A Case for Ashi-yu Foot Bath: Your Feet are the Roots to Your Body’s Health

Discover the Healing Power of Japanese Foot Baths

Japan is renowned for its (温泉) onsen, natural hot springs, and (銭湯) sento, traditional public baths, but a bath in Japan doesn't always have to be for your whole body! Ashi-yu (足湯) are Japanese foot baths designed to ease the muscle aches of tired feet and calves.

Ashi-yu are a delightful treat—the ultimate simple indulgence that encapsulates the meaning of "shikohin." Found throughout onsen towns and even in unexpected places like train stations or airports, ashi-yu are incredibly convenient and accessible. Many foot baths are free to use, allowing travelers to pause, relax, and recharge before continuing their journey.

Reflexologists often compare a person to a tree: the roots are the feet, the trunk is the spinal column, and the fronds are the face—the nearest part of the body to sunlight. According to this discipline, feet create a microcosm of the human body.

The Benefits of Ashi-yu Foot Bathing & Massage

Did you know that the bottoms of your feet could affect the wellness of other areas of your body? Each foot contains over 7,000 nerve endings called reflexes, which correspond to every organ and system within your body. In Japanese, we call these reflex points (ツボ) tsubos. Find out more about reflexology here. By pressing on these reflex points, you stimulate the nervous system and open energy pathways that may be blocked or congested.

5 Key Body Connections to the Feet:

1. Head and Brain

According to reflexology, the tips of the toes are directly connected to your head and brain. If you experience headaches or stress, massaging the tips and bottoms of the toes can help relieve tension and improve overall brain health.

2. Small Intestines

The area between the heel and the ball of the foot corresponds to the small intestines. Massaging this area supports a healthier digestive tract and may alleviate indigestion and bloating.

3. The Heart

On the left side of the ball of the foot lies the reflex point connected to the heart. Stimulating this area enhances blood circulation and supports overall cardiovascular health.

4. The Lungs

The center of the ball of the foot is linked to the lungs. Massaging this point can promote respiratory wellness, particularly for individuals with asthma or other breathing concerns.

5. The Neck

Neck aches and pains are some of the most common bodily discomforts. The area just below the big toe corresponds to the neck. Massaging this point can alleviate neck tension and stiffness.

Shikohin’s Foot Bathing Wellness Ritual

Our Onsen Bath Tablets are made from hot spring minerals found in Japan, recreating an authentic foot soak ritual that you would encounter in Japan.

Some benefits of our foot bathing ritual include:

• Mental relaxation
• Release of muscle tension
• Better sleep
• Reduced stress
• Increased circulation
• Replenishment of the body's minerals

How to Create a Luxurious Ashi-yu Experience at Home

1. Fill your bathtub about halfway or a large basin with warm water.
2. Drop 1-2 Onsen Bath Tablets into the water and let them dissolve.
3. Soak your feet for 10-20 minutes while practicing mindful meditation, gratitude, and peace.

Additional tip! Massage sore pressure points using our Tsubo-Oshi Massage Tool for optimum relaxation and relief.

The Science-Backed Benefits of Foot Reflexology

Regular foot massages combined with reflexology offer a variety of physiological and psychological benefits, including:

• Improved Blood Circulation: Stimulates blood flow, especially beneficial for those with sedentary lifestyles.
• Relaxation & Stress Relief: Soothes the body and mind, reducing stress after a long day.
• Better Sleep: A nightly foot massage can promote deeper, more restful sleep.
• Pain Relief: Targets aches and pains like headaches, migraines, and neck tension.
• Mood Enhancement: Helps combat symptoms of depression through targeted reflex point massage.
• Healthier Feet: Reduces stiffness, prevents injuries, and keeps ankles flexible.

Extend Onsen Benefits to Your Furry Friends

Your wellness ritual shouldn’t stop with you—treat your pets to the healing benefits of onsen, too! Our Shikohin x Shikohin Selection Pet Onsen Mineral Salts bring the restorative powers of Japanese hot springs to your pet's bath. This soothing soak helps alleviate dry, itchy skin and supports a healthy, shiny coat. Just a 5-minute soak can cleanse and moisturize, offering relief for pets with dry skin or sensitivities.