Find relaxation and relief from stress with these simple steps to an at-home foot soak.
It has often been said that when your feet hurt, your whole body hurts. With a relaxing foot soak you can simply turn that around to induce relaxation from the toes up!
Creating Your Oasis
Schedule some time out for yourself – put it on the calendar or add it to your Blackberry. Pick a time that will be a little quieter at the house, say, when the kids have gone to bed, or when everyone is out at a game. Plan your retreat wisely: be sure to have some relaxing music on hand, a suitable container for your foot soak, and perhaps a microwavable neck warmer.
All the Ingredients
You can find a vibrating, bubbling, massaging foot bath tub at many of the department stores but a simple dishpan liner will also do the trick. Make sure the vessel is large enough to comfortably fit both feet at the same time and can hold enough water to reach your ankles without spilling over.
Smooth rocks from the garden or beach make interesting toys for your toes in a simple foot tub. Wash the rocks under warm water and scrub away any sand or soil with an old toothbrush. Place them along the bottom of your foot tub putting the larger rocks near the area where you heels will rest and smaller ones at the end where your toes can play.
Marbles also make a nice medium for a foot tub. Inspect all marbles for any chips or cracks before and after each use to avoid possible injury from a broken piece of glass. These too should be washed under warm water, taking care to avoid breakage from vigorous cleaning.
Aside from warm water you have many choices for your relaxing foot soak. Use one of the following recipes or create your own soak using a favorite essential oil.
Calming Foot Soak
After an especially long day the Calming Foot Soak can be just the thing to help you unwind and prepare for bed.
You will need:
- A foot tub
- ½ cup Epsom’s salt or sea salt (whichever you prefer)
- 5-6 drops Lavender essential oil
- 3-4 drops Tea Tree essential oil
- Warm water to fill the foot tub
If you are planning to add rocks or marbles to your foot soak add them to the tub first followed by the salt, warm water and add the essential oils last. Using a bath towel folded in half or thirds under your foot tub will help control spills or drips. Have a couple of hand towels nearby to dry your feet after your soak. Queue some music and slip your feet into the soak and let the world melt into the distance. If you practice meditation, deep breathing or other relaxation techniques you can use them to enhance your experience.
Fortifying Foot Soak
Milk and honey have long been used in beauty rituals. Together they make a delicious soak for the feet (and hands too!), add Rose Absolute essential oil and you have a recipe for less stress.
You will need:
- A foot tub
- 2 cups milk
- 1/3 cup honey
- 4-5 drops Rose Absolute essential oil
- Warm water to fill the foot tub
According to Julia Lawless in The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils [Element Books, 1995 1-85-230-721-8], Rose can be useful for stress, eczema, menopause and depression. Rose essential oil is very expensive as the process requires approximately 60,000 roses for one ounce of essential oil. However, you can find Rose Absolute in a carrier oil, such as jojoba, which is more cost effective and still smells lovely.
Finish with your favorite cream and a gentle foot rub or a couple of minutes with the foot roller. Your feet and whole body will thank you.
