Foot massage: what is useful and how to do it?

Initially, the art of foot massage was available only to the practitioners of oriental medicine, and then safely passed to the Europeans. It has been constantly developing and today everyone can relax the muscles of the feet with massaging movements and give the legs rest after a busy day.

Let's start with a short anatomical excursion. Our foot is the distal part of the lower limb, which consists of twenty-six bones and thirty-three joints. The foot provides us with freedom of movement, the ability to maintain balance and resistance during various movements.

The longitudinal and transverse arch of the foot "unload" the lower limbs, pelvis and spine. The correct location of the foot is provided not only by muscles and blood vessels. One hundred and seven ligaments, thirty-one tendons, and seventy thousand nerve endings support the foot.

The latter form reflexogenic zones associated with the work of internal organs and body systems. It is no coincidence that the feet are a direct reflection of our health, because their condition indicates the presence of diseases. So, the skin of the feet in white shades “speaks” of anemia, and red - about the presence of diabetes or cardiovascular diseases. Wet and cold feet “signal” about thyroid disease, and hot feet can be signs of hypertension or atherosclerosis.

Often, the procedure begins with calm strokes and ends with them. Thus, you not only relieve tension from the muscles of the legs, but also improve the whole body.

Before moving on to the intricacies of massage technology, let's see how this type of medical procedure is useful.

The beneficial effect on the body allows the use of massage as an auxiliary therapy. With its help, orthopedic pathologies such as flat feet, hallux valgus, spurs or arthrosis are corrected. Foot massage is often prescribed in the presence of the first signs of varicose veins and atherosclerosis. In patients with diabetes, it can prevent a number of complications, including the "diabetic foot."

Ten to twenty minutes a day, dedicated to soothing foot massages, improve blood circulation, help lower blood pressure, relieve migraines. Light massaging movements reduce anxiety, help relax and improve sleep. Massage relieves the symptoms of PMS in women, and men resort to this reflexology to prevent diseases of the pelvic organs. Regardless of gender, stroking movements improve the general condition, rejuvenate the body, normalize metabolic processes and improve mood.

After all, it reduces the risk of injuries to the feet and ankles, helps to improve athletic performance. If trouble has already happened, it is possible to speed up recovery and relieve pain in the injured muscle by stroking and rubbing.

With all the advantages, massage is a physiotherapeutic procedure, carrying out which is not allowed to all.

• Reflexology is absolutely contraindicated in patients suffering from mental disorders, cholelithiasis and dermatological diseases.
• Massaging is unacceptable in the presence of gangrene and convulsive syndrome, trophic ulcers and thrombophlebitis.
• With tuberculosis, diseases of the blood system, oncology, it is also prohibited. A fever or exacerbation of a chronic disease is also a direct contraindication.

In addition to complete prohibitions on the procedure, there are a number of time restrictions.

• The reason for the prohibition of massage to a pregnant woman is an increased tone of the uterus. Also, women are prohibited from physiotherapy in the presence of a phioma or cyst. Any massaging movements may be contraindicated in case of hypertension, varicose veins and diabetes mellitus.
• Diseases of the foot joints, a tendency to bleeding, an allergy in the acute stage, or the consequences of a myocardial infarction are also not indications for performing massage procedures.

If medicine gives the go-ahead, proceed to massaging, observing all the recommendations of the doctor. If during the massage the foot hurts, and after the procedure you do not feel discomfort, refuse any kind of pressing, rubbing and stroking and do not pull with a trip to the treating doctor.

If you set out to improve your health and well-being of loved ones with a foot massage, do it taking into account the reflex zones located on the foot.

Their location should be known for a high-quality and complete procedure.

• The center of the heel projects the ovaries. If the slightest pressing leads to pain or discomfort, see a gynecologist: it is quite possible that you need to stop the inflammatory process. For men, the center of the heel is massaged to enhance men's health, the slightest discomfort should also serve as a reason for visiting a doctor.
• Active massaging actions aimed at the arch of the foot will help overcome insomnia.
• Symptoms of diseases of the stomach, adrenal glands and kidneys will facilitate the massage of a point deep in the arch.

• Massage of the side sections of the soles "cure" ailments of the ears. Also this type of manipulation is useful for sore throat or bronchial disease.
• With a runny nose and sinusitis, you should actively knead your toes.
• On the foot there are peculiar “buttons” that allow you to act on certain organs. So, the thumb is a projection of the pituitary gland, the front of the sole and the arch of the left leg are responsible for the activity of the heart muscle. The latter is additionally stimulated by massage of the protruding zone under the thumb.

