During the cold winter weather, it is easy for people to have cold hands and feet, especially since the hands and feet are far away from the heart and located at the end of the blood vessels. It is important for us to keep our hands and feet warm, so it is necessary to soak our feet in winter. Let's take a look at the benefits of soaking feet in winter.
Benefits of Soaking Feet in Winter
1. Removes coldness
There is a saying that goes, "If the feet are not cold, the body is not cold." If you want to get rid of the cold and remove the coldness, soaking your feet is a good choice.
The invasion of coldness can lead to various diseases, especially colds, flu, and headaches. Soaking your feet can alleviate these problems.
2. Promotes health and sleep
People with poor sleep quality can try soaking their feet at night. There are many acupuncture points on the feet, and soaking them can relax the body, relax the nerve cells, and greatly improve the quality of sleep.
3. Strengthens the body
Long-term foot soaking can help enhance the body's resistance and improve physical fitness. It can also nourish qi and blood, and delay aging. If you soak your feet every day, the effects will definitely show, and it is better than taking supplements.
Three Ingredients to Add When Soaking Feet in Winter
1. Ginger
In traditional Chinese medicine, ginger is a warm and dispersing medicine. It has the effect of dispelling cold and promoting surface circulation. Ginger can improve local blood circulation and metabolism. People with cold hands and feet can use ginger to soak their feet.
2. Cinnamon
Cinnamon, also known as cassia, is a commonly used spice. It has the function of warming the kidney yang. Soaking feet with cinnamon can help relieve edema caused by kidney disease.
If there is renal edema, you can use 15 grams (a small amount) of cinnamon and Sichuan pepper to boil and soak your feet. Soaking your feet continuously with this method can have a certain effect in reducing swelling.
3. Mugwort
Soaking your feet with mugwort can also improve lung function, which is beneficial for people with chronic bronchitis and those who often cough up white phlegm. Generally, take 30-50 grams (a small handful) of dried mugwort, boil it with water, and soak your feet. People with cold and dampness in their bodies can soak their feet with mugwort once a week.
Precautions for Soaking Feet in Winter
The water temperature for foot soaking should not be too high or too low. It is advisable to put your feet in a foot bath barrel and feel a little hot but bearable. The temperature should be around 37-42 degrees Celsius.
The appropriate amount of water for foot soaking is to have the water level in the barrel above the calf. Soak your feet and legs together. Soaking your feet at 9 p.m. is the best for nourishing the kidneys, while soaking your feet in the morning can energize office workers.
The most suitable time for soaking feet is from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. After soaking your feet, you can go to bed. Please note that it is best for the elderly to soak their feet for 20 minutes before going to bed every day.
During foot soaking, rub the waist up and down with clenched fists to nourish the kidneys.
During foot soaking, you can massage the soles of your feet (Yongquan acupoint). When massaging, rub and knead the acupoints. The movements should be slow and continuous. Start with a short duration and slow speed, and then increase the speed after a while.
