Can long-term foot soaking treat cold uterus (gonghan)?
In general, long-term foot soaking cannot cure "cold uterus" (gonghan), but it may help alleviate symptoms caused by this condition. If you have any concerns or discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical advice promptly and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. The specific analysis is as follows:
Long-term foot soaking exerts a warming effect that promotes blood circulation, facilitating blood flow to the feet and lower limbs. It also helps improve uterine blood flow, thereby relieving symptoms associated with cold uterus, such as menstrual irregularities and dysmenorrhea. The effect can be further enhanced by adding traditional Chinese herbs with warming properties, such as mugwort leaves (aiye) or ginger.
However, cold uterus is a pathological condition whose causes may involve multiple factors, including diet, lifestyle habits, and body constitution. Foot soaking alone cannot address these underlying causes and therefore cannot completely cure the condition.
Treatment for cold uterus typically requires a comprehensive approach combining traditional Chinese medicine, dietary therapy, exercise, and other methods. Foot soaking can serve as a supportive therapy, but care should be taken to avoid water that is too hot or soaking for too long, to prevent skin burns or excessive fatigue.