Many studies have shown that the feet are an important "acupuncture point" in the body. Taking good care of your feet improves and enhances your overall health. In particular, soaking feet in hot water before bed offers many surprising benefits. It not only promotes better blood circulation, reduces stress and anxiety, but also improves the quality of sleep.
1. The Surprising Benefits of Soaking Feet in Hot Water Before Sleep
The feet are often considered one of the most important parts of the body because they are the final structure of the legs. The feet consist of many small bones that enable the body to perform complex activities flexibly. The feet work harmoniously with the rest of the body, allowing us to stand, do complex movements like running and jumping, and engage in sports.
There are over 20 acupuncture points on the feet, each playing a role in maintaining various activities and affecting overall health. The acupuncture points in the soles of the feet are directly connected to the brain, meaning that soaking the feet can improve sleep quality. Nowadays, traditional Chinese medicine uses foot massage to reduce headaches, treat bone and joint diseases, detoxify, etc…
Is Soaking Feet in Hot Water Good?
Hot water helps dilate the blood vessels in the feet, promoting better blood circulation to enhance the surprising effects of foot soaking. Here are some benefits of soaking your feet before sleep for your health:
- Improving Brain Function and Mental State
Feet-soaking in hot water before sleep creates a deeply relaxing and comforting sensation by enhancing blood circulation, making it easier to achieve a deep and high-quality sleep at night. When sleep quality improves, the body produces hormones that help you feel content and satisfied, allowing you to start the next day with energy and improved focus. A good night's sleep helps alleviate stress, balance, and control both thoughts and emotions. - Boosting Health
An unexpected benefit of soaking feet in hot water before bedtime is its preventive effect on diseases. Feet-soaking promotes relaxation and balances the body, therefore maintaining stable health. Hot water increases blood flow to the feet, detoxifying body parts that need healing. Moreover, soaking feet in hot water strengthens immunity, reduces inflammation, and fights bacteria. - Treating Chronic Diseases
Regular feet-soaking, combined with acupressure, is an effective treatment for certain diseases such as diabetes, endometriosis, and musculoskeletal disorders.
Treatment of chronic diseases Regular hot water footbath combined with acupressure is a method of treating a number of diseases such as: Diabetes, endometriosis, musculoskeletal diseases.
2. How to Soak Your Feet Effectively?
Before bedtime, prepare a basin of hot water at around 40–50°C for soaking your feet. You can use boiled water or herbal water. However, it is important to understand the use of the herbs to choose which are appropriate for your health condition. It is best to consult with a doctor before adding any herbs to your foot soak. Avoid using strong or corrosive substances.
Foot soaking tools can include wooden or ceramic basins, or electric foot basins with integrated ultrasonic waves. These modern devices are popular and available in medical supply stores or online. The ultrasonic waves help increase blood circulation, and the device can maintain a consistent water temperature throughout the treatment, unlike traditional basins that may cool down too quickly.
The best position for soaking is to sit comfortably in a chair, preferably one with a backrest and soft cushioning for maximum comfort. It is recommended to soak your feet regularly before bed, with an effective soaking time of 10-15 minutes. If using traditional foot soaking tools, check the water temperature before soaking to ensure it's not too hot, as this could cause burns or excessive sweating, which is not ideal before bed.
When soaking, make sure the water covers the ankles, approximately 2 cm above the ankles. This is important because the ankles contain 3 yang meridian points (gall bladder, stomach, bladder) and 3 yin meridian points (spleen, kidney, liver), along with many key acupuncture points. Soaking up to the ankle allows the water to affect these points and meridians, promoting better blood flow throughout the body.
Many people use this method for better sleep. However, elderly people or children may need assistance during this process as they may have difficulty preparing the water or risk accidents while soaking. Always monitor and be ready to assist them if needed.
3. Foot Soaking Methods to Avoid
Avoid soaking feet within 30 minutes after eating. The body needs to direct blood flow to the digestive system after eating for optimal nutrient absorption. Soaking your feet right after a meal diverts blood to the feet, potentially impairing digestion and nutrient absorption, which could lead to malnutrition over time.
Foot soaking water should be between 40-50°C, avoid using water that is too hot. It can cause skin damage and expand the blood vessels in the feet, disturbing the body’s circulation and negatively affecting vital organs like the heart, lungs, and brain.
Do not soak your feet for too long. Soaking for more than 20 minutes can disrupt the body’s circulation. In colder seasons, prolonged soaking can lead to itchy, dry skin.
Avoid soaking during periods. During periods, the body is already tired and losing blood, so it’s best to prioritize blood flow to the uterus to reduce menstrual pain and discomfort.
After soaking your feet, do not sleep right away, make sure to dry your feet thoroughly and let them equalize with your body temperature before sleeping.
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