Years ago in Calcutta, an elderly gentleman gave a bit of advice to a young man that would stay with him for life: “Massage the soles of your feet with oil before bed.”
That man lived a long, healthy life—passing at 87 without ever suffering from back pain, joint stiffness, headaches, or even tooth loss.
His granddaughter shared this story, calling it her grandfather’s “secret for staying well without medicines.”
It turns out, this quiet tradition runs deeper than we think.
A university student once told me how her mother, who had struggled with vision issues since childhood, faithfully massaged her feet each night with oil. Over time, she noticed her eyesight improving. “It was like a little light began returning,” she said. Along with better vision came a sense of overall well-being.
Another message came from a businessman who had trouble sleeping while on a trip to Chitral. Restless in his hotel, he wandered outside where a kind older woman keeping night watch asked what was wrong. When he explained his insomnia, she simply asked, “Do you have oil?” When he said no, she returned with a bottle and instructed him to rub his soles for a few minutes. That night, sleep came easily—deep and uninterrupted.
Just a natural oil—mustard, coconut, sesame, or olive—whichever you prefer.
Warm a small amount of oil between your palms.
Gently massage it into the soles of your feet, focusing on the arches and heels.
Slip on light socks if you like, then tuck into bed.
Use consistent, circular motions—it’s not just relaxing, it stimulates key points connected to other parts of your body.
Make this your nightly ritual. Over time, your body may begin to associate it with rest and healing.
Sometimes the most powerful remedies are also the simplest. Just a few mindful minutes each night can bring better sleep, stronger nerves, and a deep sense of calm.
