Can soaking feet regularly help remove dampness from the body?

Generally speaking, soaking feet regularly can help to some extent in removing dampness from the body, but its effectiveness is limited and proper methods must be followed. Detailed analysis is as follows:

From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, there are many acupoints on the feet. Regularly soaking feet in warm water can promote blood circulation, stimulate acupoints, help unblock meridians, and facilitate the removal of dampness along with the circulation of blood and qi. It is especially suitable for conditions such as cold hands and feet and heaviness in the lower limbs caused by cold-dampness. Adding warming ingredients such as ginger or artemisia leaves during foot soaking can further enhance the effect of dispelling cold and removing dampness. However, simply soaking feet in cold water, soaking for too short a time, or using water at an inappropriate temperature will make it difficult to achieve the desired effect of eliminating dampness.

When soaking feet, it is important not to use water that is too hot to avoid scalding the skin. The recommended duration is 15–20 minutes to prevent dizziness or discomfort caused by soaking too long. Additionally, it is not advisable to soak feet within half an hour after a meal, as this may interfere with digestion. In daily life, in addition to soaking feet, moderate exercise and a light diet can be combined for a more comprehensive regulation of dampness in the body and to maintain physical comfort.