What are the benefits of soaking feet in rice vinegar with 9-degree acidity?

Generally speaking, the benefits of soaking feet in 9-degree rice vinegar include sterilization and itch relief, keratolysis, improved blood circulation, fatigue relief, and better sleep. The details are as follows:

1. Sterilization and Itch Relief

9-degree rice vinegar is acidic, and this acidic environment can inhibit the growth and reproduction of fungi, bacteria, and other microorganisms on the feet. It can kill bacteria and relieve itching caused by fungal infections such as athlete's foot and foot odor, alleviating discomforts like itching and odor.

2. Softening Keratin

The skin on the feet is easily thickened due to long-term friction and other factors. The acetic acid in 9-degree rice vinegar can soften keratin in the stratum corneum, making the skin smoother and softer, helping remove dead skin cells and improving rough skin conditions on the feet.

3. Promoting Blood Circulation

Soaking feet itself promotes blood circulation. Various nutrients and acetic acid in 9-degree rice vinegar can stimulate the blood vessels and nerve endings in the feet, causing vasodilation and smoother blood flow. This helps deliver oxygen and nutrients more effectively to various parts of the body while removing metabolic waste products.

4. Relieving Fatigue

The feet are a concentrated area of meridians and acupoints in the body. When soaking feet in 9-degree rice vinegar, components such as acetic acid can stimulate these acupoints, achieving an effect similar to acupressure massage. This helps relax the foot muscles, relieve physical fatigue, and create a sense of physical and mental pleasure and relaxation.

5. Improving Sleep

Stimulating the foot acupoints through soaking feet can regulate the body's nervous system, balancing the functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Some components in 9-degree rice vinegar may also have a calming effect on nerves, helping relieve mental tension, thus promoting sleep and improving sleep quality.

As 9-degree rice vinegar has a relatively high concentration, attention should be paid to the dilution ratio when using it for foot soaking. Generally, a vinegar-to-water ratio of 1:10 is recommended to avoid skin irritation caused by excessive concentration. The duration of foot soaking should not be too long, ideally 15–20 minutes, to avoid increasing the burden on the heart.