The warm foot bath is especially common in Japanese onsen towns and shows how something very simple can become a mindful ritual.

What Does Ashiyu Mean?

“Ashiyu” (足湯) literally means “foot bath.” The idea behind it is simple: instead of immersing your entire body in a hot bath, only your feet and usually part of your lower legs are placed in warm water.

Your Own Ashiyu at Home

You’ll need:

  • a basin or tub large enough for both feet

  • comfortably warm water

  • optionally, about one tablespoon of sea salt

  • a small towel

  • around ten minutes of your time

 

Fill your basin or tub with warm water and, if you like, dissolve a little sea salt in it. Sit down comfortably and place both feet fully into the water.

After about ten minutes, take your feet out of the water and dry them thoroughly. If you like, turn the break into a small ritual by preparing yourself a warm drink afterwards.

Ten Minutes Without Distractions

What we like about this ritual: wellbeing doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it can simply mean doing something completely ordinary with a little more awareness, such as a basin of warm water, a few quiet minutes and feet that, for once, don’t have to do anything at all.