Health Tip • Hot Foot Bath

This is one of our favourite health tips - great all year round and particularly in winter. The Kidney meridian (energy channel) orginates at the bottom of our feet. The kidneys play a very important role in Chinese Medicine, as they are regarded as the foundation of all Yin and Yang, and can be likened to the two main energy batteries of the body. An important aspect in protecting our Kidney energy therefore is to keep our feet warm at all times. In addition, 6 out of the body’s 12 major meridians either orginate or end in the feet. Warming our feet allows better circulation of these meridians while we rest at night, thus facilitating faster cell repair and regeneration of the whole body and a deeper quality of sleep. As the meridians in the feet all connect to the head, warming their circulation will calm the mind and can relax the shoulders and chest thus reducing stress and anxiety. Regularly taking a hot foot bath before bed has a cumulative effect and can improve conditions such as insomnia, night time urination, sciatica, low back pain as well as dispelling colds. Because the feet are connected to the head and brain, improving their circulation can even be linked to reducing dementia and improving longevity.

Just fill a bucket with plain hot water and soak your feet for 10 mins straight before going to bed. Be waterwise and use the water in the morning on your garden. Keep your feet happy with this easy tip. Its a nice ritual to end the day and is fun and suitable for the whole family!