Hot Foot Bath

Hot Foot Bath

Purpose

A hot foot bath has many potential benefits to the body.  It can increase circulation in the body, treat insomnia, lung congestion, and relieve congestion in the brain.  Hot foot baths can also affect the pelvic and abdominal regions bringing relief to menstrual stagnation, ovarian and uterine congestion, and pelvic pain.  The action of the foot bath that causes blood to move from one part of the body to another is called the Revulsive Effect.  Contraindications:  Those with neuropathy or reduced feeling in the feet should avoid this.

Items needed

  • A chair
  • Two basins or buckets, the taller the better
  • A tea kettle or other vessel with very hot water
  • Hot and Cold water
  • Towel
  • Thermometer 

Directions

  • Fill the basin or bucket with cold water (45 to 55 degrees)
  • Fill a second basin, bucket or bathtub with hot water (100 to 104 degrees)
  • Immerse feet in the hot water.  (Here's the tricky part...)
  • Use your hot kettle water to increase the temperature of the hot water to between 115 and 122 degrees.  Be careful not to burn yourself.  This should be done within 3 minutes.
  • Soak feet for 5 to 30 minutes.
  • Transfer feet to the cold water for 20 to 60 seconds.
  • Dry feet with your towel.