10 Benefits of Foot Massage for Lifestyle Diseases

Most of us experience swelling in our feet and other foot-related problems. This is because our feet don’t get the much-needed attention due to our sedentary lifestyle. Well, here are 10 benefits of foot massage for curing lifestyle diseases. We often don’t realise that even our feet require special care. Just the way we care for our face and hair. I understand that most of you have a 9 to 6 desk job, where your hands are continuously typing and your brain is continuously working.

benefits of foot massage

But what about the feet? They also need attention and care. By special care, I didn’t mean that you should always invest in expensive pedicure treatments in professional salons. What I meant is you need to exercise every day. Exercise is a must and one of the basic forms of exercise is walking. The next most important thing is a foot massage which is mandatory. I have penned down 10 benefits of foot massage which in turn will help you realise the importance of it.

Improves Blood Circulation

First and foremost, one of the 10 benefits of foot massage is that it aids in improving blood circulation. Due to our sedentary lifestyle, the muscles in our feet are not used properly. We tend to sit for prolonged periods without getting up. Lack of exercise is the main reason for improper circulation. Additionally, tight and uncomfortable shoes hamper normal blood circulation in the feet. So, while wearing a closed pair of shoes, ensure that they are not tight. On the other hand, some people need to stand for long hours, due to the nature of their job. This is another reason for improper blood circulation. Well, you need not worry as I’ll guide you through this article.

foot massage improves blood circulation to our feet

Yes, you can improve your blood circulation. If you need to cater to your families needs after work then I know that it’s a little difficult to make time for exercise. But try taking walks at home itself or in your compound for at least 15 minutes. The next thing that will help you is 10 minutes of daily foot massage. This, in turn, will help transport oxygen to the body’s cells which is essential for overall health. Also, it’s crucial to opt for proper and comfortable footwear.

Besides this, a foot massage will stimulate the lymphatic system and help prevent varicose veins. To self-massage, your feet, firstly, put any massage oil in your palm and rub it on your foot for several minutes. Secondly, stroke the foot gently but firmly from toes to ankle. Further, give a gentle massage to your lower leg also. Lastly, repeat this entire process with the other foot also.

Fights Depression and Anxiety

Foot massage and reflexology have proved essential in fighting depression and anxiety. Thus, out of the 10 benefits of foot massage, this one is really crucial. Since we have a lot of people in India suffering from depression and anxiety for various reasons. As a matter of fact, receiving a soothing hand or foot massage after the death of a loved one helps a lot. It helps in dealing with the stressful grieving period. Additionally, a foot massage provides consolation. This helps people to balance the need to grieve and adapt to changes in life. There are certain points on the feet that are helpful in alleviating depression symptoms.

For instance, the spot in the centre of the big toe, the spot at the centre of the ball of your foot or the ball of the foot located under the big toe is associated with emotional stability and mental health. Therefore massaging these points or applying pressure to them for a few minutes 2 to 3 times a day can help relieve symptoms of depression. Besides this, frequent sessions have significantly reduced anxiety in cancer patients.

Helps in Preventing Foot and Ankle Injuries

foot massage helps in preventing foot and ankle injuries

Firstly, massaging the feet aids recovery after an injury. Secondly, a foot massage helps in relieving joint pain as well as reduces muscle soreness. However, if you combine foot massage with some foot and ankle strengthening exercises and stretching. Then it can prevent future injuries as well as speed up recovery of existing injuries. As a matter of fact, a short session 3 to 5 times a week will ensure that you minimize the risk of injuries. Therefore, a strengthened and flexible ankle and foot ensures that we can avoid unpleasant injuries.

Promotes Better Sleep

It’s all about stress, stress and stress! We get to hear this word from almost all our relatives and friends. Life is stressful for most, due to work, family, or personal problems. Massaging your feet just before going to bed can help you sleep better. Thus, this is an added benefit to the 10 benefits of foot massage since it promotes better sleep. An average person needs to sleep for 7 to 8 hours a day. Also, a relaxing and soothing foot massage will help the body unwind, improve blood circulation and relax the nerves. All these, in turn, will offer you a sound sleep.

In order to self massage your feet just before going to bed. You need to massage certain acupuncture points on your feet. Acupuncture is an age-old healing process. I’m going to guide through this simple and wonderful acupuncture experience. The best part is that you don’t need to use needles in this particular acupuncture points exercise. You just need to use your thumb and fingers.

  • Firstly, sit upright with your foot in your lap.
  • Secondly, use your thumb and press in and around the large plantar pad of your big toe.
  • Thirdly, do this for at least 1 minute on each of the big toes.
  • Lastly, massage the bottom of your feet for 10 minutes with warm coconut oil, mustard oil or olive oil.

Eases Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Menopause Symptoms

It’s commonly seen that women suffer from symptoms such as sudden sadness, irritability, insomnia during the premenstrual syndrome (PMS). For some women, its a sudden feeling of happiness and then a grumpy feeling. Additionally, bloating, fatigue, headaches and mood swings are commonly experienced during PMS. You can treat all of these symptoms easily with a daily foot massage. Besides PMS, symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and depression can be effectively handled with a regular foot massage.

premenstrual syndrome

So, in order to treat PMS and menopause symptoms, massage the Grandfather Grandson point. It’s located on the inner foot where the big toe meets the foot. All you need to do is massage this acupressure point with any warm massage oil. Preferably coconut oil or olive oil. Apply steady firm pressure while doing so. Massage it for a couple of minutes and once you’re done with this, massage the entire feet as well as the legs. With a regular foot massage, there will be a decrease in hot flashes and improvement in sleep disturbances and mood changes.

