“Cold rises from the feet.” A basin of hot water and a handful of mugwort is one of the most familiar winter bedtime scenes in Chinese homes.
Yong Quan (KI1), on the sole of the foot, is where the Kidney meridian begins. In Chinese medicine, the thinking goes that once your feet are warm, the rest of your body warms up more easily, and sleep comes more easily too.
How to soak
Use water at 104 to 108°F (40 to 42°C), deep enough to cover your ankles, and soak for 15 to 20 minutes, until you break a light sweat. Afterward, rub the soles of your feet with your palms until they feel warm.
When to skip it for now
Within half an hour after a meal, on an empty stomach, if you have diabetes or reduced sensation in your feet, varicose veins, or are pregnant, please check with your doctor first.
Shop the ritual: Mugwort & Ginger Foot Soak →
Keep reading
- The Five Scents: Chinese-Style Aromatherapy for Your Moods
- Always Waking Up at 3 a.m.? Meet the TCM Body Clock
- Frost's Descent (Shuangjiang): How to Move Through Autumn's Final Solar Term
We don't promise. We don't cure. We align. This article is for everyday wellness and cultural education only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a health concern, talk with your doctor first.
