After a long day of walking or standing, a foot bath may be just what you need. But foot soaks offer more than relief for sore or tired feet. They also offer benefits for mental health.
Warm Up to Calm Down
Certified Ayurvedic practitioner Veena Haasl-Blilie, MA, says that studies have shown that “blood flow can increase by up to 50 percent when feet are warmed.” The increased circulation reduces stress, eases tension, and warms “not only your feet, but all of you.” Soaking your feet for a half-hour before bed “calms the nervous system,” thereby improving the quality of your sleep, she says.
“The warmth from the footbath can stimulate the release of endorphins, uplifting your mood,” says Haasl-Blilie, citing a study that found reduced anxiety from 20 minutes of a warm foot soak.
Add Epsom Salt and Herbs
Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, is a welcome addition to a foot bath. Magnesium appears to enhance mental and neurological well-being, relieving the symptoms of depression.
A study of stroke patients found better mood, reduced stress, and a higher level of sleep satisfaction with a combination of foot soaks and aromatherapy. The study authors cited their use of juniper, lavender, orange, patchouli, and rosemary, all of which “alleviate the mental fatigue of the nervous system,” they said.
Another foot-bath study found that essential oil of Lindera umbellata, also called Lu, increased the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system and released negative mood states. The authors recommend this intervention as a “useful nursing care therapy.”
How to Enhance Relaxation
Soaking your feet is a good time to avoid looking at a screen: Enjoy a cup of calming herbal tea instead. Cleveland Clinic Health names chamomile, lavender, and valerian root as the top three teas for relaxation and sleep.
Other good tea choices for rest and relaxation include passionflower, magnolia, and lemon balm, “especially if they get you into the routine habit of winding down before bed,” according to Cleveland Clinic staff.
