Our feet are absolutely fundamental because they play a very important role, in particular by supporting the weight of our body and absorbing shocks in contact with the ground. Very important for locomotion, they also allow you to stay in balance while standing, walking or running.
Yet, they are the least pampered part of the body. Also, to pamper your feet and keep them strong and flexible, walk barefoot for a few minutes, put on comfortable and light shoes as often as possible and above all, do not hesitate to apply a daily foot massage for a few minutes.
And there is nothing like a regular foot massage with reflexology. Coming straight from Asian countries, This traditional massage technique based on the principle that there are reflex points on the feet that correspond to the different organs and glands in the body, helps promote physiological and physical health.
Remember that the human foot is an evolutionary wonder, capable of supporting hundreds of tons of force and your weight in motion. It has 42 muscles, 26 bones, 33 joints, 250,000 sweat glands, at least 50 ligaments and tendons, and nearly 15,000 nerve endings.
In reflexology, pressure applied to these reflexes located on the feet promotes health.
Here are just a few of the many health benefits of foot massage and reflexology.
1. Improves blood circulation
Due to a sedentary lifestyle, many people do not use the muscles in their feet properly, which hinders proper blood circulation. In addition, pointed and tight shoes, especially high heels, promote blood circulation. Ten minutes of foot massage a day helps transport oxygen to the body’s cells, which is essential for general health.
2. Help with relaxation
After a tiring and stressful day, a foot massage is a soothing and relaxing way to unwind, especially after a long day of standing and walking, as the feet tend to swell.
Massage and reflexology 5 to 10 minutes before going to bed can improve feelings of general well-being and promote better sleep.
3. Promotes better sleep
The best time to do a foot massage is before going to bed. A soothing and relaxing foot massage improves blood circulation. It helps to get peaceful sleep.
4. Relieves body pain
This is the best part of reflexology. If done carefully, it treats aches and pains like headaches, migraines, neck pain, lower and upper back pain.
5. Improves mood and fights depression
Foot massage and reflexology help fight depression. Certain points on the feet are indeed useful in relieving symptoms of depression. Massaging these points or applying pressure to them for a few minutes 2-3 times a day can help relieve symptoms of depression.
6. Make feet healthier
Regular foot massage is an easy way to keep your feet healthy and prevent foot problems. It helps stimulate the muscles around the feet, decreases stiffness, and even reduces pain in the ankles or heels. In addition, a short 5 minute foot massage a day will make your ankles strong and flexible, preventing unpleasant ankle and foot injuries.
7. Reduces swelling (edema)
Regular foot massage during pregnancy can help reduce the effects of edema, which swells the feet and ankles due to fluid retention, which is very common during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester.
It has been found that massaging the feet with warm olive oil or coconut oil can relieve pain and inflammation caused by tendonitis in the foot.
