Benefits of Foot Massage

What is a foot massage?

Be careful not to mix up the two following phrases: ?foot massage? and ?barefoot massage.? While a foot massage is done with the patient barefoot, the term ?barefoot massage? implies the type of massage (such as Ashiatsu or barefoot Swedish massage) that is performed (on the patient?s back, etc.) with the practitioner?s feet.

A foot massage, however, is a massage that is performed on the feet of the patient. There are many benefits to receiving a foot massage.

What are the benefits of a foot massage?

There are many benefits of this type of massage, including the most basic: it feels good. The feet are many times the hardest worked of all body parts. They are what hold your weight up all day long, and the longer you walk or stand, the more tired they will become. By receiving a foot massage, the patient can experience relaxation as well as pain relief.

As well as the most basic benefits, there are many other benefits to foot massage as well. Take zone reflex therapy as an example: the belief in this type of foot massage therapy is that the beginning of all reflex zones is in the feet, and by rubbing and manipulating these areas of the feet, healing can occur. Based on this belief, a regular foot massage could also have healing qualities because the necessary zones may be rubbed and manipulated (even if it?s unintentionally).

Another benefit is the release of stress. There have been studies performed on patients of heart surgery that showed there was a significant decrease in the stress of patients after a foot massage. This could mean that a foot massage not only causes relaxation due to less stress, but better health as well. Since heart disease is linked with mental well-being (i.e. too much stress can lead to a heart attack), the foot massage can be indirectly causing better overall health, as well as recovery and prevention.

Is there anyone who should not receive a foot massage?

Most people would have no problems receiving a foot massage, but it is important if you have any medical conditions that are questionable, to talk to your doctor beforehand. Since there are some illnesses that can affect the feet, such as Diabetes, it is best to get your general doctor?s approval before taking a risk. The doctor can then allow it, possibly set restrictions on the foot massage therapy, or choose to have you refrain from it. Whatever your doctor?s decision, it is important to follow his guidelines strictly.

Where can you get a foot massage?

Some traditional massage therapists will massage the feet, and some spas and massage therapy facilities will offer it as an amenity or a part of a full body massage. There are also other forms of massage therapy that can include therapy done on the feet, such as Shiatsu and Zone Reflex Therapy.

Foot massage is also one of those forms of massage that can be done at home. While the benefits aren?t likely to be as great as if the massage was performed by a trained professional, there will still be benefits.

But, to experience the best of foot massage therapy, find a therapist in your area and schedule a relaxing foot massage today!