Soaking feet is not only a good habit, but traditional Chinese medicine also considers it the best way for health preservation. However, soaking feet requires attention to the method and technique. For example, a tragic incident occurred in Wuhan where a 46-year-old woman, Ms. Liu, died due to improper foot soaking. How can we avoid such tragedies? First, remember who is not suitable for foot soaking!
Those who are not suitable for foot soaking
1. Patients with lower limb arterial occlusive disease
For these patients, lower limb ischemia and cold extremities, hot water foot soaking is ineffective.
The arteries of these patients have significantly reduced elasticity, and hot water foot soaking cannot dilate the hardened and occluded blood vessels.
Instead, it worsens ischemia and may even lead to necrosis. If patients do not take it seriously or cannot find the cause, they may ultimately face amputation.
2. Patients with varicose veins
The main cause of varicose veins is venous valve insufficiency.
When soaking feet, the increase in foot temperature only increases local blood flow and does not change the speed of venous return. It may even worsen venous reflux, leading to further dilation of varicose veins and aggravating lower limb congestion, worsening the condition.
3. Patients with diabetes
Diabetic foot is a common complication of diabetes, and some patients with neuropathic diabetic foot may have a strange sensation of coldness and fear of cold in their legs and feet.
Therefore, hot water foot soaking can easily become a comfortable choice. However, once neuropathy is present, patients lose the sensation of pain and water temperature feedback mechanism.
As a result, patients often keep adding hot water, even if they are severely scalded, they are unaware.
4. Patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases
High water temperature stimulates the nerves and dilates the capillaries. High temperatures accelerate blood flow, temporarily increasing the burden on the heart and blood vessels, posing a risk of aggravating the condition.
Master foot soaking techniques for better health effects
1. Choose the time to soak feet
Soaking feet at night is beneficial for promoting visceral regulation. Because the organs are relatively weak at night, soaking feet at this time can relieve tension, alleviate physical and mental stress, and promote the regulation of the heart and kidneys, allowing for full release of pressure.
2. Add vinegar to foot soaking water to improve sleep quality
Because acetic acid can improve the body's metabolic efficiency, promote circulation in the blood system, and make physical recovery easier. It can also effectively prevent arteriosclerosis and hypertension.
3. Control the water temperature for foot soaking
The water temperature should be around 40°C. If the temperature is too high, it can easily cause burns to the feet, but if the temperature is too low, it is often difficult to achieve the desired foot soaking effect.
4. Add traditional Chinese medicine appropriately
Foot soaking can improve blood vessels, remove harmful microorganisms from the feet, and relieve stress.
In order to achieve the purpose of treating other diseases, traditional Chinese medicine can be added appropriately. For example, adding mugwort and ginger can help promote the regulation of the body's temperature center and treat colds, joint diseases, etc.
5. Massage the feet appropriately after foot soaking
After soaking the feet, continue to soak in water and do a 15-minute foot massage. This is beneficial for relieving tension, gradually restoring energy, and improving sleep quality, allowing for a vibrant day ahead.
However, pay attention not to apply too much pressure to avoid compressing the blood vessels in the feet.