• The tip of each toe is massaged to get rid of migraines.
• Manipulation of the fold of the second and third finger stimulate the optic nerve.
• The central part of the foot is actively involved if the patient suffers from pulmonary, asthmatic diseases or shortness of breath.

To date, there are many methods for improving your body, but we will list only the popular ones.

Reflexology massage is considered the easiest and most effective. Even ancient Chinese healers found that massaging certain zones provides an influx of qi - energy that returns health. Therefore, the essence of this massage is to influence certain areas of the foot in order to restore blood flow. This method also helps to eliminate toxins and restore the natural state of tissues. The effect on the zones should be relaxing, and the processing of the sole itself should take place according to the increasing force of pressing.

Surely someone interested in the practice of acupressure Japanese massage, called "shiatsu." His technique is performed by rhythmic pressure on the bioactive points of the sole. Shiatsu aims to boost immunity and speed up the recovery process. However, keep in mind: performing a procedure in this technique requires experience, skills and knowledge. If you want to experience the beneficial properties of shiatsu, contact an experienced massage therapist.

The Thai technique relieves pain in the feet and fights muscle tension, and also helps to restore the functions of each internal organ.

This happens due to massaging the toes, each of which is “responsible” for a specific organ.

• The thumb (namely, its top) projects the work of the liver onto itself, and its lower part, originating from the external nail edge, is responsible for the work of the spleen and pancreas.
• “General” massage of the thumbs helps to cope with psycho-emotional disorders, migraine, jaundice, gastritis and ulcers.
• Massaging the second finger improves the functioning of the stomach and promotes better absorption of food.
• Streams of energy connect the small and large intestines with the third finger, the gall bladder - with the fourth. The genitourinary system is associated with the little finger.

Along with Thai, there is an Ayurvedic massage system based on ancient Indian philosophy. Its main postulate is the unity of the spiritual, physical and mental principle, which is achieved by massaging certain zones on the sole of a person. Each zone is associated with one of the elements of the universe. For example, the heel is the projection of the Earth, the arch of the sole is Water. The foot pads are connected with the fire element, the fingers are connected with the Air, and the finger pads are a projection of the Ether.

Often, both experienced and novice masseurs use pink or sandalwood oils. If you prefer essential formulations, add them to your chosen base oil. The pleasant aroma of oils inspires a relaxing or erotic massage, when the sole is rubbed with soft light movements, squeezed from the inside and outside, and even slightly nipped.

The world does not stand still, the development of technology has also affected the usual manual massage. The first appliances appeared in the eighteenth century. Well, today there is such a direction as hardware massage, represented by a number of ultrasound, vibro and hydromassagers.

The latter are particularly popular in beauty salons, where women massage the feet before or after the pedicure procedure. The popularity of acupressure electric massagers is growing, which is a high-quality imitation of popular massage techniques.

Imperceptibly, we came to the fact that we ourselves began to carry out the massage. Let's look at the stages of preparation and conduct of the procedure, which will help you perform it correctly.

First of all, take a look at a few simple rules.

• Prepare a place for an upcoming massage. The temperature in the room should be comfortable, the chair or sofa should be comfortable.
• Take out the cushion or pillow to place under your knees. For this purpose, you can roll up a towel tightly. If you plan to massage yourself, prepare a comfortable stand.
• The feet are massaged in turn, covering the free leg with a soft towel or warm plaid.
• The maximum benefit of the procedure allows you to extract the use of creams and oils. They are a kind of catalyst for a tonic, relaxing and warming effect. The use of a special cooling cream is also acceptable.

• If relaxing foot massage is important to you, you can prepare the oil yourself. Take castor, olive or soybean oil as the basis (no more than two teaspoons). Three drops of lavender oil and one drop of geranium and chamomile oils are added to it, and then all the ingredients are mixed. The potion is enough for one session, one teaspoon will go on one sole. Before the procedure, the oil should be heated to thirty-seven degrees, and at the end of the massage, put on warm socks.
• Prepare a bedspread for a sofa or chair so as not to stain the furniture.
• Evening hours are considered the best time for relaxing treatments when you are at home and relaxing after a busy day.

