Foot massage is the simplest technique of massage which can be self-administered or given to your friend. It is a soothing and relaxing treat which is easily affordable. You can also get your feet massaged by a professional therapist, but once you master the technique of massaging feet, a therapist will not be needed.
The Science Behind Foot Massage
The portion of the sole just below your toes is connected to the liver, thus rubbing around it helps in flushing out the toxins from your body. Your pressure point is located adjacent to an arch on the inner part of the sole. Pancreas and adrenal glands are associated with this point. A gentle massage over this region helps in controlling blood sugar levels.
Pregnant women's feet are massaged when they experience labor pain for similar reasons. There are pressure points located on the arch of every woman's foot in the region between her big toe and second toe and on the inside part of her heel which help in inducing labor. Rubbing these points in a gentle circular motion induces labor contractions.
Benefits of Foot Massage
Foot massage offers a relaxing feel at the end of an exhausting day. There are several benefits that you experience after a foot massage. This includes relief from stress, pain, and tension. It improves blood circulation in your body and removes harmful toxins. It activates lymph drainage and promotes the immune system.
Techniques of Foot Massage at Home
Despite the emergence of machines for massaging your feet, a gentle hand massage offers you a unique comfort like no machine can give.
You will need a massage cream or oil. Herbal massage oil or one of the several varieties of oil such as almond oil, coconut oil, lavender oil, sesame oil, olive oil, and sunflower oil may be used. Massage oils add a soothing effect to the massage.
Some techniques of foot massage include:
- Sweeping and rubbing
- Rotating toe
- Kneading
- Alternating thumb movement over the feet
- Cupping
The step-by-step procedures involved in massaging are:
- Wash your feet clean and place them on a stool or a foot rest.
- Apply a cream or oil around your foot before carrying out the massage. This helps in improving blood circulation to your feet and helps the foot in bearing a strong massage.
- Massage each toe with a mild pinching and circular motion using your thumb and index finger. Then pull each toe and gently squeeze as you pull. Be cautious while doing this, as this area is highly sensitive.
- Next, grasp the surface of your foot and start massaging from the base of the toes until your hands reach the portion of your leg closer to the ankle. Repeat the massage with less pressure near your toes and central part of the foot. This movement helps in warming your foot.
- Slide your thumb in an alternating motion along the edges from the heel to the base of your foot. Apply firm pressure on the heels, as the skin here is hard compared to the other regions of your foot. This step aids in massaging tendons on the edges of your foot.
- Hold your foot in a raised position and massage the back of the calf of your leg to relieve any muscular strain.
- With one hand, hold on to your heels and cup the foot with your other hand. Now gently move your foot up and down in a circular motion.
At the end of the massage, wipe the soles of your feet using a towel to remove all the oil or cream you have applied. This prevents slipping. Wear a clean pair of slippers and walk around to experience the soothing effect of the massage.
