TTF #42 - The health benefits of a foot bath.

In TCM there are many health benefits of using a foot bath. For
example it can help you sleep better, help you relieve stress, help
you deal with fatigue etc. So in this episode we'll be going
through how foot baths work, what they are good for, how to prepare
a proper foot bath and what are the things to take note of. How to
prepare a foot soak Ensure your pail is cleaned well before
starting the foot soak. Wooden pails are the most ideal for foot
soaking. The best time to perform a foot soak is around 9pm at
night. Duration of a foot soak should be around 15-20 mins and not
too long. Temperature of the foot soak should be around 40°C and
not too hot that it burns your skin. For reference, this
temperature should be around a warm shower temperature, or the
equivalent of two big scoops of cold water to one big scoop of hot
water. The water level of your foot soak should be high enough to
reach the middle of your calves, or at least cover your ankles. You
may want to add some ingredients in like Chinese Mugwort (50-100g),
 Fresh Ginger (use half a portion of a average sized ginger,
peel of skin, boil and simmer in small pot for 20 mins), Bai Jiu
(one table spoon). Stay relaxed during the foot soak and avoid
distractions like reading, using your phone, or watching TV to get
the most benefit. During the foot soak, you ideally want to start
sweating a little from your forehead or back. You should however
stop the foot soak if you start sweating excessively. Wait at least
30 mins after a meal before doing a foot soak to avoid indigestion.
Do not go to bed immediately after a foot soak. Cover your feet
with a pair of socks, and wait for your body temperature to cool
down before going to bed. Foot soaking can be done 3-5 times a
week, or even daily. Things to take note: Foot soaking is not
recommended for young children (may loosen ligaments in the foot
and affect development). For pregnant women and women on their
periods, a foot soak with warm water only will suffice. Avoid
adding any herbs into your foot soak. Individuals with decreased
skin sensitivity (eg. diabetics) should monitor the temperature of
the foot bath closely to avoid being burned. It is best to get
someone else to test out the water temperature first or use a
thermometer. Individuals with allergies to certain herbs should
avoid using these herbs in their foot soak. Individuals with
blisters, open wounds, or skin conditions like eczema should avoid
using a foot soak. Individuals with varicose veins should avoid
using a foot soak. The elderly, as well as individuals with a
history of cardiovascular disease, should carry out their foot
baths with a lower temperature and shorter duration. If you start
feeling giddy, weak or start to have heart palpitations, stop the
foot bath immediately and lie flat on your back to rest.