Lowers Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is also known as HBP or hypertension. The good news is that it can be controlled with the help of a regular foot massage. Studies have also found that foot reflexology has helped most of them by reducing systolic blood pressure and triglyceride. In order to treat high blood pressure, it is important to massage the solar plexus reflex. You can easily locate this reflex point by squeezing each side of your foot. The hollow that forms is where the solar plexus point is. Follow this process to massage the solar plexus reflex point.

Foot massage lowers blood pressure
  • First and foremost, press this reflex point for a few seconds with your thumb. And take a deep breath.
  • Once you do this, release the thumb and breathe out.
  • Repeat the same procedure on the other foot.
  • Do this twice a week and continue it for several weeks.

Further, massage your entire feet for 10 minutes. Do this 2 or 3 times a week. This, in turn, will improve mood, lead to less anxiety and lower the blood pressure.

Alleviates Edema in Pregnant Women

Edema is caused due to fluid retention and results in swelling in the feet and ankles. A regular foot massage can help in reducing the effects of Edema. Edema is very common during pregnancy, especially during the last trimester. During pregnancy, it is not recommended to self-massage your feet. You should always get it done from a professional, or a friend, relative. You can get it done from your spouse too. But, it is best to get it done by a qualified reflexologist.

10 benefits of foot massage- alleviates edema

To begin, gently massage your foot, starting from the tips of your toe and fingers all the way to your ankles. Ensure you massage the front as well as the back of the feet. Further, a retrograde massage is considered highly beneficial. Especially if used with some warm massage oil. This massage is done by rubbing from the toes proximally or towards the knee. This makes the fluid accumulated in the feet to return towards the kidneys where it can be flushed out of the body.

In addition to massaging your feet daily, you should wear comfortable shoes and take plenty of rest. Whenever possible, try to keep your feet elevated and do this as much as possible. Eat healthy food and drink plenty of water.

Helps People with Flat Feet and Plantar Fasciitis

Due to ligament laxity, people with flat feet don’t have a normal foot arch. This, in turn, causes the arch to collapse. For some people, it doesn’t have any major effect. But some of them experience foot pain even after mild physical activity. This is because of their flat feet.

Plantar Fasciitis

Chronic heel pain can be caused by inflammation or deterioration of the plantar fascia. For all those who are not familiar with this term. Plantar fascia is the connective tissue that supports the arch of the foot. Thus, a regular deep foot massage in which you apply strong pressure on the arch can help significantly lessen the pain and even cure these conditions.

Reduces Headaches, Migraines, Aches and Pains

A study that was conducted in Denmark proved that people suffering from headaches and migraines showed great improvement after receiving reflexology treatments. Those people suffering from headaches and migraines had stopped taking their medication for 3 months. After 3 months of completion of this treatment, 65% of the people had reduced symptoms of headaches and migraines. And some were totally cured of it.

It’s proved that those who were undergoing reflexology foot massages managed to make additional positive lifestyle changes that may have contributed to their impressive results. Massage the whole ankle to reduce pain and swelling in the ankle and get relief from headaches and migraines. Besides this, reflexology can also treat different types of pains and aches. Such as neck pain, lower back pain, and upper back pain.

For backaches, gently massage along the spinal reflex with your thumb. Start from the side of the toe to the ankle using small circular motions. You should also massage the soles and tops of your feet. In case you’re suffering from neck pain then massage the toes as well as the joints that join the toes to the foot. If you do this for 5 minutes firmly then soon the pain will vanish.

Restless Leg Syndrome

Foot massage is also useful in treating restless leg syndrome which is a kind of neurological disorder. Restless leg syndrome causes difficulty in sleeping due to the unpleasant sensations such as throbbing, pulling and the urge to move your legs. So, if you’re one of those suffering from restless leg syndrome, then you should massage your feet with warm coconut oil to improve blood circulation. Further, it relaxes the nerves and lets you sleep at night. The process is as follows.

  1. Begin by massaging the heels and ankles of your feet with your palms.
  2. Next, massage in circular motions with gentle yet firm strokes. That too moving upward from the ankles.
  3. Do this daily for 10 minutes before going to bed.

Welcome Healthy Feet

Thanks for making it till the end of this 10 benefits of foot massage article. You’ve seen how a regular foot massage is an easy way to keep your feet healthy and free from all kinds of foot problems. Avoid negligence to your feet. Along with a regular foot massage, you should also exercise every day. Drink 2.5 to 3 litres of water per day and consume healthy meals. A foot massage helps stimulate the muscles around your feet, lessens stiffness and even reduces pain in the ankles or heels. Also, you can purchase the best foot massager in India. This will assist you in your self-massage sessions at home as it has all the features and functionalities.

Also, to prevent unpleasant ankles and foot injuries, consider massaging your feet for 5 minutes daily. This will make your ankles strong and flexible. Moreover, it relieves pain and inflammation caused by foot tendonitis. Additionally, it is considered an excellent treatment for heel spurs. Furthermore, it’s beneficial as it relieves the discomfort associated with burning feet sensation. Consider referring this article to your relative, friends, and colleagues as well.

Avoid foot massage if there are open wounds, and burns on your feet. I would advise you to wait till the open wound is healed and free from pus and blood. Also, don’t do it in the case of fracture and severe osteoporosis.

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