Assuredly, at one time or another, we have each given ourselves a short foot massage after a long day on our feet at work. Though the massage can indeed prove relaxing and enjoyable, many are not aware of the benefits associated with foot massage.
Depending on the type of technique that is used, will determine the end resulting benefits. Traditional methods focus primarily on relaxation of the muscles and the joints; acupressure works toward improving general health and flow of energy; aromatherapy makes use of essential oils in combination with relaxing music to act upon a variety of senses, and reflexology involves massaging specific regions of the foot to aid in the improvement of internal organ function.
Although many individuals made a wide variety of claims about the advantages of massage, they tend to have very little evidence to back those claims up. We will look at a variety of benefits of foot massage that have been supported by scientific research.
Your Sex Life
You will have all the essentials for romantic lovemaking with a few massage oils, some scent candles, and some music to set the perfect mood. Why not offer a soothing foot massage for your partner, or receive one of your own? Not only is a foot massage a great form of foreplay, but it will also aid you in forgetting all the stress that you have had to deal with throughout your day. Starting with a foot massage is an excellent idea as the feet can prove tobe a source of mild arousal, with an easy transition to several other more sensitive erogenous zones.
Circulation
Many individuals these days suffer from a somewhat sedentary lifestyle causing us not to use our muscles as much as we should. This is even more true for our feet, as the feet are not getting much exercise, resulting in their overall circulation being impaired. Coupled with lack of exercise is wearing uncomfortable and often tight shoes. Taking 10-20 minutes before bedtime to massage your feet can go a long way toward improving circulation. Circulation is vitally essential for those who have diabetes.
Prevents Injury
Massaging your feet aids with muscle soreness and joint pain, but it can also aid in the recovery from an injury. In fact, when you couple massage along with strengthening and stretching of the foot and ankle, future injuries may be prevented. Massage can also aid in the speeding up of recovery from any current injuries. We are all prone to foot and ankle injury,but taking the time to massage and strengthen the feet can prevent most, if not all, injuries.
Depression and Anxiety
Although reflexology is known to put people in a relaxed state during a massage, studies have shown that this technique may go well beyond that. Through frequent massage sessions, cancer patients have seen their anxiety significantly reduced. Studies have shown that massage can prove a most effective method of dealing with depression and anxiety.
Headaches and Migraines
Denmark published a study showing that reflexology successfully reduced the pain that individuals suffered from headaches and migraines. Having received treatments for three months and having gone off their medications, 65% of the participants in the study stated they experienced a reduction in symptoms, with a small percentage claiming to have been cured.
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure can be caused by several factors, the most common being diet and stress. A recent study showed that healthcare workers who worked with dementia patients—known to be a majorly physical as well as mentally stressful job—showed improvement in mood, lessened anxiety, and lowered blood pressure when they engaged in a ten-minute foot massage up to at least three times a week.
Plantar Fasciitis
Individuals who do not have a foot arch and suffer from flat feet will often experience foot pain even during mild physical daily activity. When the plantar fascia (the connective tissue in the foot's arch) becomes inflamed or deteriorated, the result is chronic heel pain. When massaging the arch of the foot, and enough pressure is applied, the pain can be significantly lessened and, in some cases, cured.
PMS and Menopause
During PMS, women run the gambit of feelings: sadness, happiness, irritability, tension, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, mood swings, and headaches. To aid in alleviating these various symptoms, daily foot massages can have a very favorable effect. Foot massage can be helpful for those experiencing menopause and the symptoms associated with it, such as hot flashes and depression.
Edema During Pregnancy
Swelling of the feet due to retention of fluid within the feet and ankles, referred to as edema, is a common ailment in many pregnant women. Along with rest and proper diet, daily massaging of the feet can aid in the reduction of swelling.
Call us today to schedule your massage at our Georgetown location.