Arm and Foot Bath

The human body’s major organs like the heart, intestine, kidney, thyroid, gallbladder, and appendix all have nerve endings in the hands and feet. These organs can be stimulated either through hand and foot massage or hot or cold water bath. Both these treatments boost circulation and help in relieving pain.

Procedure

Arm and Foot bath is also a part of hydrotherapy in which a bath is given to the arms and the feet. Hot/cold water is placed in two different tubs in which the feet and arms are immersed. The feet should be immersed in water till the calf muscles or knees, while the water in the arm bath should be till the elbows. A cold compress to the head is also given, and the whole body is wrapped with a woolen cloth. The temperature of the water used should always be higher than the body temperature.

Foot and Arm baths are intended to increase blood circulation or, if needed to lessen it. The circulation can produce warmth, sweating or reduce the temperature of a particular body part.

Benefits

This bath relieves congestion in body parts, sprains and spasms. It is effective in case of arthritis, varicose veins, asthma, cold, sinusitis, bronco-nasal congestion and headaches. It also gives immediate relief in case of pain in chest muscle. Arm & Foot Bath also relieves respiratory diseases.

Warm water arm bath is useful in treating Asthma, Bronchitis and Insomnia. The body is covered with a bed sheet or a blanket. This treatment has therapeutic application in acute asthmatic attack. Arm Bath is also useful for cervical spondylosis, wrist drop & pain in wrist joints, carpal tunnel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, frozen Shoulder etc.

A hot water foot bath can provide the following benefits:

Improve circulation Warm water helps blood vessels dilate, which increases blood flow to the legs and feet. This can reduce pain and swelling.

Detoxification Hot water increases blood flow to the foot area, which can detoxify areas of the body that need healing.

Strengthen immunity Soaking the feet in hot water can help strengthen immunity, reduce inflammation, and have antibacterial properties.

Reduce blood pressure Hot foot baths can help reduce elevated blood pressure.

Relieve pain Hot foot baths can help relieve menstrual cramping or headaches.

Promote healing Hot foot baths can promote healing of colds.

Relax muscles Warm water can relax muscles.

Soften skin and nails Foot baths can help soften the skin and nails.

Soothe and relax Soaking your feet in a bath of hot water can be a soothing and relaxing activity.

The best water temperature for a foot bath is between 33°C and 38°C.

Cold water foot soaks can also have benefits. The cold temperature causes blood vessels to constrict, and reduce the inflammatory chemical mediators so that the swelling and inflammation in the muscles are reduced