Soaking your feet in hot water every day: is it health preservation or slow suicide?

Generally, soaking feet in hot water daily is considered a health-promoting practice. When done properly, it can benefit both physical and mental well-being. However, improper methods or certain individual constitutions may lead to discomfort, but this does not equate to chronic self-harm. If in doubt, it is recommended to adjust the practice according to your personal condition. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Proper foot soaking can promote blood circulation, relieve foot fatigue, and improve sleep quality, making it especially suitable for people who sit or stand for long periods or those sensitive to cold. With appropriate water temperature and duration, it can also help relax the body and mind and reduce stress, serving as a simple and effective daily wellness method that meets the health needs of most individuals.

However, for individuals with conditions such as lower limb varicose veins or diabetic foot, soaking in hot water may worsen local congestion or cause burns due to reduced sensation. Excessively high water temperature or prolonged soaking time may lead to dizziness, palpitations, or damage to the skin barrier on the feet. These adverse effects result from incorrect practices or mismatched physical conditions, rather than being inherent risks of foot soaking itself.

It is advisable to keep the water temperature around 40°C and limit soaking time to 15–20 minutes. Avoid foot soaking within half an hour after meals. Individuals with underlying medical conditions should first confirm whether the practice is suitable for them. Discontinue immediately if discomfort occurs; if symptoms persist even after adjustments, promptly consult a healthcare professional to rule out potential health issues.