DIFFERENT TYPES: There are different types of massage and not all of them will be enjoyed by everyone, this is also true when it comes to a foot massage. One can get a very basic foot massage where an expert will massage the tendons and muscles in the feet. In this procedure, the masseur will usually have received training and will know what to watch for in the facial reactions of their client to pick up on what is working, they also will usually ask their client to provide feedback as well. Sometimes scented oils and lotions will be used, but there are many people who have sensitivities to various smells, so the therapist will usually ask the client about the use of scented products and aromatherapy prior to beginning the massage.
Some techniques are more than 5000 years old, such as the Chinese foot massage based on reflexology. In this practice, the expert's hands and fingers press down on specific trigger points in the feet that the control inner organs. Thai foot massage is similar to Chinese in that it uses reflexology, but the pressure points are manipulated with a stick and lotion or cream, instead of fingers and hands.
Since this specialty was never recorded by the Chinese, the knowledge almost became lost. Once many of the Western countries started connecting more with the Chinese and up to around 1912, they started picking up this knowledge, then in 1913, there was an American doctor who began to write about it. Soon other American doctors were following this practice and eventually, in 1938, Eunice Ingham, a physical therapist, took the details and refined them and wrote them down, which has now become the framework for this field today.
BENEFITS: The benefits are many, including improved circulation and cleansing. As blood circulates throughout the body, it distributes oxygen and nutrients. Since stress causes blood to slow down, oxygen and nutrients also slow down, and blood pressure rises. A foot massage can restore blood flow and lymph system flow, and lower blood pressure. The result is improved health of one's body and mind.
CONSIDERATIONS: Since the pressure points found on one's feet will affect specific organs, it is that you only see a massage therapist who is licensed. This will help ensure that the patient receives a correctly administered massage. One can get a foot massage everyday, but the combined total for both feet should not exceed 45 minutes.
Women currently menstruating, as well as anyone else who is bleeding, should not get a foot massage based on reflexology because it will affect their blood flow. Also, pregnant women need to be sure that their massage therapist has been made aware of their condition so that any stimulation of the reproductive organs can be avoided, as this may cause the woman to begin contracting. As with any massage, it is very important that the recipient drink plenty of water following their massage in order to wash away and eliminate the toxins released as a result of the massage.
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS: There is another option that some people like to use and that is a foot massage unit that has been scientifically designed for home use. These products are available in a wide range of different prices and are often effective in helping people find relief. The different types of equipment offer different things, for example, some vibrate, some pulse and some even have heated water that bubbles. There are even slippers that vibrate; some come with a heating mechanism that can be an effective treatment for some people. Regardless of the type of foot massage, it can be very therapeutic; it has the ability to eliminate toxins, lower blood pressure and restore a feeling of calm.
In a world where all we do is stand, run, walk and lift - our feet support us all day long. While being in shoes and socks all day, we restrict circulation and air contact. One of the most thoughtful gifts I ever received was the gift of a foot rub. These days there are seats everywhere where we simply insert a quarter and our feet will get rubbed and jiggled, leaving us quite like we just experienced an earthquake. Nothing beats the genuine human touch. So, now, why a foot massage?
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 21st century modern United States we have learned how to apply and use kinds of traditional massage therapies. We have even developed new forms. One of these forms is foot massage. Your feet do not need to be bare in order to receive a massage, but it is better if they are. If not, your masseuse will probably clean them with a wipe or wet cloth. He/she will then most likely use some sort of oil, and make the room clean and comfortable with dim atmosphere, candles and scents. If you are ticklish, be sure to let them know, as you don't want to spend the whole foot massage laughing. There are certain feathery touches that they will avoid. You will be seated with your feet up, or on a massage table.
A foot massage can be given with socks on, but the feeling will be much better if they are bare. You will start by sitting with your feet up, or on a mat. Hopefully they are clean, if not, your masseuse will discretely clean them with a wipe or wet cloth. He/she will then most likely use some sort of oil, and make the room clean and comfortable with dim atmosphere, candles and scents. Be sure to let him/her know, as you don't want to spend the whole foot massage laughing. There are certain feathery touches that they will avoid. You will be seated with your feet up, or on a massage table. Foot massage begins with a footbath and is done with the fingers, hands and a small wooden dowel dipped in lotion. It involves both the sides and soles of the feet as well as the energy lines of the lower leg. A benefit experienced by everyone who experiences a foot massage is relaxation. It is a major stress-relieving technique. Numerous medical studies show that decreased stress levels improve the overall health of the body and mind.
Foot massage begins with a footbath and is done with the fingers, hands and a sometimes a small wooden dowel dipped in lotion. A benefit experienced by everyone who experiences a foot massage is relaxation. It is a major stress-relieving technique. Numerous medical studies show that decreased stress levels improve the overall health of the body and mind. A scientific study was performed on heart surgery patients and it showed that 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. While a professional massage therapist is the best way to receive one, it is not always easy to get a foot massage on a regular basis. An alternative way to receive foot massage benefits is to purchase scientifically designed foot massage units for home use.
