A woman wrote that her grandfather passed away at 87 and had no back pain, joint pain, headaches It is the best source of treatment and physical healing. Read More In The following article, we’ll explore this intriguing practice rooted in ancient wisdom—applying oil to the soles of your feet—and unpack why it’s considered one of the best natural remedies for overall wellness, healing, and physical care.
The story shared by the woman about her grandfather is touching and compelling. Her grandfather lived to 87 without experiencing back pain, joint pain, headaches, or tooth loss—remarkable signs of physical resilience and longevity. He attributed his vitality to a simple nightly ritual: applying coconut oil to the soles of his feet, a practice passed to him by an elderly man he once met in Mangalore, who would lay stones on the Konkan railway line. The grandfather adopted that ritual and held it as his sole therapy for treatment and fitness It was revered by the family and even by a student from Manipal, whose mother made the same nightly ritual a habit.
This anecdote speaks to a broader tradition—Padabhyanga in Ayurveda—foot oiling massage that’s believed to offer profound healing across sleep, stress, joint health, and more. Let’s explore how applying oil on the soles of your feet can bring various physical and mental health benefits.
Rooted in Ancient Wisdom: Ayurveda & Padabhyanga
Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of holistic healing, reveres foot oiling (Padabhyanga) as a powerful therapy. It’s said to balance the doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—and to provide a wealth of health benefits from improved sleep to joint comfort and more.
Promotes Deep, Restful Sleep
Massaging oil into the soles calms the nervous system, helping the body release serotonin and melatonin—key regulators of sleep cycles—thereby combating insomnia and supporting deep, restorative rest.
Reduces Stress, Anxiety & Mental Fatigue
Foot massage stimulates reflex points connected to the brain, helping to alleviate stress, reduce anxiety, and relieve mental fatigue. Oils like lavender enhance this effect wrought by both aromatherapy and physical touch.
Eases Headaches and Supports Vision
Ayurveda suggests that the soles contain nerve endings that connect to the eyes, and massage with oils like Brahmi, Ashwagandha, or coconut can help reduce migraines, ease headaches, and even support better eye health over time.
Improves Blood Circulation and Reduces Swelling
The circular massaging motion stimulates circulation in the legs, helping to relieve swelling, leg fatigue, and discomfort after long hours of standing or restricted circulation.
Soothes and Heals Dry, Cracked Feet
Oiling softens thick skin, heals cracked heels, and nourishes dry skin to leave feet supple and rejuvenated. Oils like coconut, olive, castor, or sweet almond are particularly effective.
Supports Skin Health and Prevents Infections
Oils such as olive and coconut carry antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help guard against infections, fungal issues, and skin irritation.
Natural Detoxification & Lymphatic Support
Ayurvedic principles hold that foot massage promotes lymphatic drainage and natural detox processes through reflex zones located on the soles.
Hormonal Regulation via Reflex Points
Reflexology maps the feet as connections to glands such as the thyroid, pineal, and pituitary—massaging the soles may help support hormonal balance naturally.
Effective Absorption; Great Location for Oils
The soles lack sebaceous glands (which secrete sebum), meaning oils absorb more readily here than on other skin surfaces. Reflex points located on the feet are believed to allow deeper absorption into the nervous system and bloodstream.
Safer for Sensitive People; Ideal Site for “Hot” Oils
Feet are less sensitive than other areas of the body, making them a safe place to apply potent essential oils—such as oregano or peppermint—especially when applied diluted or directly due to lower reactivity.
Aids in Digestive Health & Constipation Relief
Magnesium oil applied to the feet supports better sleep and relaxation, helps ease cramps, and supports digestive health by relaxing muscles and helping bowel movements.
Calms Muscles, Reduces Cramps
Magnesium oil also reduces muscle tension, prevents cramps (beneficial for folks with restless legs, athletes, or women with PMS), and allows deep relaxation of lower body muscles.
