🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Commonly said, "Cold water on the face benefits beauty and health," "Warm water brushing teeth pleases the teeth," and "Hot water foot soak is like taking tonics."
These sayings are not without reason. Especially in winter, one must not overlook daily routines such as brushing teeth, washing the face, and soaking feet, otherwise it may harm health.
Cold Water Face Washing
Washing the face with cold water not only aids hygiene but also promotes beauty. The stimulation of cold water improves facial blood circulation, enhances skin elasticity, reduces or eliminates facial wrinkles. Cold water face washing also strengthens cold resistance, prevents colds and rhinitis, and benefits those suffering from neurasthenia or neuralgia headaches. However, the temperature of the cold water should not be too low—around 10℃ is ideal.
Warm Water Tooth Brushing
Teeth function normally at temperatures between 35–36.5℃. Warm water around 35℃ acts as a beneficial oral protector; rinsing with such water brings a refreshing, comfortable sensation. Repeated sudden exposure to cold and hot stimuli may lead to gum bleeding, pulp nerve spasms, or other dental problems.
Hot Water Foot Soaking
Soaking feet in hot water dilates blood vessels, accelerates local blood flow, thus increasing nutrient supply to the lower limbs. The feet contain many acupoints; the process of foot washing is essentially acupoint massage. Washing feet with hot water before sleep keeps them clean, relieves fatigue, and helps prevent and treat diseases. Regular hot foot soaks in winter can help prevent frostbite. For those suffering from insomnia or varicose veins in the feet, daily hot foot soaks can alleviate symptoms and promote easier sleep. Nevertheless, the water should not be too hot—ideally not exceeding 45℃.
Cold Water Bathing
When cold water contacts the skin, cutaneous blood vessels contract sharply, redirecting blood toward internal organs or deeper tissues. This enhances metabolism in internal organs, activates gastrointestinal functions, accelerates intestinal movement, and overall strengthens digestive system function, improving digestion and absorption, thereby stimulating appetite.
Under cold water stimulation, the brain immediately becomes excited, mobilizing all organ systems to resist cold through coordinated vascular dilation regulated by the central nervous system.
Consistent cold water bathing strengthens central nervous system function, slows down aging and cell death. It also effectively prevents and treats conditions such as neurasthenia, headaches, and insomnia. Cold water bathing activates cells, maintains youthful vitality, and achieves beautifying effects.