ingredients through the skin, which then circulates throughout the body, exerting its therapeutic effects and preventing diseases.
3. The stimulation of drug odors
After decocting the medicinal ingredients for foot bathing, the resulting aroma can be strong or mild. Inhaling these aromas can stimulate the brain, helping to improve sleep and eliminate fatigue.
4. The principle of meridians
The feet are not only the starting point of the three Yin meridians but also the ending point of the three Yang meridians. Furthermore, there are 33 acupoints below the ankles, accounting for nearly 20% of the body's acupoints. Regular foot bathing, through the stimulation of water temperature and drug permeation, can stimulate acupoints such as Yongquan, Taichong, Yinbai, and Kunlun in the feet. This can promote blood circulation, regulate organs, balance Yin and Yang, unblock meridians, improve appearance, and promote longevity.
5. The principle of holography
In addition to acupoints related to the internal organs, the feet also have corresponding reflex zones. There are 62 basic reflex zones on both feet, which are like a miniature representation of the human body. They constantly monitor the health of various body parts. When an organ experiences abnormalities or diseases, the corresponding reflex zone in the feet may exhibit abnormal signs, possibly causing pain. Regular foot bathing can stimulate these reflex zones through the local stimulation of drugs and appropriate massages, helping to alleviate diseases in the corresponding organs.
6. The principle of circulation
The soles of our feet not only support our bodies but are also filled with numerous nerve endings and capillaries. As we all know, the further away from the heart, the worse the blood circulation. Our feet are in this situation. If the feet are exposed to cold, it can easily cause a decrease in local body temperature and weakened resistance, leading to various diseases such as headache, cold, and cough. Regular foot bathing, through the stimulation of water temperature and the effects of drugs, can accelerate blood circulation in the feet and body, promote blood flow in the lower limbs to the body, thereby facilitating the elimination of toxins and waste, enhancing physical fitness, and improving resistance. Additionally, regular foot bathing can enhance the sensitivity of foot capillaries, allowing drugs to quickly pass through the blood vessels to the entire body, thus promoting overall health and disease treatment.
7. The stimulation of nerves
Regular foot bathing, through the stimulation of water temperature and the effects of drugs, can regulate the nervous and endocrine systems, thereby promoting brain function and improving fatigue and memory.
When we describe the importance of something, we often say, "A small change can have a big impact. This matter must be handled well, otherwise it will affect other work." The same applies to foot bathing. Its effects on the human body are not achieved through a single aspect but through the combined effects of water temperature, mechanical and chemical actions, as well as the use of medicinal steam and fumigation. These stimulate acupoints, reflex zones, peripheral nerves, and capillaries in the feet, resulting in comprehensive effects. Therefore, when using foot bathing for health maintenance and disease treatment, it must be treated as a science, considering all aspects of the situation, in order to truly have a positive impact.
Warm reminder: After foot bathing, it is generally not advisable to immediately perform foot massage. It is better for the patient to take a short rest, with the time controlled within 10 minutes. During this time, the operator can apply some medium, such as massage lotion or essential oil, to reduce friction on the skin and provide some protection.
