Anyone else out there get cold feet? Not referring to pre-wedding jitters over here! I’m talking about actual cold feet that don’t always warm up with thick wool socks. There are a few remedies I’ve found over the years that help, my favorite is a soothing foot soak.

If you have a constitution like mine I bet you are familiar with the cold feet scenairo. It happens mostly in fall and winter and more often at night. When Jason is here I try to warm my feet on his legs in bed but he’s not very accommodating which to be honest doesn’t surprise me. I can’t say I’d welcome icy feet on me if the situation was reversed!

In Chinese Medicine cold feet (and sometimes hands too) are believed to be caused by an imbalance in yin and yang energy. Yin energy is female, cool in nature, and directed inward. Yang energy is masculine, warm in nature and directed outward. When there is insufficient yang energy in the body, hands and feet have a higher chance for being cold, especially in women. Our internal body temperature is higher than it is in men and this can lead to cold extremities, particularly in cooler weather.

Essentially the cold feet dilemma is a case of poor circulation. This can be caused by a number of issues but the most common is weak yang energy. There are several ways we can promote blood circulation in the body to warm our feet. Activities include walking, jogging, qi gong, yoga even hopping on the elliptical at the gym.

Aside from daily movement one of my favorite ways to warm my feet is with an eucalyptus foot soak. I typically soak my feet in the evenings before bed and my feet stay warm until morning. When it’s really cold out I might soak them mid day too depending on how they feel and if I’m home. Usually my daily yoga routine and the evening soaking and is enough to keep the circulation strong and my feet happy.

If possible, soak your feet and lower legs (up to mid calf). I soak up to my ankles and it works great. I add Epsom salt and fresh eucalyptus. Epsom salt is amazing to relax sore muscles, smooth skin and promote rest. Side note, Epsom salts are also great at relieving constipation. Pour 2 c. in a hot bath and soak for 20 minutes. Eucalyptus has powerful antibacterial, anti-fungal, deodorant and stimulating properties. I purchase mine at a downtown flower market here in LA. I’ve also seem loads of it grown in parks around town. Lavender and rose are other great add-ins. If you don’t have dried or fresh flowers essential oils work beautifully here. Add a few drops to the hot tub and soak away.

Soaking your feet after a long day at work may sound a little old lady but seriously don’t knock it until you try it. If you’ve had an exceptionally hard day toss in some fresh mint for spa like treatment. Keeping our feet warm is a great way to ground our energy and practice staying present.

Warming Foot Soak

Ingredients + Materials //

• Handful of eucalyptus leaves or 5-8 drops of essential oil
• 1/4 c. Epsom salts
• Basin for soaking

Method //

Fill basin with hot water. Add eucalyptus and soak feet for 10-20 minutes. Dry off feet and put on warm socks.

Who’s ready for a eucalyptus foot soak? I can’t wait to hear your experiences. Wishing you a wonderful evening and happy, warm feet.

xoa

// Photos by Asami Zenri