How to do a Hot Foot bath

What is a Hot foot bath?

A hot foot bath is a local immersion bath covering the feet, ankles and legs.

Effects:

1. Relieves head, chest and pelvic congestion by the drawing of blood from those areas to the legs and feet.

1. Stops nosebleed.
2. Relieves pain and spasms of the feet and legs.
3. Induce sweating in the case of fever-lowers body temperature.
4. Relieves menstrual cramps by relaxing the uterine spasm.
5. Relieves headache.
6. Relaxes the whole body.

Thing needed

• One kerosene can or plastic pail.
• One small basin

• One large ‘kaserola’ or kettle of boiling water.

• A chair or stool

• Compress cloth or small towel

• A pitcher or dipper (“tabo”)

• Old newspapers, if done in bed.

• Bath towel

• One blanket

Procedure:

1. Close windows and doors. If done in bathroom the patient should be seated on a chair. If the patient is two weak to sit, patient may lie down and be treated in bed.

1. Remove clothing of patient and drape with blanket.

1. Assist patient feet into the pail or small basin of water. Water is ankle deep to start with. Temperature should be as hot as can be tolerated.

1. Apply cold compress to the forehead or to the nape of compress is small.

1. Add hot water. In adding hot water to the foot tub, push the patient feet to one side and place you hand between the feet and the stream of water. Increase the water temperature to patient heat tolerance.

1. Continue adding hot water for 20-30 minutes, renewing cold compress every 2-3 minutes. Do not let water cool off.

1. At the end of treatment, lift feet from water and pour cold water over them.

1. Give patient hot and cold water shower if patient is strong. Give warm sponge bath if done in bed.

1. Dry patient and keep him comfortable. Let patient rest until he stops perspiring.