When mentioning foot therapy, many associate it with foot baths. True foot therapy differs entirely from the commonly referred to "soaking feet" or "foot baths." It is a traditional Chinese medical therapy that uses medicinal foot baths combined with massage to treat local and systemic ailments, showcasing distinct TCM characteristics and advantages.
Foot therapy has a broad scope of application, encompassing systemic conditions like rheumatism, spleen-stomach disorders, insomnia, headaches, and colds, as well as rehabilitation treatment for major illnesses and severe conditions such as paraplegia, traumatic brain injury, stroke, lumbar disc herniation, kidney disease, and diabetes.
Daily Wellness Practices
Wash feet daily with water to relieve fatigue, promote blood circulation, and maintain cleanliness. Remove socks and wear slippers upon returning home to keep feet dry. Before bedtime, perform foot massage: begin with acupressure on the soles, then proceed to the instep, ankles, and lower legs below the knees.Regularly trim toenails and use specialized foot scrubs to remove dead skin and calluses. Perform appropriate foot exercises: while seated upright, place feet flat on the ground. Gently lift heels and hold for 5 seconds, then raise toes until only the tips touch the floor. Lower feet and repeat the entire sequence 10 times.
Pharmacological Therapy
Add Chinese herbs like mugwort, Sichuan pepper, cinnamon, and sophora root to foot baths to promote systemic blood circulation and treat various types of athlete's foot;
Washing feet nightly with warm water infused with Uncaria and borneol can treat hypertension;
Nightly medicinal baths with Evodia and Ligusticum can alleviate chronic cold legs;
Applying a paste made from powdered Evodia and Ligusticum to the Yongquan acupoints on both feet each night can treat hypertension.