Do you have foot pain or simply want to relax? Massage is then one of the best solutions. Discover in this article the benefits of massaging your feet, but also how to do it properly.
Why massage your feet?
There are many reasons why we should massage our feet regularly:
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis or plantar warts, regular massage can relieve some discomfort and make walking easier again. In the same way, we can make a foot massage to simply improve blood circulation for example.
Chronic conditions such as diabetes mellitus require increased attention by stimulating blood circulation in the lower extremities. The large number of small vessels through which glucose passes makes them particularly sensitive to circulatory disorders with potential consequences both on microcirculation and on nerve conduction. A regular massage helps reduce these risks.
But we can also massage your feet simply for pleasure, for example after a hard day of work, or after a long walk. This helps relax the muscles and thus relieve any pain!
The different types of foot massage
There are several ways to massage your feet: The simplest is to use your hands, but there are also other possibilities, such as using special equipment or traditional elbow grease. Either way, you can get satisfactory results! Let’s look at the following techniques to massage your feet .
Foot reflexology
If you are familiar with traditional Chinese medicine, this type of massage will be familiar to you because it uses points on the soles of the feet that correspond to certain organs and parts of the body (e.g., gallbladder, liver). Reflexology helps reduce certain pain and relieve the body and mind. We find very good books to learn reflexology and practice self-massage at home.
Palming
This technique works like walking barefoot on warm sandy beaches; it allows you to completely relax while stimulating the soles of the feet. To do this, sit on a chair and place your feet flat on the floor (the soles of your feet should be facing each other).
Acupressure
With this technique, acupressure, you exert pressure on certain points on the sole of the foot that correspond to different parts of the body. By applying more or less pressure on these key points, you can influence different organs of our body. The advantage of focusing is that it has no contraindications. There’s no need to make assumptions about what’s wrong – all we need is a little attention! To do this, you can use acupressure shoes !
The vibration technique
This is a quick massage that can be performed in a sitting or standing position usingmassage oil and one-handed, as when you circulate your blood by vigorously shaking your hands back and forth before working them with both hands (you should do this vigorously for at least 30 seconds). You can also use vibrating insoles – widely available in sports stores – instead of performing this movement yourself
How to do a foot massage?
As you can see, there are many ways to massage your feet. The best part is that they all work! But it is important not to forget one rule: take your time and don’t rush – some people even spend more than half an hour a day on their feet
To perform a foot massage, start by gently rubbingorganic or natural massage oil or lotion (if you use aromatic oils like lavender or eucalyptus, this will also have a soothing effect) on both soles of the feet
Then place your thumbs under each toe joint and move up towards the ankle while massaging in circular movements. Repeat these steps for each toe joint until you reach the big toes. Pay special attention to the following parts of the foot: The toes, which are often forgotten.
The forefoot – this is where many people have foot problems! This area must to be massaged gently and slowly. With your thumb, press on different parts between the five toes to relieve the joints
Finally, massage around the heel using gentle circular motions until you reach it. You can also use lotion or essential oil here for best results. When you’re finished, don’t forget to apply a cream or balm (ideally containing vitamin E) before putting your socks back on!
What do you need to massage your feet?
It only takes a few minutes to massage your feet, and it’s just as easy to do it in the morning before work or in the evening. After all, you should never neglect your body! You can massage your feet using a device like a foot massager, but also by hand. Many people like to use the classic method: warm some oil or lotion (or even their partner’s hands), then massage the feet, starting with a gentle kneading motion. But if you want something more luxurious, we recommend using an aromatherapy foot spa
Just be sure to remember: The first step is always to wash your feet. Then dry them carefully and apply a good amount of cream or balm!
Example of self-massage of the feet
In order to better understand how to perform a self massage feet, we invite you below to discover a short explanatory video. In it you will discover how to massage your feet step by step and the right way to do it. You’ll see it’s actually quite simple!
How often should I do this?
Don’t wait until something goes wrong. On the contrary, take the time to do it every day to have healthy feet all year round. Remember: even if they are not causing any problems at the moment, taking care of them will help prevent problems from arising later! We recommend that you do a self-massage of your feet as soon as the need arises, but especially as soon as you have the opportunity and the time. In the evening when you get home from work, for example, take 5 minutes to do a self-massage for each foot.
The benefits and virtues of this type of massage
Foot massage is a simple but effective way to relieve stress and tension built up in the foot muscles. It can also help stimulate blood circulation and improve posture. The benefits aren’t limited to the feet. Regular foot massage can improve sleep quality, boost the immune system and help reduce anxiety and depression.
The different points and techniques
There are several important points to massage on feet to get benefits listed above. The key points are the arches, toes, heels and Achilles tendon. There are many massage techniques for each area, including rubbing, gentle pressing, stretching and rolling. You can easily learn these techniques by following online tutorials or consulting a professional.
Massage your feet: With or without a device?
The use of a massage device can be a useful aid for massaging and relieving foot pain. Devices vary depending on the technique used, but most offer soothing heat and vibration options to help relax foot muscles. However, a hand foot massage can often be more targeted and effective in working on specific pressure points.
Review: The best time for a massage
The ideal time for a foot massage can vary depending on your personal preferences, schedule, and wellness goals. Some prefer to do it before going to bed to improve the quality of their sleep. Others prefer the morning to start their day with a boost in blood circulation and energy. We recommend testing different times to see what works best for you.
Conclusion & Opinion
In summary, we discussed the benefits of foot massage, different massage points and techniques, and whether the use of a device is necessary. We encourage you to try this simple but effective practice to improve your well-being. You can easily learn about massage techniques, or for a more personalized service, consult a professional. Remember to listen to your body and find the ideal time for this practice in your daily routine.
Originally posted 2021-11-04 06:09:13 .