7 benefits of Foot Massage/ Reflexology on Your Health
Reflexology and other forms of foot massage have been used medically for quite some time. It entails applying stress to various areas of the sole of the foot.
Patients in the intervention
group were instructed to lie supine on the second postoperative day and given a
five-minute long whole-body relaxation technique. Following this, the feet were
massaged for 5-10 minutes using sweet almond oil, the industry-standard massage
oil. A pillow was used to prop the client's feet up while the massage was being
performed. Both the plantar and dorsal sides of the foot were massaged, with
the fingers resting on the dorsal side and the thumbs on the plantar. With gradually decreasing pressure, one thumb was then used to press the plantar area of the foot in a gentle upward stroking motion. The process began at the heel and
moved down the leg, with the plantar side of the foot facing the therapist and
the fingers of the therapist resting on the dorsal side of the toe. In a
typical massage session, this action would occur anywhere from 5-10 times. All
patients had their massages done by the same skilled therapist. Every patient
in both groups likewise received standard medical attention. Patients only had
their backs massaged; no other areas of the body were worked on. The massages
were performed on a daily basis for a total of four weeks.
The feet are the home to many sensory nerves that provide feedback to your body's interior organs. Your
massage therapist may use your foot as an accurate body map if they have
received adequate training. Health issues can be alleviated by applying
pressure to meridian points that are associated with particular organs. Both
the physical and mental health of the recipient is improved by the pressure's
targeting of weak or troubled parts of the body.
(Find out more About the SLEEPING POSITIONS AND AFFECTS THE HEALTH)
Benefits of Foot Massage on Your Health:
There are several positive outcomes from receiving a foot massage.
Foot massage has a long history of being utilized as a preventative health measure in many different cultures. The practice of massaging one's feet as an alternative or complementary treatment is currently widely used by millions of people worldwide. However, the many advantages of foot massage are often overlooked.
01. boosts blood flow:
This is the simplest, yet most
important advantage of getting your feet massaged.
Feet bear the brunt of the weight
when we walk, run, and carry objects. In the midst of it all, we often forget
that the muscles in our feet are tight.
Massages for the feet can ease
aches and pains by relieving tension and boosting blood flow to the area. A
daily foot massage for 10 minutes can improve blood flow. This, in turn, will
help the body's cells take in more oxygen, which is essential for good health.
You also need to wear shoes that
are both practical and comfortable.
2. Decreases Anxiety:
Tension and stress can be alleviated by applying pressure to certain areas of the feet. This theory is based on the belief that specific places on the feet, hands and other portions of the body (reflex points) are connected to other sections of the body and their proper operation.
3. Reduces Your Stress:
Does hypertension affect your
life regularly? The most effective remedy is a soothing foot massage.
A foot massage is not intended to
replace conventional medical care, but it can serve as a soothing distraction
during recovery.
Studies have shown that regular
foot massages of no more than 10 minutes can assist in calming and reducing blood
pressure.
04. Helps to Good Sleep:
Just like any other type of
massage, giving yourself a foot massage right before bed can help you unwind
and get a better night's sleep. It does this by facilitating increased
circulation, reducing nervous tension, and facilitating overall bodily
relaxation. foot-massage-promotes-better-sleep
It is recommended that you massage your feet for no more than four minutes apiece before bed.
5. Increases Your Stamina:
After a long day of standing and
walking around, when our feet tend to swell, a nice and relaxing foot massage
is the ideal way to decompress.
A foot massage can help alleviate
stress and fatigue by releasing tension and opening energy channels.
You should always use warm oil
while massaging your feet since this allows the oils to penetrate the skin
more effectively. Use both light and heavy pressure to achieve your goals.
6. Avoids Foot Injuries & Maintains Good Foot Health:
A foot massage can be thought of
as a low-impact kind of exercise. Reduced signs of stiffness contribute to
improved range of motion and muscle strength.
Prevention of foot and ankle
injuries, which are often brought on by tight and weak muscles and tissues, is
another advantage of regular foot massage. A foot massage is a surefire way to
get the exercise your feet need, whether you're trying to recover from an
injury or just want to keep them strong and healthy.
Obviously, if your foot injury is severe, you should seek medical attention. The greatest podiatrists in your area can help you with that. Go to Healthwise if you need to schedule an appointment.
Regular massage can help you spot
potential foot issues before they become serious, such as:
Feet with chips and cracks
Nail bed ingrowth
Skin that is dry
Sores
Corns are areas of skin that have
become thick and hard due to constant friction and pressure.
7. Helps Pregnant Women Have Less Swelling and Enhances Immunity:
A good foot massage can assist
your immune system, which is why you should have one often. Massages of the
feet have been shown to have positive effects on the health of muscles, the
flow of blood, and the ability to handle stress. They work together to improve
resistance to illness.
In addition, the stress hormone cortisol, which has been related to numerous health issues, is reduced by massage. A blood test for cortisol will reveal any abnormalities.
Next on the list of foot
massage's health advantages is its ability to ease pregnancy-related swelling.
Pregnant women frequently have edema or fluid retention-related swelling of the feet and ankles. Edema can be avoided by adhering to a healthy lifestyle (including receiving enough water and sleep) and by engaging in regular preventative measures (such as massaging the feet with firm yet gentle strokes).
Massages can be quite pricey. Luckily, you can get the same results at home for much less money if you do it yourself or enlist your partner's aid.
Self Foot-Massage:
1st Step:
Either sit in a chair or lie down on a bed and prop one foot up on the leg opposite the one you're sitting or lying on. Lotion or oil (like coconut oil) can help your fingers move more easily over your skin.
2nd Step:
Grab the front of your ankle with one hand. Next, use the thumb and fingers of your other hand to hold the back of your ankle and bring it down toward your heel.
3rd Step:
use your thumb to gently massage the soles of your feet, moving outward from the heel and ending at the tips of your toes. You can also knead your foot by pressing your knuckles into the sole.
4th Steps:
Turn each toe ever-so-slightly as the fourth step's final action. If you're tired of standing on one foot, try standing on the other.
Avoid applying as much force if it hurts. If you're in a lot of discomforts, you should stop right away.
Conclusion:
If you have tired feet from standing on them all day, a foot massage can be a welcome reprieve. However, there is more to it than just a pleasant sensation. There are health advantages as well, according to studies.
A quick foot massage can do wonders for your mood and stress levels. That's great news, as reducing stress and increasing energy levels increases the likelihood that you'll engage in healthful behaviors, such as regular exercise and nutritious eating.
