It would probably be very difficult to find a person who wouldn't enjoy a good foot massage. This relaxation and healing method has existed and developed for centuries and is firmly rooted in many cultures. Reflexology and Shiatsu have the longest tradition. There are more than 7000 (!!) nerve endings on the legs and massaging them can release various energy blockages throughout the body. Foot massage and reflex foot massage can relieve pain, accelerate wound healing or reduce stress. Traditional massages are performed with bare hands, but these days there are a variety of different aids and tools that you can use to perform a perfect massage in the comfort of your own home. Whether you entrust your legs to an expert or massage yourself, you will not only give your body a relaxing experience, but also effective care that your whole body will appreciate.
Why is foot massage so beneficial?
As already mentioned, foot massage not only benefits the feet themselves, but the whole body. What benefits are we talking about?
relief and relaxation
Foot massage not only relaxes the legs, but the whole body. It improves sleep quality and helps with insomnia. Treat yourself to a massage before bed and wake up like a new person in the morning. Research from 2018 even shows that foot massage is an effective remedy for anxiety.
injury prevention
Foot massage helps in faster healing process, relieves joint and muscle pain. When massage is combined with strength training and stretching, it also acts as a successful preventative against injuries. Just a few minutes, three to five times a week. Everyone is clumsy at times, and it doesn't take an extra dose of talent to sprain your ankle with an unfortunate jump. The strengthened and flexible muscles of the ankle and foot ensure that those little moments of awkwardness go without injury.
improvement of blood circulation
The foot massage improves blood circulation in the body, accelerating and improving cell renewal. Did you suffer any injuries? Adding a foot massage to the therapy will help your injury heal much faster thanks to the improved circulation.
reduce stress
There are so-called reflex points on the foot, which are connected to certain parts of the body and internal organs via nerve tracts. Reflexology (reflexology) deals with the treatment of pressure on these points. In the middle of the foot, about a third below the toes, is a spot that connects to the solar plexus. The pressure exerted at this point affects the hormone cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, causing it to drop. Do you feel under pressure? Put the pressure on your foot and let stress go somewhere.
A weapon against migraines
Research by Danish experts has shown that people with migraines experienced significant improvement when they started regular reflexology foot massages. At the start of the study, patients stopped taking migraine medication and did reflexology for three months. After that time, a whopping 65% reported a significant improvement in their health, and some patients even stopped suffering from migraines entirely.
Help with flat feet and chronic heel pain (Plantar Fasticide)
People who suffer from flat feet don't have a normal arch but instead have a sunken arch, which can cause many people pain when walking or after physical exertion, even at rest. Chronic heel pain can be caused by inflammation or deterioration of the plantar fascia (the tendon that connects the heel bone and toes and supports the arch of the foot). Regular exercise combined with a deep tissue massage can significantly reduce pain and even improve foot health.
PMS and menopause
What woman wouldn't know about PMS? Every woman is affected to a greater or lesser extent by the hormonal merry-go-round associated with her monthly cycle. We feel this most intensely just before our period begins, about a week (sometimes up to two) before it starts. The most common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome are emotional - sadness, unhappiness, tension or anxiety, irritability, insomnia, fatigue, headaches, and mood swings. Most of these manifestations of PMS can be alleviated with a daily foot massage. Since men do not have the easiest time with us during this time, try to mention your loved one, who will certainly be happy to help you with the massage voluntarily. Menopause can be associated with emotional swings like PMS with hot flashes, which is not pleasant. In this case, too, a foot massage can help and bring immediate relief. It's definitely worth trying.
Pregnancy and swollen legs
Leg swelling due to water retention in the later stages of pregnancy is a fairly common phenomenon and few children have been lucky enough to experience it. In addition to the fact that the mother-in-waiting will not wear her favorite clothes for a long time, wearing ordinary shoes will become a big challenge. A daily foot massage can mention swelling and relieve the feeling of heavy legs. So, gentlemen, take oil or cream and massage half your legs. What wouldn't you do for your little pregnant woman, would you?
The lowering of blood pressure
High blood pressure is a common problem these days. It is considered a disease of modern times. what causes it For example, such stress or unhealthy lifestyle. In most cases, however, the origin of the high pressure remains unclear. It is believed that environmental factors and genetics are behind this health problem. The benefits of foot massage are supported by an interesting study - researchers followed medical workers who work with elderly people suffering from dementia. Such a working environment is very stressful and the strain on the psyche is enormous. And it was this study that showed that healthcare professionals who performed a 10-minute foot massage three times a week experienced a significant change in mood, not only had less anxiety, but their blood pressure improved and dropped significantly.