subject: Foot Massage: Ease Hurts Faster [print this page] Indeed, you may ask, why do I need a foot massage. All of us, all day long standing, running, lifting, walking - our poor feet. They support us all day, clad in heavy shoes and socks, restricting circulation, keeping air from our feet. Why not feel the human touch of a foot massage. Not just sitting in a chair where we insert a quarter for our feet to be shaken around, but someone genuinely qualified in making us feel better. I highly recommend giving the gift of foot massage, either to yourself or a loved one!
If you think think this is something new, think again. Neither is new, nor is it limited to a single culture. Chinese records dating back 5,000 years document its use; Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems the ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians applied forms of massage for many ailments. Massages are applied in a variety of methods - some 250 methods of tapping, kneading, applying pressure, etc, the list goes on. Tissue and muscles are massaged, while the skin is gently rubbed to enhance blood flow.
In the modern United States we now use many different kinds of massage therapies, each of which offers specific benefits to the mind and body. One of these forms is foot massage. It is possible to give a foot massage with socks on, but the bare-footed person will receive a better one. If your feet are not clean, they should be wiped them off with a wet cloth or wipe. They will use oil or scented lotion. The atmosphere should be comfortable. The room will be dim and relaxed with candles and scents. Make sure the masseuse knows if you are ticklish, and he/she will avoid certain feathery movements. You will be in a chair with feet on a footstool, or on a massage table.
It is possible to give a foot massage with socks on, but the bare-footed person will receive a better one. If your feet are not clean, they should be wiped them off with a wet cloth or wipe. They will use oil or scented lotion. The atmosphere should be comfortable. The room will be dim and relaxed with candles and scents. Make sure the masseuse knows if you are ticklish, and he/she will avoid certain feathery movements. You will be in a chair with feet on a footstool, or on a massage table.
Reflexology is one of the many varieties of foot massage. This is from the ancient Chinese world, and is based on knowing that there nerve endings in the soles of the feet. Each internal organ has an ending in the foot. To apply pressure on a specific nerve ending will result in the stimulation and/or detoxification of the related internal organ.
A scientific study performed on heart surgery patients showed there was a significant decrease in levels of stress after a foot massage. Reducing stress levels can help the body in many ways, mentally and physically as well. Foot massage benefits are best received when a professional massage therapist performs the massage. All too often, it's not possible to get this kind of massage on a regular basis. There is another way to receive foot massage benefits without visiting a professional therapist. You can now get scientifically designed foot massage units for home use. These foot massage tools can give you a wonderfully relaxing and calming massage and can reduce pains and tiredness.
