According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupressure points on the bottom of your feet correspond to different areas of the body. By gently massaging these meridian points you can affect different organs in the body.
Referred to as reflexology the practice has been around for thousands of years. Its roots can be traced as far back as 2330 BCE.
Since our feet support almost every activity we do and are subject to a lot of stress and strain. Relieving this tension with a foot massage can reduce pain and offer numerous other benefits.
Healthier Feet
A good foot massage can relieve tension and stiffness and promote better circulation and flexibility in your feet. This helps prevent foot-related ailments like plantar fasciitis, flat feet and bunions.
A good massage therapist can use a foot exfoliator tool and to remove dead skin from your feet. Applying healthy oils can nourish and rejuvenate the skin on your feet and help restore their suppleness.
Calm and Well-Being
Relaxation is the biggest benefit of foot massage. Foot massage helps promote an overall sense of well-being. By lowering blood pressure throughout the body you lower stress and anxiety levels. When you are less stressed and anxious it is easy to feel relaxed.
Foot massage can stimulate the production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, thereby promoting a sense of calmness
Nausea and Pain
Foot massage can alleviate symptoms of nausea and pain. If someone has nausea due to emotional distress or sickness, a foot massage can be extremely beneficial. Apply pressure to the top of the foot just below the area where the big toe meets the second toe. Massaging this reflex point can stimulate the heart, large intestines and stomach and help relieve nausea and pain.
Lower Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is often the result of poor diet, lack of exercise and stress. Regular foot massage can help alleviate this condition.
Applying pressure to specific muscles in the feet, particularly the sole, helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Studies have shown that foot reflexology can lower systolic blood pressure and decrease blood triglyceride levels in people with hypertension.
It is so beneficial that many people buy foot massagers for their personal use, in between going to a massage therapist.
Reduce Swelling
Edema or swelling is characterised by excessive fluid accumulation in the body. Edema can occur in any part of the body but it most commonly affects the legs and feet. It can be associated with pregnancy or underlying health issues like diabetes, heart problems, and kidney disorders.
Foot massage has proven to be effective at reducing swelling. Daily foot massage can stimulate blood flow and lymphatic drainage reducing the excess fluids that cause the swelling.
You should only deal with a therapist who is a member of the Association of Massage Therapists which adheres to a strict code of ethics and practice. If you have an issue with a massage therapist report the matter to your state Health Care Complaints Commission.
Regular foot massage provides many benefits that will positively impact your physical and emotional well-being.
