Abasin of warm water, a few slices of ginger, and15 minutes of quiet in the evening can relax the body, deepen sleep, and strengthen the legs - Photo: QUANG DINH

Traditional medicine is considered the "simplest and most effective health care method" for modern people. This is alsoa way to maintain sustainable health, especially in the cold days at the end of the year.

"Warm feet mean a warm body"

In traditional medicine, there is a saying "The feet are the root of a person" - the feet are the foundation of a human being. Just like if a tree lacks water, its roots will wither first, similarly, when health declines, the feet are often the first to show changes: cold, pale, numb, or cracked.

The six main meridians in the feet allstart or end at the feet, so the feet have a close relationship with the internal organs. Therefore, taking care of and warmingthe feet is nurturing the vital energy and blood, protecting the organs, and maintaining the prosperity of the whole body.

The feet are the most susceptible to cold energy. When the feet are cold, the yang energy is damaged, and poor bloodcirculation makes the body easily fatigued, causes headaches, insomnia, or exacerbates joint diseases in cold weather. Therefore, soaking feet in warm water every evening is not onlya way to relax but also helps warm the meridians, balance yin and yang, and enhance resistance.

Understandingthe benefits of evening foot soaking

Many modern studies show that the feet contain nerve reflex zones closelyrelated to internal organs, and soaking feet helps activate these reflexes, increase blood circulation, and support the regulationof the body's metabolism.

In traditional medicine, the feet are where many meridians and acupoints converge,so when warmed, the vital energy and blood circulate smoothly.

In modern life, frequent use of air conditioning andeating cold raw foods makes the body susceptible to cold dampness, causing circulatory disorders and reducing resistance.

Especially, the habit of soaking feet in the evening has a noticeable effect in reducing muscle tension, relieving fatigue, and improving sleep. When the feet are soaked in warm water, blood vessels dilate, blood circulation to the lower limbsincreases, and the amount of blood to the brain decreases relatively, creating a feeling of drowsiness and natural relaxation.

Moreover, the soles of the feet contain thousands of nerve endings directly connected to the brain. The gentle stimulationfrom warm water helps inhibit excessive activity of the cerebral cortex, leading to deep sleep and a relaxed mind.

How to soak feet correctly for health benefits

To maximize the health benefits of foot soaking, the personperforming it needs to pay attention to the timing, water temperature, and method. The ideal time to soak feet is in theevening, about30 minutes before going to bed, when the body is already relaxed.

The soaking water should be maintained at a temperatureof about38-42°C, warm enough but not too hot to avoid burning the skin or causing excessive dilation of blood vessels. The ideal waterlevel is about5-10cm above the ankles, so that both the feet and part of the calves can be soaked.

Each soaking session should lastabout15-20 minutes, when the whole body feels slightly warm and a little sweat appears on the forehead, it is considered sufficient. For chronic patients or the elderly, the soaking time should be reduced to about10-15 minutes depending on their condition.

While soaking, one can gently massage the feet and press on the acupointsYongquan and Taixi to enhance the effects of regulating vital energy and blood, nourishing the kidneys, and calming the mind. It is advisable to choose wooden or ceramic basins to retain heat well, avoiding aluminum or thin plastic basins as theyeasily dissipate heat.

After soaking, it is necessary to dry the feet thoroughly, and one can apply a little ginger oil or cinnamon oil to the soles of the feet to keep warm and prevent colds.

Who should not soak their feet

Although foot soaking is a safe and easy health care method, it is not suitable for everyone. People withdiabetes who have complications such as foot ulcers, infections, or loss of sensation should avoid it, as they may get burnedwithout realizing it. Those with open wounds, athlete's foot, or dermatitis should temporarily stop.

Cases of highfever, heart failure, low blood pressure, or poor blood circulation in the lower limbs should also avoid hot water soaking. Pregnant women should only soak in warm water, without adding any medicines or herbs. If during soaking one feels chesttightness or dizziness, they should stop immediately.

Methods of soaking with salt, ginger, and flowers

There are many ways to soak feet depending on the purpose and condition of each person. Soaking feet in warm water is thesimplest method, helping to promote blood circulation and enhance metabolism.

For those who often have cold hands andfeet, they can soak their feet in ginger salt water. Just add a few crushed ginger slices and a little salt to hot water, cover for a few minutes, then soak when the water is still warm.

This method helps warm the body, reduce foot odor, relax, and relieve fatigue. Additionally, soaking feet with mugwort is beneficial for those with coughs or chronic bronchitis, while soaking with chrysanthemum or licorice helps relax the nerves and improve sleep.

According to ThS Ngo Thi Tuong Vi (University of Health Sciences - Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City) - Tuoi Tre Newspaper