Foot massage — benefits and technique. What to do when you are sick
The foot is not only an element of the musculoskeletal system and a shock absorber, but also a very unique organ of the human body. It is the feet that show the general state of our internal organs and systems, but they also allow us to establish contact with them. How? Foot massage is an ancient art that has survived to this day.
Contents of the article:
- What are the benefits of foot massage?
- Indications for massage
- How to massage properly
- Preparatory stage
- How to perform a foot massage
- Therapeutic massage technique
- When diagnosing flat feet
- When diagnosing arthrosis
- When diagnosing arthritis
- When diagnosing hallux valgus
- How to massage yourself
- Benefits of foot massage for pregnant women
What are the benefits of foot massage?
Every orthopedic surgeon knows that — since about 70, 000 nerve channels from all organs and systems pass through the feet — the feet are a kind of mirror of the body. However, the direct impact of foot massage has a positive effect on all internal organs and systems.
- Anti-stress — even a 10-minute foot massage reduces stress and tension after physical and emotional stress.
- Improves sleep and blood circulation. Thus, numbness in the fingers and cold feet are an indicator of poor blood flow, as the effect on reflex points improves. This has a beneficial effect on the quality of night”s rest.
- Normalization of blood pressure levels, as it helps to increase the level of triglycerides in the blood — this helps reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack, as well as kidney failure.
- It helps in immediate recovery after injury and, in addition, is an excellent prevention of the latter and relieves pain.
Foot massage helps both sexes, even with male impotence — it eliminates pathology of the pelvic organs, increases blood flow and lymph and prevents congestion in internal organs and systems.
Indications for massage
The benefits of foot and body massage are multifaceted — it is also a therapeutic and health component, effective prevention of flat feet and foot depressions, spurs and atherosclerosis, fractures and other foot deformities. In addition, it is indicated in the diagnosis of “diabetic foot”, diseases of the veins and blood vessels of the legs, such as varicose veins and atherosclerosis, and other pathologies.
How to massage properly
For foot massage to be beneficial, the following rules must be taken into account.
Preparatory stage
In addition to the basics of technical performance, massage requires special preparation for the procedure.
- The room should be comfortable for the patient. It must be ventilated.
- You should place bolsters or small pillows under your knees and feet.
- During the massage, the legs free from the second massage can be covered with a warm blanket to prevent hypothermia.
- To enhance the effect of foot massage, it is recommended to use special oils and creams enriched with essential oils. You can add 3-5 drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil to olive oil or baby cream. The main thing is that the mixture is not optimal at cold — body temperature.
- During the massage, you can also use special analgesics, for example, Fastum-gel or its analogues, for example, special analgesics.
- The best time for a foot massage is an hour after eating, but in the evening, before bed. However, doing this on an empty stomach or immediately after eating is prohibited.
Remember the main thing — do not get up immediately after a massage session. You should also lie down and relax for another 15-20 minutes. This not only completely relaxes you, but also completely restores normal blood flow and metabolic processes in the body.
How to perform a foot massage
In the practice of doctors, there are many different techniques and types of foot massage, from classic to more exotic. And the simplest, accessible to everyone, is walking on a massage mat. You can use special tracks with wheels or massage balls. And such a simple device should not be underestimated — it is very effective, since it solves almost all active points of the feet. The treatment and massage technique are simple, relaxing and simple massage. It has a profound therapeutic effect on the entire body, but brings more benefits to the overall health of the patient. To conduct a foot massage session on your own, minimal knowledge and training is sufficient, but it is best to seek help from a specialist. In this case, a specialist will help you choose the most suitable massage and work on your arches and toes, precisely influencing the desired reflex points. However, during the massage process, manual or hardware devices and techniques, as well as the hands of a massage therapist, can be used. But remember — in order not to harm, the doctor must resolve these issues.
Read also: How to properly massage your feet? Benefits and contraindications foot massage is not only a way to relax but also a way to arouse your partner. Foot and leg massage has a long history.
Classical massage and shiatsu, therapeutic relaxation massage, exotic Thai or Chinese massage—these are the preserve of experienced massage therapists who have mastered their craft.
