During the hottest period of summer, many people like to wash their feet with cold water, seeking temporary relief from the heat. However, they are unaware of the potential harm it can cause to their bodies. In fact, during this period, it is recommended to soak your feet in hot water instead. But here comes the question: should you soak your feet every day during this period? And what is the best method for foot soaking?
Should you soak your feet every day during the hottest period of summer?
It depends on the individual.
Everyone's body is different. Some people have a hot and dry constitution, which makes it unsuitable for them to soak their feet every day. On the other hand, those with a cold constitution can benefit from regular foot soaking during this period, as it not only does no harm to their bodies, but also provides health benefits.
What are the benefits of foot soaking?
Promotes blood circulation
Hot water can warm the body and promote blood circulation. Soaking your feet can specifically promote blood circulation in the feet. Moreover, our feet are covered with acupuncture points. Soaking your feet during the hottest period of summer can stimulate these points, and regular foot soaking can also improve the body's immune system.
Treats winter ailments during summer
During winter, the body's blood circulation slows down. As the feet are at the farthest end of the body, blood circulation to the feet is relatively slower. Therefore, foot soaking during the hottest period of summer can promote blood circulation and help remove waste from the body, serving as a treatment and prevention for winter ailments.
Warms the meridians and dispels cold
The feet are covered with meridians. Due to the slow blood circulation in the feet, it is common to experience cold hands and feet. Soaking your feet during the hottest period of summer can help warm the meridians and dispel cold, providing warmth to the body.
Relieves fatigue
During the hottest period of summer, the high temperature can easily cause fatigue. Soaking your feet can relax the body and relieve the tension and fatigue accumulated throughout the day.
What is the best method for foot soaking during the hottest period of summer?
Mugwort leaves
Mugwort leaves have the health benefits of warming the meridians and dispelling cold. Soaking your feet with mugwort leaves is a common and effective health care method. Therefore, soaking your feet with mugwort leaves during the hottest period of summer aligns with the principle of treating winter ailments during summer.
Materials: Mugwort leaves.
Instructions: Wrap the mugwort leaves in a non-woven cloth bag, then soak them in hot water. Once the water changes color, remove the bag and pour the mugwort water into a basin. Place your feet in the basin and soak for 20 minutes.
Sichuan peppercorns
Sichuan peppercorns have the health benefits of dispelling cold and warming the body. Soaking your feet with Sichuan peppercorns during summer can warm your feet and accelerate blood circulation, providing excellent health benefits.
Materials: Sichuan peppercorns.
Instructions: Clean the Sichuan peppercorns with warm water, then place them in a non-woven cloth bag. Soak the bag in hot water prepared for foot soaking. Once the water changes color, remove the bag and pour the water into a basin. Soak your feet for 20 minutes.
How long should you soak your feet during the hottest period of summer?
20 minutes is sufficient.
Some people believe that the longer the foot soaking time, the better. However, this is a misconception. It is recommended to soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes, with the water temperature between 40°C and 50°C. The water level should be above the knees for the best results.
When is the best time to soak your feet during the hottest period of summer?
This is the time when the kidney meridian is relatively weak. Soaking your feet at this time can increase body heat, expand blood vessels, and promote blood circulation. Additionally, it provides thorough relaxation and adjustment for the nerves and kidneys after a busy day, achieving the best kidney nourishing effect and making you feel comfortable.
What kind of foot basin is best for foot soaking?
It is best to use a wooden or enamel basin for foot soaking. Many patients with heel pain, insomnia, dysmenorrhea, and high blood pressure often use Chinese herbal foot soaking as an auxiliary treatment. However, it is not recommended to use copper or other metal basins. The chemical composition of these basins is unstable and may react with the tannic acid in Chinese herbs, producing harmful substances such as tannic acid iron, which greatly reduces the effectiveness of the herbs.
Precautions for foot soaking
Avoid foot soaking when too full or too hungry
Avoid foot soaking when you are overly full, hungry, or in the process of eating, as foot soaking can accelerate blood circulation throughout the body, which may lead to dizziness and discomfort. It is recommended to wait at least half an hour after a meal before foot soaking to avoid affecting blood supply to the stomach.
Cautions for patients with severe heart disease or low blood pressure
Healthy individuals can soak their feet or enjoy hot springs without any problems. However, special caution should be taken by individuals with conditions such as heart disease, heart failure, low blood pressure, or frequent dizziness. It is not recommended for them to soak their feet in excessively hot water or for an extended period of time. Soaking feet in hot water or hot springs can cause blood vessels to dilate, redirecting blood from vital organs to the surface of the body. This can lead to ischemia and hypoxia in important organs such as the heart and brain. For people with heart disease or low blood pressure, it increases the risk of illness.
Attention to water temperature for patients with diabetes
Patients with diabetes have impaired peripheral nerves and cannot perceive external temperatures properly. Even if the water temperature is very high, they may not feel it and are at risk of scalding, leading to serious consequences. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the water temperature when soaking feet.
Patients with athlete's foot should be cautious about infection
People with athlete's foot should avoid soaking their feet in hot water, especially when blisters are present, as it can easily cause wound infection. Foot soaking is also not recommended for those with foot inflammation, skin diseases, injuries, or burns.
Do not soak feet for too long for the elderly
For the elderly, soaking feet for too long can cause sweating and heart palpitations. Therefore, it is recommended for the elderly to soak their feet for 20 minutes before bedtime.
There is no need for foot soaking for infants and young children
Infants and young children have a "pure Yang body" and are naturally prone to heat and excessive fire. Soaking their feet in hot water and causing them to sweat excessively can exacerbate their heat sensitivity. Simply washing their feet with warm water daily is sufficient. After washing, gently massage their feet to promote flexibility and bone health.
