Fabulous Footbaths
The feet comprise 10% of the total body surface
Partial immersion of the feet up to the ankles or calves, in either hot, cold, or tepid water causes reflex contraction in many other parts of the body including the liver, head and pelvic organs.
Footbaths can be used to treat colds, headaches, migraines, leg and foot disorders, varicose veins and menstrual disorders and more.
The French herbalist, Maurice Messegue was particularly celebrated for the cures he brought about by the very simple method of using footbaths (he also used hand baths). He says:
“Baths are an essential part of the
treatment by osmosis which my
father taught me, and which I have
always considered one of the most
effective of all.
The main chemical ingredients which contain the healing qualities of plants
rapidly penetrate the skin, and they sometimes reach the affected areas
more quickly than if the same
ingredients were taken internally.
You can choose, in some cases, a hip-bath or a full bath, and for these it is necessary to provide plenty of water and plenty of the herbs.
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My own preference, however, is for hand-baths and foot-baths because they are much easier to prepare and because the hands and feet are the most receptive parts of the body.”
The traditional method of preparing footbaths was to make a strong infusion of the chosen plant and this was added to the water.
You will find that using essential oils is simpler and very effective.
Traditional Chinese medicine also recommends daily footbaths……………
Simple soaking of the feet is surprisingly effective, they say. Six meridians (liver, gall bladder, kidney, spleen and stomach) reach the feet, each of which has more than 60 acupuncture points. The feet have points that correspond to many parts of the body.
So it's important to take good care of your feet for overall health.
Massage, foot exercise, soaking in hot water and taking herbal soaks are all easy and effective.
Soaking in hot water activates blood and energy throughout the body. In herbal (or essential oil) foot baths , the skin absorbs elements through the skin and these travel through energy channels to target points.
It is beneficial to soak feet before going to bed, especially in winter. This helps keep you warm and helps you get a good night's sleep. |
Sleepy time blend (may also help to relieve a tension headache)
7 drops Lavender
3 drops Roman Chamomile
2ml Essential Solubiliser
Blend well and add to warm footbath. Duration: 15 minutes (or more).
This will help you unwind after a busy day and you will have a more relaxing and restorative sleep.
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