Therapeutic massage technique
Therapeutic massage itself deeply affects the targeted areas and points of the feet, and thoroughly works the skin. Below, we discuss how to perform each therapeutic massage technique for the most common foot conditions. Learn how to perform a foot massage, which technique to choose, and the basic rules for performing the massage in the article linked below.
When diagnosing flat feet
In most cases, therapeutic massage is used when flatfoot is diagnosed—it promotes the development and strengthening of muscles and joints and has a pain-relieving effect. Furthermore, a relative or the patient themselves can learn the technique, and it can be performed at home. In their practice, doctors distinguish between transverse and longitudinal flatfoot, but the basic massage techniques differ little.
- First, the foot is warmed up by moving the fingers from the ball of the foot to the shin, paying particular attention to the underside of the foot. Stroking, light patting, and kneading are the basic movements.
- Next, massage the outer/dorsal side of the foot, alternating these movements with stroking and squeezing.
- The session concludes with a massage of the toes and thorough joint work.
Sessions last an average of 15 minutes, and the course of treatment is 10-12 sessions.
When diagnosing arthrosis
- Alternatively, superficial/deep stroking with the fingers is performed, followed by circular rubbing of the upper and lower sides of the foot. This is done with the thumb and index finger.
- Next, a transverse/longitudinal massage of the joints between the phalanges of the toes is performed, flexing/extending the toes. The massage is performed with the thumbs on the soles of the feet near the finger joints. They are applied in a straight line, applying pressure in one direction and stroking in the other.
- The inner and outer edges of the sole are massaged, alternating deep and light strokes, applying constant pressure.
- Health points on our feet: how to treat any organ with foot massage
When arthritis is diagnosed
When diagnosing arthritis
- Next, as the movement lengthens, you should move the ankle up/down; 5-6 times is enough. Holding your heel with one hand, turn the other to the side 5-6 times.
- Then squeeze the instep of your foot — sharply, without sudden movements, and spread your toes. Next, squeeze your hand between your thumb and forefinger—finish by rotating to massage the area between your toes.
- When diagnosing hallux valgus
When diagnosing hallux valgus
Warming up the foot is carried out exclusively by rubbing with the fingertips with a slight extension of the back after using techniques such as kneading while sitting like a comb. Remember — the spine is strictly prohibited.
- In addition, the same massage movements are performed in the area of the alveolar body, moving down from the very center and ending with stroking.
- The thighs themselves are massaged in the direction of the direct lymphatic flow, starting from the popliteal cavity, and some light patting movements complete the stroking.
- From the Achilles tendon to the knee joint, the lower leg itself is treated with forceful massaging movements. From the outside it is best to use movements such as vibration and stretching, from the inside — the muscles are warmed up more intensively, including percussion techniques.
- How to massage yourself
How to massage yourself
Then they rub their feet with their hands, moving from the tips of the toes to the ankles. The main thing is that each movement is light, and stroking 5-6 times.
- Then, holding your foot with one hand, grab the balls of your feet with the other hand and gently turn your heel to the side, turning it fully 5-6 times.
- Next stretch — with one hand, grab your inverted foot and press your thumb onto your toes, stretching and pushing them forward. After each finger is individually grasped by the thumb and forefinger, rotate along the axis as is.
- Gently sliding one hand over the foot, secure the heel, and with the other finger, make a sliding motion up and down between the toes; 5-6 strokes are sufficient.
- They secure the foot in the instep area, and in the second area, without applying much force, press gently to the right and left on the base of the foot.
- At the end of the massage session, it”s a good idea to put on warm socks.
Benefits of Foot Massage for Pregnant Women
Benefits of foot massage for pregnant women
However, in the absence of contraindications, foot massage is beneficial. Regarding existing contraindications to these procedures, doctors highlight the following:
Pathology or exacerbation of chronic diseases affecting the joints of the feet.
- In cases of osteoporosis or during the diagnosis of varicose veins.
- Regardless of the stage and nature of the disease, foot massage is not performed when diagnosing cancer.
- The problem is that stimulating active points and zones of the feet, which increasingly increases blood flow, can negatively impact the development of possible complications. Therefore, before organizing a self-guided foot massage program at home, be sure to consult a doctor. The first session should be conducted under his or her supervision. Also see the article on Lingam massage here.
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