Today, I will talk to everyone about soaking your feet at night. Some people may ask, is there really a science behind soaking your feet? The answer is yes. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the soles of the feet are considered the convergence point of various meridians and contain over 60 acupoints that connect to internal organs and reflex zones corresponding to the five zang and six fu organs in the human body. Soaking your feet helps relax the tendons, activate blood circulation, and improve overall circulation. Below, I will provide a detailed introduction.
Why is soaking your feet at 9 PM the best time for kidney health?
The reason for choosing this time to nourish the kidneys is that it is during this period when the energy flow in the kidney meridian is relatively weak. Soaking your feet at this time increases body heat, causing the blood vessels to dilate, which promotes blood circulation. At the same time, the nerves that have been tense all day and the kidneys that have been working hard can be thoroughly relaxed and properly regulated through foot soaking, making you feel more comfortable.
"Soaking your feet in hot water not only helps to nourish the kidneys and brighten the liver but also improves sleep quality." If after soaking your feet, you give yourself a few minutes of foot massage, it will further enhance blood circulation and allow the internal organs to be better regulated. After soaking your feet, it is recommended not to engage in other activities; go to bed a few minutes later for optimal kidney-nourishing effects.
How long should you soak your feet?
When soaking your feet, the water temperature should not be too hot, around 40°C (104°F) is ideal, and the soaking time should not be too long—about half an hour is appropriate. Since metal containers cool down easily, it’s better to use a wooden basin for soaking. You can add herbs like Danshen (Salvia root) and Danggui (Chinese angelica) to promote blood circulation or herbs such as Lianqiao (Forsythia fruit), Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle flower), Banlangen (Isatis root), and Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum flower) for clearing heat and reducing fire.
For office workers, morning foot soaking boosts energy
The reason for choosing to soak your feet in the morning is that maintaining the same posture for a long time during nighttime sleep can lead to poor blood circulation. Morning foot soaking can promote blood circulation and regulate the autonomic nervous system and endocrine system. The nerve endings on the soles of the feet are connected to the brain. Massaging the feet in warm water with your hands can make the brain feel relaxed and refreshed, leaving you feeling clear-headed and energetic for the day ahead.
Morning Foot Soaking Method
The method for morning foot soaking is simple. The water temperature should be controlled around 40°C (104°F), ensuring it feels comfortable and not scalding. Soak your feet for about 5 minutes. Use your index finger, middle finger, and ring finger to massage the Yongquan acupoint on each foot for about 1 minute, then massage the spaces between the toes for about half a minute. To maintain the water temperature, you can add warm water several times, repeating the process 3-5 times. If time is limited, perform one cycle or just do the massage without soaking in hot water.
"Spring foot soaking raises yang and stabilizes qi; summer foot soaking removes dampness; autumn foot soaking nurtures the lungs; winter foot soaking warms the lower abdomen." Foot soaking with hot water benefits the body year-round. Therefore, try soaking your feet in the morning regularly.
Below, I will introduce some folk remedies:
Ginger juice foot soaking, dispels cold, treats cold hands and feet
"Ginger juice foot soaking involves adding a few flattened ginger pieces to warm water, which has the effect of dispelling cold and alleviating symptoms of cold hands and feet."
Ginger is pungent and warming. When taken internally, it can accelerate blood circulation, improving symptoms of cold hands and feet, aversion to cold, etc. Soaking your feet in ginger water has no adverse effects, but claiming that it cures specific diseases lacks scientific evidence.
Vinegar foot soaking, improves sleep disorders
"Adding a few tablespoons of white vinegar to warm water creates a vinegar foot soak, which moisturizes the skin, relieves fatigue, and treats sleep disorders."
Acetic acid promotes metabolism, helping rest and restoring physical strength while preventing arteriosclerosis and hypertension. Although consuming vinegar can benefit health, the claim that vinegar foot soaks improve sleep is based on folk experience and lacks medical support.
Saltwater foot soaking is very simple: just add two large spoons of salt to a half basin of hot water. Regularly soaking your feet in saltwater can kill bacteria, disinfect, prevent athlete's foot, and keep the feet clean and smooth.
Can saltwater foot soaking cure athlete's foot?
Soaking your feet daily in hot water has certain health benefits, but using regular table salt for foot soaking lacks scientific theoretical basis.
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