Accueil — Auto-soin et pratiques traditionnelles dans le monde — Chaleur et eau

Foot bath (ashi-yu)

Le texte de cette fiche est en anglais. Les traductions vers d’autres langues sont en cours de préparation.

Une fiche n’est pas une recommandation.

Origine: Japan · Tradition: Japanese folk care and onsen culture · Chaleur et eau

De quoi il s’agit

A simple heat practice in which the feet, from the ankles down, are placed in warm water. It is often easier at home than a full bath, and has been used for cold feet, tiredness, and winding down before sleep.

Courte introduction (ce n’est pas une consigne de traitement)

Pour comfortably warm water (around 40°C as a rough guide) into a basin or a foot-bath vessel. The water should not feel scalding.
Keep the feet covered above the ankle for 10 to 20 minutes. Add warm water if it cools.
When the aim is sleep, it is often done about an hour before bed.
Dry the feet afterwards and put on socks so they do not cool quickly.

Signes ou objectifs souvent associés à cette pratique

Pieds froids ou gonflés
Sensation de froid fréquente
Insomnie
Fatigue
Stress ou inquiétude

Notes de recherche (ceci n’est pas une promesse d’effet)

B: Des essais randomisés ou des revues systématiques existent, mais les comptes rendus sont modestes, le groupe étudié est limité, ou la qualité des études est limitée

Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses from 2024–2025 have reported improvements in older adults’ subjective sleep quality after a warm foot bath before bed. Evidence on objective sleep measures is still weak. This does not show a treatment effect on cardiovascular disease.

Sources

Points d’attention

Water that is too hot can burn. This is especially risky for people with reduced sensation. Avoid long periods at high temperature.

En cas de doute, de maladie, de grossesse ou de prise de médicaments, consultez un professionnel qualifié.

Situations dans lesquelles il vaut mieux s’en abstenir

Reduced sensation in the feet, for example from diabetic neuropathy (burn risk)
Severe vascular disease, untreated skin infection, or an open wound
Sudden swelling, or marked swelling on one side only (seek medical care first)