Foot bath: what are the benefits?

Make a homemade foot bath requires very little equipment: a basin and water ! There are three possible choices for making an effective homemade footbath: cold water, lukewarm water or hot water. “In all cases, the foot bath acts on the sensory, cutaneous, nervous and energy levels.specifies Corinne Allioux-Goldfarbe, naturopath. It helps relieve the tensions of the day, it improves blood circulation, it calms the nervous system, it purifies the skin and improves the quality of nails. »

But, depending on the temperature of the water chosen, the foot bath does not have the same virtues. The time of day at which it is performed: morning or evening, for example, is also important.

Hot water foot bath has several virtues. “ It promotes relaxation, sleep, it reduces anxiety and, of course, it warms the feet by reviving the circulation of the capillaries », lists the naturopath. It can also be used as a bypass when there is congestion. “This is the case during headaches, the onset of migraine, sinusitis for example”, says Corinne Allioux-Goldfarbe. Foot warmth releases upper body congestion and decreases inflammation.

the hot foot bath is rather to be expected The eveningto promote relaxation and sleep.

The lukewarm foot bath regulates and regenerates the body in general. “It is very suitable in case of mycosis or sweating problem”says the naturopath.

Essential oils can be added to the water in the basin.

cold foot bath has virtues at the circulatory level but also at the level of cognition. “Indeed, the cold foot bath improves blood circulation and reduces the feeling of heavy legsinforms Corinne Allioux-Goldfarbe. It also acts at the lymphatic level and stimulates brain functions. »

Rather, it is to be done the morning or during the day than in the evening.

It all depends on the desired effect. But you can add various substances to the basin of water: essential oils, floral waters, vinegar, baking soda, lemon, salt…

“Bicarbonate can be added to a lukewarm foot bath to combat perspiration”, says the naturopath. We will then put 2 to 3 tablespoons of baking soda in the basin of warm water.

You can add 2 to 3 tablespoons of coarse salt or of epsom salt (magnesium sulfate). “These ingredients are interesting in case of mycosis, eczema, psoriasis, overheating of the feet, as well as against rheumatic and joint pain”specifies the naturopath.

The use of coarse salt or Epsom salt also promotes removal of dead skin if you want to optimize your foot bath with a pedicure with care of the cuticles and nails.

the vinegar has virtues antibacterial and antifungal. “Adding 1 glass of apple cider vinegar to a lukewarm foot bath is effective in treating fungal infections”, explains Corinne Allioux-Goldfabre.

the lemon Has antibacterial and circulatory properties. “You can add lemon juice to your foot bath to whiten your nails”gives as a tip the naturopath.

Each essential oil has specific virtues. You can therefore add a few drops to your foot bath depending on what you are trying to treat.

“In case of mycosis, you can add 5 drops of essential oils of Tea Tree, Palmarosa, Clary Sage or Noble Laurel and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the basin water.advises the naturopath. These essential oils have antifungal properties. » Then you have to remember to dry your feet perfectly with a towel or, even better, with a hair dryer. Fungal infections do not like humidity.

“Against perspiration, you can add a glass of sage floral water to the foot bath”advises Corinne Allioux-Goldfabre.

Treat yourself to a hot foot bath in the eveningbefore going to bed, promotes relaxation, relaxation, falling asleep. “You can add to your foot bath in a tablespoon of vegetable oil 5 drops of essential oil of Roman Chamomile, Sweet Orange, Lavender“, recommends the naturopath.

In a cold foot bath, “you can add in a tablespoon of vegetable oil of your choice, 5 drops of essential oil of Cypress, Lemon or Mint”suggests the naturopath.

A beginning of cold points its nose? Do not wait ! Make a hot foot bath.“Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and 5 drops of maritime pine essential oil to the basin of hot water.advises the naturopath. This small, simple gesture can help decongest the upper body and promote the elimination of toxins. » We are thinking about it this winter!

Why choose ! One can, for the same foot bath, alternate hot and cold water. Corinne Allioux-Goldfarbe’s explanations: “Start by putting both feet in a basin of hot water for two minutes, then in a basin of cold water for two minutes. Repeat this operation for 10 to 12 minutes. This little gymnastics has several virtues: It allows vasoconstriction and vasodilatation of blood circulation, which strengthens the venous system. This alternation of hot water and cold water is also invigorating and generally warms the body. » We try ?

A cold foot bath takes place in water between 25 and 30 degreeses. A lukewarm foot bath is done in water included between 33 and 34 degreesand one hot foot bath in water at body temperature: between 37 and 38 degrees.

Whether cold, lukewarm or hot, the duration of a foot bath fluctuates between 10 minutes and 20 minutes.

If you treat yourself to a foot bath to treat yourself to a moment of well-being, you can do one once a week. “If it is a question of treating a mycosis or relieving its blood circulation, one can plan a foot bath two to three times a week”believes the naturopath.