Different foot bath methods have different functions. Some are fragrant and refreshing, some can relieve itching and pain, some can improve blood circulation, and some can eliminate dampness and detoxify. By combining and rationalizing the use of medicinal herbs, the therapeutic effect of foot bathing can be greatly enhanced, which is what we call functional foot bathing.
1. Aromatic Foot Bath
Mint, patchouli, calamus, camphor, and sandalwood are aromatic herbs that are boiled in water and used for foot bathing. The aromatic smell of the herbs can refresh the mind and relieve fatigue, as well as soothe and calm the nerves. Some people also add 1-2 drops of essential oils with aromatic scents to the water during foot bathing, which can help relax and promote better sleep.
2. Anti-itch Foot Bath
As the name suggests, the purpose of an anti-itch foot bath is to relieve itching. Medicinal herbs such as Sichuan pepper, sophora flavescens, centipede grass, borneol, and alum can be used for foot bathing to alleviate itching. It is recommended to extend the duration of the foot bath to allow the skin on the feet to peel off, which can effectively kill bacteria and relieve itching. However, the causes of itchy feet can vary, such as dampness or toxins, so specific analysis of the condition is needed to determine the appropriate herbs and formulas.
3. Medicinal Wine Foot Bath
We often see in movies and TV dramas that when someone gets injured, their family or friends use medicinal wine to massage the injured area. This is because medicinal wine can promote blood circulation and speed up the recovery process. Similarly, a medicinal wine foot bath can also improve blood circulation, dispel wind and dampness. It can be used regularly to alleviate various leg and foot diseases caused by rheumatism. For a medicinal wine foot bath, you can either buy ready-made foot bath liquids or, under the guidance of a doctor, soak specific herbs in wine for more than three months and then pour the diluted wine into the foot bath tub. It is recommended to steam the feet first, followed by a hot foot bath, and then gently pat the joints and skin of the feet until they turn red. This promotes better absorption of the medicinal properties by the skin.
4. Fermented Foot Bath
This method involves fermenting food or herbs and using them for foot bathing. The most commonly used fermented foot bath recipe is rice wine lees, which is used in some places to bath the feet or bury them in. This can dispel dampness. In some places, tofu is heated and then used to massage the joints of the toes and soles, which can effectively relieve foot pain. Although fermented foot baths are not widely used, the use of fermented food and herbs provides natural biological functions, which can have good effects on foot diseases with complex symptoms.
