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Therapy · Water · 15 minutes · Free

Warm foot bath before bed

A simple water treatment: soaking the feet in warm water helps many people relax and fall asleep.

Water treatments (hydrotherapy) are an old, simple part of natural care. A warm foot bath draws warmth to the feet and helps the body wind down at the end of the day.

How to do it

  1. Fill a basin with warm water, comfortable to the hand (not hot), deep enough to cover the ankles.
  2. Sit with a towel around your shoulders and put both feet in.
  3. Soak for 10 to 15 minutes, adding a little warm water if it cools.
  4. Finish by pouring cool water over the feet for a few seconds.
  5. Dry the feet well, especially between the toes, and go to bed.

Take care

People with diabetes, numb feet, poor circulation or open wounds should not use warm foot baths without a health worker's advice: they may not feel if the water is too hot. Test the water with your hand or elbow first.

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A healthy-living practice, not medical treatment. Keep taking any medicine you have been given and talk to a health worker if you are unwell.