Soaking feet in hot water is considered by many people as the "cheapest" way to maintain health. Taking a bath before bedtime in winter can not only warm up and relieve fatigue, but also help people sleep soundly. However, how should we scientifically soak our feet? Is it suitable for everyone to soak their feet in hot water? The reporter interviewed Wang Leiyong, director of the Department of Vascular Surgery at Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine affiliated with Capital Medical University. Wang Leiyong introduced that traditional Chinese medicine is known for its saying that "if there is cold stagnation, there will be stagnation; if there is warm circulation, there will be movement", and the feet are the "root of the six meridians". Soaking feet in hot water can help warm up yang and dispel cold, promote local qi and blood circulation, relieve leg soreness and stiffness, and improve sleep quality. The effectiveness of foot soaking depends on whether the method is scientific. Temperature and time are important factors determining whether it is beneficial for health or harmful to the body. ”Wang Leiyong said. He pointed out that the recommended time for soaking feet is 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime, which is more conducive to relaxing the body and mind and improving sleep quality. The appropriate temperature for soaking feet is 38 to 40 degrees Celsius, which can effectively promote blood circulation and avoid excessive stimulation. Many people mistakenly believe that 'the hotter the foot bath water, the better', but in fact, water temperature exceeding 43 degrees Celsius may cause skin protein degeneration and even tissue damage. In addition, be sure to dry the toe crevices after soaking your feet to prevent fungal growth. Meanwhile, Wang Leiyong emphasized that soaking feet in hot water is not suitable for everyone, and there are four groups of people who need to be particularly cautious. The first group is the high-risk group of diabetes and patients with diabetes peripheral neuropathy. These people, due to neurological disorders, have a slow perception of temperature and are prone to burns when soaking their feet, which can lead to foot ulcers and even more serious problems. The second category is patients with lower limb arteriosclerosis obliterans. Soaking feet in hot water may increase local blood circulation burden, easily induce microcirculation spasms, and worsen foot ischemia symptoms. This is similar to how people with weak respiratory system function and easy to catch their breath may feel difficulty breathing after entering a sauna with high temperature and humidity, "Wang Leiyong made a vivid analogy. The third category is people with wounds, ulcers, and blisters on their feet. Soaking in hot water can easily lead to the spread of infection, stimulate damaged skin, and delay wound healing. The fourth category is patients with acute venous thrombosis. Changes in water temperature can affect blood flow in the human body, potentially interfering with thrombus absorption and venous recanalization. Scientific foot soaking should achieve 'moderate water temperature, reasonable time, and vary from person to person'. For healthy individuals, soaking feet correctly is a simple way to maintain health. However, special people with diabetes, vascular diseases, etc., need to soak their feet under the guidance of doctors to ensure safety. ”Wang Leiyong said. (New Society)