• Massage is not done immediately after eating: at least an hour should pass from dinner to the start of the session. Just before the session, it is useful to drink a glass of water at room temperature. After the session, you must do the same to help the body remove toxins and toxins.
• You should not smoke immediately after the massage, as a relaxed body becomes easily vulnerable to harmful substances.
• They wash their feet and warm their hands before the massage: you must admit that touching the icy palms is not very pleasant.
• Foot massage is performed by stroking, rubbing, kneading and even vibrating manipulations, and you yourself or your potential “client” should feel complete relaxation during the procedure.

The preparatory “work” has been completed; we are moving on to action. It’s best to start with yourself, so consider the simplest technique of self-massage.

You should sit back, stretch one leg in front of you, bend the other at the knee and begin massaging.

• The top of the sole is relaxed with soft strokes. This warms it up and stimulates blood circulation. Movements need to start from above, and then gradually "lower" them towards the ankle. Stroking the top of the foot is performed at least five to six times, and then massage the bottom of the foot in the same way.
• To relax the soles and joints, the palm of one hand should grab the heel, fixing the foot. With your free hand, grab the fingertips. After that, you gently turn the foot five times from right to left and vice versa.
• When the joints relax, you can extend your fingers. One arm holds the foot firmly under the lift. With the thumb of the second, you should press on the lower part of the big toe so that it slowly stretches up.After that, the finger should be rotated around its axis, clasping it with the thumb and forefinger.

• The movement was called a smooth glide. One hand covers and fixes the heel, and the fingers of the second smoothly move back and forth between the toes. Gliding is performed six to seven times for each leg.
• The lift is squeezed like this: with one hand you fix the heel, and with the lower part of the second, press on the foot base alternately to the right and left. When performing these actions, additional efforts are not needed, since the lift is sensitive to compressive sensations.
• The final stage of the procedure is stroking that is already familiar to us. Perform them, put on cozy home socks and enjoy home comfort and a pleasant stay.

Carrying out massage procedures is very simple, but at the same time they are very uniform.

So that you do not get bored with performing the same manipulations, listen to the recommendations of specialists.

• To study the nerve endings and energy channels of the feet, you can and should connect improvised materials. For example, in a low-sided box, you can sprinkle smooth stones, peas, chestnuts, or beans. A purchased rug imitating sea pebbles is also suitable. Stomping barefoot on such uneven surfaces is an excellent workout in itself.
• Do not neglect the usual gymnastics for the legs. This is walking on heels and toes, flexion and extension of the sole. This also includes skating a massage ball or trying to raise an object like a pencil with a bent foot. With regular classes, these exercises have a strong healing effect and are an excellent prevention of puffiness, seizures and venous diseases.

• Normal smooth sticks with a diameter of at least four centimeters will help to overcome pain, cramps, heaviness and fatigue of the legs. Nothing special is needed, just roll them with your feet for two minutes. At the same time, you should not get carried away with the idea of ​​buying special sticks with rounded ends that stimulate biologically active points and are designed for professional use.
• At home, the use of various roller massagers is permissible. They help to warm up the sensitive points of the sole on which the internal organs are projected. If pain appears on any part of the foot, do not ignore them. Try to see a doctor as soon as possible to begin timely treatment. Regular exercises will destroy the painful hardening, which will speed up the healing process, but use the massager only with the permission of the doctor.

• Another great invention is magnetic insoles with elastic spikes on the surface and healing magnetic balls inside. Their wearing is identified with the usual walking barefoot. They act very simply: put magnetic insoles in slippers, put on your bare feet and walk around the apartment for five to ten minutes. At first, painful sensations are possible, but they quickly pass. Gradually, the walking time with magnetic insoles should be brought to fifteen minutes.
• Warm foot baths enhance blood circulation and are an excellent prevention of osteochondrosis. They should be performed after massage before bedtime, because in a dream the body is freed from accumulated toxins, and warm water helps to strengthen the cleansing process. The temperature of the water should be forty-fifty degrees, legs in it hold from fifteen minutes to half an hour.

Judging by the numerous reviews, massage was and remains a wonderful technique of reflexology. Everyone who has tested the effects of calming manipulations consider massage one of the most effective and useful methods of treatment.

Many massage fans help not only themselves, but also their loved ones, allowing them to relax after a busy day. After all, the gentle touch of warm hands soothes best in the world, smooth methodical movements contribute to relaxation, and in general, the procedure raises the mood and improves health.

You can learn more about foot massage in this video.