One of the most sensitive parts of the body to cold is the feet. Positive effects on the feet can help prevent many diseases throughout the body and vice versa.
According to traditional Eastern medicine, the feet contain numerous meridians, both yin and yang, with vessels responsible for regulating the balance of yin and yang for the entire body.
The feet are at the bottom of the circulatory system, located far from the heart, which makes it more challenging for blood to flow back and provide nourishment compared to other parts of the body. In the fluctuating hot and cold conditions of Northern Vietnam, the feet are even more susceptible to injury.
There are several ways to “nourish” the feet, such as practicing walking barefoot (without shoes or sandals). In winter, if you are not accustomed to it, you can wear socks. Take a walk in the yard twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, for an hour each time.
Practice walking on sand, gravel, or stones to stimulate the acupuncture points through the dense network of nerve endings, which connect to 62 reflex zones in the brain.
If possible, soak your feet daily in warm water for about half an hour before bedtime, optionally adding fragrant herbs for better results, then gradually reduce the temperature. Alternatively, you can alternate between hot and cold water in two separate basins.
The saying goes, “After eating, take three hundred steps – Before sleeping, soak your feet in a basin“. Combining this practice with psychological therapy, staying calm, and relaxed, enhances the effectiveness of foot soaking.
Of course, for children, a quick foot wash is sufficient. Patients with acute infections or bleeding should also avoid soaking their feet. The saying “Older people have older feet” reflects the traditional Eastern medicine principle that emphasizes effective anti-aging strategies starting from the feet.
If possible, you can also check your health at least once a month through the soles of your feet. Light a stick of moxa and hold the burning end about 0.5-1 cm away from the Yongquan point. After 10-30 seconds, if you feel warmth in your feet, your health is considered normal. The longer it takes for your feet to feel warm, the more it indicates potential organ weakness or serious illness.
