Can soaking feet in mugwort water treat rheumatism?

Jun 27, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I have had rheumatism for a long time, but it has never been cured, and I still feel very uncomfortable. May I ask, can soaking feet in mugwort water treat rheumatism?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Tiesheng
Soaking feet with mugwort cannot directly treat rheumatism, but it can help alleviate symptoms of rheumatic diseases to some extent. The primary benefits of mugwort foot soaking include dispelling wind and cold, warming meridians and relieving pain, promoting metabolism, and improving sleep. For patients with rheumatism, mugwort foot soaking can help warm and unblock the meridians, improve blood circulation, and thereby relieve discomfort symptoms such as joint swelling and pain caused by rheumatism. However, mugwort foot soaking can only serve as an adjunctive therapy and cannot replace professional medical treatment. For patients with rheumatism, it is recommended to undergo standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance, combined with comprehensive management approaches such as mugwort foot soaking.