After a long and tiring day that your feet worked hard for you, a brief foot-massage can give you a lot more relief to perk you up. Just like our body’s other parts like the neck, shoulders, and back, our feet could also benefit from a good massage. On a plus side, it does not only offer relief, but it also has several health benefits, too. But how does foot massage do that?
There are a lot of several types of massage techniques that offer a promising result like the Traditional Therapeutic technique. This type of massage focuses on relaxing the joints and muscles. Meanwhile, there’s this type called Acupressure that seeks to improve the general flow and health through acting upon specific pressure points. Another type of massage is aromatherapy that uses scented oils and reflexology that seeks improvement for internal organ function by massaging a specific area in the feet.
Many have often claimed several outrageous benefits of a foot massage. However, here, we will take a look at the benefits of foot massage based on scientific researches. Read on and find out!
Foot Massage Helps Improve Circulation
There are several benefits of having a foot massage and one of these is that it improves circulation. Because of a sedentary lifestyle, most people have become unaccustomed to using their muscles on a regular basis. As a result, the muscles on the feet barely get any exercise and circulation partly because of a tight and uncomfortable shoe. Ten to twenty minutes of foot massage would greatly help the circulation of blood on the lower extremities, most importantly for people with diabetes.
It Activates the Human Nervous System
A foot massage can relieve stress, boost up the mood, and is also proven to reduce tension, eases pain, and stimulates the feet muscles. Interestingly, foot massage also activates the human nervous system. How so? Foot massage increases good brain chemicals such as ‘endorphin.’ In fact, according to a study, people who got foot massage after an appendix removal surgery had experienced lesser pain and used fewer painkillers. As well as that, it is a good opportunity to check whether your feet can get treatment for blisters, corn, bunions, or other toenail problems.
Foot Massage Helps to Prevent Foot or Ankle Injuries
Aside from the above-mentioned benefits, the foot massage also helps with joint pain. It also helps in recovery after an injury and aid to reduce the soreness of the muscles. Interestingly, when the foot massage is combined with ankle strengthening exercises and stretches, it can speed up the recovery of an existing injury. Strengthening and massaging our ankles and foot will raise a higher percentage of preventing future unpleasant injuries.
Helps to Alleviate Headaches and Migraines
According to a study conducted in Denmark, it shows that people who suffer from headaches and migraines have shown improvements after receiving a reflexology treatment. In the study, the test subject had reduced 60% of the symptoms after three months of treatment despite stopping their medication. With this, it is believed that the patients who had reflexology massage managed to make an additional positive lifestyle that was said to contribute to the positive results. There can be nothing as relaxing and sitting down and enjoying a fine glass of wine and a getting a great foot massage.
It Helps with Plantar Fasciitis and Flat Feet
People with flat feet do not have a normal foot arch because of ligament laxity that causes the arch to collapse. Although it cannot have a major effect, a person with flat feet often feels pain even after mild physical activity. Moreover, chronic heel pain can be caused by deterioration or inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tissue supporting the arch of the foot. Regular exercise and a foot massage can significantly help lessen the pain in this condition.
It Helps Lower Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is caused by several numbers of things like stress, unhealthy diet, genetics, or environmental factors. In a study conducted on healthcare staff working with elderly people that are suffering from dementia, it is stated that a 10-minute foot massage, three times a week had resulted in a positive result, like lower blood pressure, less anxiety, and improved mood.