Did you know that in Chinese medicine, foot baths are said to have only positive effects?
Although it is believed to be a source of relaxation and rest, it is believed that the meridians that pass through the feet affect every organ and part of the body; for those who practice this medicine, foot baths are an integral part of good health habits.
A brief summary of the benefits observed according to some studies:
Foot bath and nervous system
Study 1 was designed to investigate the effect of a foot bath with or without lavender essential oil on the autonomic nervous system. At a nursing school in Japan, young women soaked their feet in water for 10 minutes with and without the essential oil. Subsequently, it was found that the foot bath caused no changes in heart or respiratory rates, but produced a significant increase in blood circulation. Spectral analysis of parasympathetic nerve activity increased significantly during both types of foot bath.
However, in the case of the foot bath with the addition of lavender essential oil, late changes in the balance of autonomic activity in the direction associated with relaxation were observed, which allows us to conclude that a warm foot bath and lavender oil seem to be associated with small but significant changes in the activity of the autonomic nervous system.
Effects of foot bath on psychophysiological response in stroke patients (Sleep - addition of essential oils)
A research aimed to examine the effects of back massage and foot bath with a mixture of essential oils on psychophysiological response, namely stress, body temperature, mood state and sleep satisfaction in stroke patients. 2
Let's focus on sleep disorders and foot baths.
Sleep disturbances after a stroke can usually be caused by physical, psychological, and environmental factors. Lack of sleep can cause stress, which adds to feelings of helplessness and depression, so it is necessary to help these patients get the right amount of sleep.
Foot bathing has been reported to have an excellent effect on stress reduction as well as improving sleep by reducing pain through the effects of promoting blood circulation and inducing the body's relaxation response.
The current study used juniper, lavender, orange, patchouli, and rosemary, which are effective for sleep by relieving mental fatigue of the nervous system according to the results of previous studies. For example, for lavender, researchers found that lavender cream with foot bath can be used to reduce their stress, anxiety, and depression. It seems that stress reduction is achieved by promoting metabolism and blood circulation through the active aromatic ingredients, relaxing tense muscles during massage, stabilizing the mind and body, and foot bath. 3
It was found that autonomic nervous system activity was reduced and relaxation and comfort were significantly increased after the foot bath. 2 Back massage and foot bath minimized stress in stroke patients, increased body temperature through blood circulation, and also improved mood. Another study found significant effects of foot bath on falling asleep, maintaining sleep, and improving sleep efficiency. 4
What's better than a soothing foot bath to relax after a long day! At the end of the evening, there's nothing like it to help you fall asleep.
An idea! Why not use the Perlin Bath Powder Bath for Women ? Among its ingredients, we find Epsom salt, which has a well-established reputation for relaxation. Also, the Mystic Bath Powder will be perfect for soothing and moisturizing little feet. These formulas with enchanting oils will always be a hit!
Bye bye stress and welcome to beautiful nights!
References:
(1) Y Saeki. The effect of footbath with or without the essential oil of lavender on the autonomic nervous system: a randomized trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 8(1):2-7 March 2000 DOI:10.1054/ctim.2000.0333
(2) Lee JH, Seo EK, Shim JS, Chung SP. The effects of aroma massage and foot bath on psychophysiological response in stroke patients. J Phys Ther Sci. 2017 Aug;29(8):1292-1296. doi:10.1589/jpts.29.1292. Epub 2017 Aug 10. PMID: 28878450; PMCID: PMC5574341.
(3) Effati-Daryani F, Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi S, Mirghafourvand M, Taghizadeh M, Mohammadi A. Effect of Lavender Cream with or without Footbath on Anxiety, Stress and Depression in Pregnancy: a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Caring Sci. 2015 Mar 1;4(1):63-73. doi: 10.5681/jcs.2015.007. PMID: 25821760; PMCID: PMC4363653.
(4) Sung EJ, Tochihara Y. Effects of bathing and hot footbath on sleeping in winter. J Physiol Anthropol Appl Human Sci. 2000 Jan;19(1):21-7. doi:10.2114/jpa.19.21. PMID: 10979246.
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