One of the most efficient ways of relaxing and pampering your feet after a hard day’s work is by taking a foot bath. This relaxation technique will not only relieve aching muscles but also rejuvenate tired limbs. Here are some of the key things you need to know about a foot soak.
Requirements for a Proper Foot Bath
In order to soak your feet properly, there are some important ingredients. Below are a list of foot bath essentials:
- Water – Whether you are soaking your feet at home or at a salon, hot water is a requirement. However, do not use water that is too hot as it might scald your feet.
- Essential Oils – For better results, add a few drops of essential oils to your bath. Lavender oil is very popular with many people. According to a study carried out by the Nagano College of Nursing in Japan, adding lavender oil to a hot foot bath results in autonomic activity changes. In other words, most people who use the essential oil in their baths experience an increase in blood flow.
- Epsom salts – This is another popular additive largely due to its medicinal value. Research carried out by the University of Maryland Medical Center shows that adding Epsom salts to hot water baths might help relieve skin irritation. In addition, the Epsom Salt Council encourages the use of Epsom salts to exfoliate the skin and promote healthy nerve function.
- Marbles and Flower Petals – Although these do not provide any medicinal value to your foot bath, they do enrich the whole experience by adding aesthetic beauty to your bath. For flower petals, you can add anything that looks good, and is available. Some popular choices include daisies and marigold. Marbles come in handy as gentle foot massage aids.
Merits of a Foot Bath
Soaking your feet in a well-prepared foot bath is likely to result in increased blood flow. As a result, it would effectively reduce tension in your body. Obviously, this would enhance your overall well-being. Moreover, you would be able to reap medical benefits from your bath by adding some ingredients such as lavender oil and Epsom salts to it. Other benefits of a foot soak include combating both foot odor and general fatigue, as well as to stimulate the circulatory system.
Can a Foot Bath Treat Toenail Fungus?
While a good bath might soothe inflamed feet, it is important to note that these ingredients only relieve inflammation symptoms. You cannot treat your underlying conditions by soaking your feet in bath. For instance, a foot bath will not treat fungal infections. If you have toenail fungus, there is a solution that is as simple as a foot bath, however: you can get laser treatment from a professional specialists like those at Clear Toes Clinic.
