Can soaking feet remove dampness from the body?

Foot soaking can help remove dampness from the body.

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, dampness is often regarded as a pathological condition that may cause various discomforts. Excessive dampness can affect the functions of the spleen and stomach, leading to symptoms such as indigestion and heaviness in the limbs. As a traditional Chinese health practice, foot soaking utilizes its warming effect to stimulate the meridians and acupoints of the soles, thereby promoting blood circulation and assisting the body in expelling dampness.

However, the mechanism by which foot soaking removes dampness differs from the physiological principles of Western medicine. Western medicine holds that the body's fluid balance is primarily regulated by the kidneys, with excess fluid excreted through urine. Although foot soaking can enhance local blood circulation, its impact on overall fluid balance is limited. Therefore, for patients clinically diagnosed with excessive dampness, relying solely on foot soaking may not achieve the desired therapeutic effects.

Thus, foot soaking can serve as a complementary health practice that may help alleviate discomfort caused by dampness to a certain extent, but it should not replace conventional medical treatments. Additionally, the water temperature during foot soaking should be moderate to avoid burns. The effectiveness of dampness removal can be enhanced by massaging the spleen and stomach reflex zones on the soles of the feet.