What are the benefits of foot soaking?
Disease description:
My mother-in-law enjoys soaking her feet, but we are unsure whether foot soaking has any health benefits. Could you please tell us, doctor, what are the benefits of foot soaking?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Bai Hongmei
Benefits of soaking feet include promoting blood circulation, relieving fatigue, improving sleep quality, regulating endocrine function, and providing warmth and protection against cold.
1. Promoting blood circulation: When soaking feet in warm water, the heat stimulates the blood vessels in the feet, enhancing blood flow and thereby improving overall circulation.
2. Relieving fatigue: Prolonged standing or walking can cause tiredness in the feet. Soaking feet helps relax the foot muscles, alleviating fatigue and aiding in energy recovery.
3. Improving sleep quality: Foot soaking stimulates nerve endings on the soles of the feet. Through neural reflexes, it enhances the inhibitory process of the cerebral cortex, thus helping to improve sleep quality, making it easier to fall asleep and achieve deeper sleep.
4. Regulating endocrine: During foot soaking, warm water and appropriate massage stimulate acupoints on the soles of the feet. Through the conduction of meridians, the body's endocrine system can be regulated, achieving the balance of yin and yang and harmonizing qi and blood.
5. Providing warmth and protecting against cold: In cold seasons, soaking feet effectively dispels internal cold and enhances the body's resistance to cold. At the same time, it increases foot temperature, creating a feeling of warmth and comfort.
The water temperature for foot soaking should not be too high to avoid scalding the skin. Additionally, individuals with specific health conditions, such as diabetes, should consult their doctor before soaking feet.
