🌿 Folk Prescriptions

It is commonly said, "Cold water on the face promotes beauty and health," "Warm water brushing teeth is preferred by teeth," and "Hot water foot bath is like taking tonics."
These sayings are not without reason. Especially in winter, one must not overlook daily routines such as washing the face, brushing teeth, and soaking feet, otherwise it may harm one's health.
Cold Water Face Washing
Washing the face with cold water benefits hygiene and 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, helps prevent colds and rhinitis, and benefits those suffering from neurasthenia or neuralgia headaches. However, the temperature of cold water should not be too low—around 10℃ is ideal.
Warm Water Tooth Brushing
Teeth function normally at 35–36.5℃. Warm water around 35℃ acts as a beneficial oral protector; rinsing with such water gives a refreshing and comfortable sensation. Frequent exposure to sudden temperature changes can lead to gum bleeding, pulp nerve spasms, or other dental problems.
Hot Water Foot Soaking
Soaking feet in hot water dilates blood vessels, increases local blood flow velocity, and enhances nutrient supply to the lower limbs. The feet contain many acupoints; foot washing is essentially acupoint massage. Washing feet with hot water before bedtime keeps them clean, relieves fatigue, and has preventive and therapeutic effects. Regular hot foot soaks in winter can help prevent frostbite. Those with insomnia or varicose veins benefit from nightly hot foot soaks, which alleviate symptoms and promote sleep. However, the water should not be too hot—ideally below 45℃.
Cold Water Bathing
When cold water contacts the skin, cutaneous blood vessels contract sharply, redirecting blood flow toward internal organs or deeper tissues. This enhances internal organ metabolism, activates gastrointestinal function, accelerates intestinal movement, and overall strengthens digestive system function, improving digestion and appetite.
Under cold water stimulation, the brain quickly becomes excited, mobilizing all body organs and tissues to resist cold. The dilation of systemic blood vessels is regulated by the central nervous system.
Long-term cold water bathing strengthens central nervous system function, slows down aging and cell death. It also effectively prevents and treats neurasthenia, headaches, and insomnia. Cold water bathing activates cells, maintains youthfulness, and thus achieves beautifying effects.