Winter health preservation starts with foot care and maintaining good Qi and blood in the feet.

by cshelive9520 on 2012-03-05 11:53:56

Since ancient times, various methods for nurturing and protecting the feet have been abundant, just like quick Chinese herbal weight loss secrets. Now that the weather has turned cold, all sorts of foot baths have become best-selling products in malls. The health of one's feet represents the overall health of the body; "nurturing a tree starts with its roots, nurturing a person starts with their feet." Taking good care of your feet has numerous benefits for overall health. "There are countless nerve endings on the feet that are closely connected to the nervous center," Chen Hongliang explained. If any part of the body experiences a lesion, it can be detected through corresponding acupoints on the feet. Furthermore, common ailments such as dizziness, insomnia, and osteoporosis can be cured by adjusting the relevant acupoints on the feet. Therefore, people should pay sufficient attention to their feet in daily life.

Massage and Foot Bath Therapy: Simple and Effective

"Protecting the feet is actually very simple, requiring only some easy-to-implement methods," Chen Hongliang introduced. In traditional Chinese medicine, massage therapy and foot bath therapy are both simple and effective methods among many treatments for conditions like dizziness, insomnia, and osteoporosis. "For example, massage therapy involves massaging the correct acupoints on the feet, which can alleviate symptoms or even cure certain diseases," said Chen Hongliang. Generally, individuals suffering from insomnia can first soak their feet in hot water before bed, followed by reflexology massage on the soles of the feet. Start by rubbing the soles until they are warm, then rub the tops and sides of the feet, focusing on key reflex zones such as the kidney, heart, and liver. Doing this every night can significantly improve sleep quality. "Combining massage with foot baths yields even better results," Chen Hongliang advised. For those with insomnia, 20 grams of sour jujube seed, 20 grams of polygala root, 10 grams of mimosa bark, and 5 grams of cinnabar can be boiled in water for a 20-minute foot soak before bed, followed by a massage.

Foot Health Care Has Taboos

"Nowadays, there are many foot massage tools available on the market, such as massage balls, magnetic wave wheels, and footboards. Many foot baths also come with massage functions, making foot care even simpler," Chen Hongliang reminded everyone. Although foot massages are beneficial to health, healthy individuals should avoid foot massages right before or after meals. Elderly individuals with cardiovascular diseases must also be cautious when taking foot baths, as soaking the feet causes more blood to flow to the lower limbs, potentially leading to dizziness due to insufficient blood supply to the brain. If feelings of chest tightness or dizziness occur, stop soaking immediately. In severe cases, seek medical attention promptly.

For elderly individuals who enjoy soaking their feet during winter, each session should last around 15 to 30 minutes, and drinking some water while soaking can be even better. "Elderly individuals with high blood pressure or heart disease should exercise caution when choosing foot baths with electro-acupuncture hydrotherapy functions," Chen Hongliang suggested.

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