Using foot baths as a treatment and preventative to restore harmony in the body, Traditional Chinese Medicine relies on gentle, manual therapies as the primary treatment. While overlooked in Western medicine, there are around 60 acupuncture points in the feet that can affect the entire body.
A foot bath can draw negative energy away from the head, stimulate circulation, and strengthen the organs throughout the body – making it key for detoxifying and restoring balance.
It is believed to have many health benefits, that of which change with the seasons. In Spring, foot baths tone the Yang (energy), and prevent the depletion of Qi (life force).
Relaxation:
Relaxing
/rɪˈlaksɪŋ/
adjective : reducing tension or anxiety.
footbath:
/ˈfʊtbɑːθ/
noun: foot-bath
an act of washing one’s feet
Why are foot baths so relaxing?
Foot baths are a soothing and effective way to promote healing and relaxation. Immersing the feet in warm water can increase the overall body temperature, which helps to relax tense muscles and possibly alleviate discomfort in other areas of the body.
What is the purpose of soaking the feet?
Soaking your feet can help with finding relaxation, calm and reduces stress.
Warm water can also relax muscles. Improved circulation – Soaking your feet in warm water helps blood vessels vasodilate (become bigger) which gets more blood to the legs and feet.
A warm foot bath is thought to facilitate heat dissipation to lower core (rectal) body and abdominal temperatures and raise foot temperature, and simultaneously to improve objective and perceived sleep outcomes.
Taking time to soak your feet in a bath of hot water is a relaxing and soothing activity to add to your welllbeing and self-care routine.
The benefits
Hot foot baths have many wellbeing benefits, such as:
Mental Relaxation
Relaxing you from the feet up
Assisting sleeping habits
Replenishes the body’s minerals
Can also be pacifying if you experience feelings of:
helplessness, frustration, anxiety, depression, anger or fear.
Relieving aches and pains
Eases muscle cramps
Boosts nerve and muscle function
Stimulates blood circulation;
Circulation is essential for good health because it delivers blood and oxygen to every part of your body. This is necessary for all your vital organs, including your brain, kidneys, and heart.
Stamps out stress
Improves your mood.
When your heart rate increases, so does your blood circulation. Similar to when you exercise, your heart rate will elevate as you soak your feet.
On an energetic level, foot soaks disperse stagnant energy and will move it to different regions of the body.
According to many myths, metaphors and symbols for the foot also represent life-spending fertility, eroticism, and sexuality. But nevertheless the foot is also a symbol of respect, reverence, and subservience, feet washing and anointing is an act of humility and love.
Why do Japanese soak their feet? The Benefits of an Ashi-yu
Dip your chilly toes into the hot onsen water and it’s said to even help with circulation, heating your whole body without sapping your energy, or even making you dizzy! Japanese people like to say that keeping your feet warm but your head cool is good for your health
Using the principles of the Onsen and using a foot soak to increase your overall body temperature, which can help relieve muscle and mental tension, alleviate stress and increase white blood cell activity.
If you have decided to try out the Bain de Pied, you will have a foot scrub, a rinse, and then your feet will be dried followed with a gentle massage using a cream or oil (your choice) with hands and the Ridoki. If you have decided the Bain de Pied will precede your Tsuboki Foot massage you will then have a step up onto the massage table for your TREATment…
When a client leaves The TR there’s a definite spring in their step which means literally If you walk with or have a spring in your step, you walk energetically in a way that shows you are feeling happy and confident: Energetic and lively, happy and confident!
I love the Ayishu inspired Bain de Pied, I see my clients visibly relax into the water, enjoying the feel of the special foot bath and rubbing their feet together to enjoy the sensation of the water and it’s “magical effects” in all honesty I use exactly the same ingredients for my personal BdP and I get it….it’s like leaving the stress and negativity in the water!
The Bain de Pied is now also offered with any other massage including the Combination Massages.