Frequency & Practical Tips
Applying oil 3–5 times a week, massaging each foot for 5–10 minutes, is generally recommended. Too frequent or vigorous massage may irritate the skin.
To apply: warm the oil (not hot), sit comfortably, massage soles, heels, between toes, then slip on cotton socks for absorption and to protect bed linens.
Choosing the Right Oils
Here’s a breakdown of commonly used oils and their benefits:
Coconut Oil: Rich in Vitamin E, deeply moisturizes, prevents infections, supports softness and healthy nails.
Sesame Oil: Warming; balances Vata dosha; often used in Ayurvedic practices.
Mustard Oil: Stimulates circulation; ideal in cold weather.
Castor Oil: Deeply moisturizing; may help joint pain and improve sleep when blend with coconut oil.
Brahmi / Ashwagandha Oil: Supports mental calmness, better sleep, and anxiety reduction.
Olive Oil: Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, enhances skin texture and elasticity.
Sweet Almond Oil: Light, rich in Vitamin E and fatty acids; soothes and hydrates heavy-feeling, swollen feet.
Magnesium Oil: Promotes muscle relaxation, sleep, digestion, skin health, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Reflexology Benefits Combined with Oil Therapy
Combining reflexology with oil application magnifies benefits: stimulating specific points can aid heart health, digestion, stress relief, and circulation. Oils like lavender or peppermint can enhance either calming or energizing effects depending on where they’re applied.
Some Cautions and Balanced Insight
It’s worth noting that not everyone agrees on rapid absorption via the soles. Some experts point out that the skin on the soles is the thickest on the body, which may slow absorption—so be mindful of expectations.
Also, side effects like irritation, stinging, or residue are possible—especially with magnesium oil. A patch test is recommended, and people with medical conditions or pregnant women should consult a healthcare provider.
Real-Life Testimonials
Beyond the grandfather’s story, many people share positive personal experiences:
“I’ve been rubbing tea tree oil under my feet before going to bed these last few nights and I’ve woken up with minimal aches and pains in my body. My respiratory issues have also been better…”
“Sounds moisturizing! … It’s a great way to have soft skin! … I find that moisturizing my feet before sleep makes me feel relaxed and promotes sleep.”
Anecdotes consistently emphasize improved foot texture, relaxation, and overall well‑being.
Practical Steps to Start Your Feet Oil Routine
- Select an oil—based on your goal (relaxation: lavender + coconut; circulation: mustard; dry skin: olive or almond; muscle cramps: magnesium).
- Warm it gently, so it’s comfortable to touch.
- Massage feet, focusing on soles, heel, toes, and arch. Use circular motions; 5–10 minutes per foot.
- Keep socks on after to retain heat and moisture.
- Follow a routine—aim for 3–5 evenings weekly.
- Observe your body—improved sleep, softer skin, less tension, reduced pain? That’s your cue to continue. If irritation occurs, lighten volume or frequency, or try a different oil.
The Story Comes Full Circle
The touching narrative of the grandfather discovering this simple, nightly oil ritual and enjoying a life free from common aches, pains, and health issues for 87 years illustrates how a small, consistent holistic practice can have an extraordinary impact.
This aligns beautifully with Ayurvedic wisdom: gentle, sensory rituals—whether via foot massage, oil absorption, or reflexology—can elevate vitality, substitute medicine with mindfulness, and anchor wellness in daily life.
Conclusion
Applying oil on the soles of your feet is far more than a skincare or relaxation hack—it is a timeless natural remedy steeped in Ayurvedic healing, reflexology, and self-care. From sleep and stress alleviation to joint comfort, hormonal balance, and circulation, this practice offers a holistic avenue for physical and emotional well-being.
Aged wisdom meets modern evidence, and countless real-life anecdotes echo the grandfather’s experience of longevity and resilience. If you’re seeking the best source of treatment and physical healing naturally—and a way to nurture your body nightly—this practice could be a simple yet powerful game‑changer.
Wishing your feet softness, restful nights, and revitalized vitality.