Soaking feet in warm water is an ancient form of pain relief practiced, in varying guises, throughout many countries. For centuries people have dissolved Epsom salts to reduce swelling, rock salt to detoxify the whole body at bedtime, or peppermint oil to cool and tickle the nerve endings.

In Bali, the higher castes allegedly keep a bowl of water in the corner of their bedroom, filled with flowers and the oil of eucalyptus for a ritual cleansing at the end of the day. Foot washing is also a symbolic part of one of the many rites of passage in Balinese Hinduism, carried out as a sign of deference to Sang Hyang Widhi, one of the gods responsible for the order of balance and imbalance in our lives.

The treatment consists of gentle splashing with the scented flower water and gentle skin sloughing with volcanic stone: soft, white stone for women and a coarser black one for men. After this, heavy feet shed tension and start floating. After patting them dry, your therapist will massage your feet and legs with oil, working up toward the heart, using her thumb and forefinger to apply pressure up the back of the calf from the ankle. According to massage theory these strokes relieve poor circulation, fluid retention and bladder problems. The whole experience Is so pleasurable and focused (and it could never last long enough!) that it hardly matters what, if any, medical benefits are taking place.

Use essential oils in your own foot soak. Mix three drops each of thyme, vetiver and sage as a good combination to make skin smooth. Flowers are added as a symbolic gesture to wash away bad luck. As an intrinsic part of every day life in Asia, flowers represent a bridge to the natural world, taking on a spiritual and cleansing significance. Don't make the water too hot and soak for 10-15 minutes for best results. Follow by massaging your feet with a rich oil such as coconut, olive or avocado.

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