Anyone who has experienced a foot massage knows that just a short rub of the feet can help with relaxation, especially after a long day of standing or walking. But aside from being highly enjoyable, does foot massage offer us any actual benefits?
It seems that each massage technique offers us different health benefits. Many therapeutic methods aim to relieve tension in muscles and soft tissue. Acupressure works by using pressure points to increase energy flow and overall well being. And reflexology, which is primarily done via foot massage, aims to improve internal function of the organs by massaging different areas of your feet.
While there are many claims about what foot massage can do for you, in this article, we will take a look at some of the benefits that can actually be backed up by scientific research. After reading this article, you will want to drop everything and buy a portable foot massager so you can have access to these benefits any time! Following are eight unexpected but important benefits of foot massage. These benefits can be accessed by anyone with a portable foot massager or similar device.
1. Improves Circulation
Many people think that in order to increase circulation, they need to purchase powerful massager tools such as the most expensive massage chair or a full leg massager. However, did you know that with the use of a tool as simple as a portable foot massager, you can increase your circulation substantially? By receiving just a 10-minute foot massage before going to bed, you can increase circulation in your lower extremities. A portable, space saving foot massager is a fantastic way to access this benefit without taking up too much space in your home with a larger product like a whole body massage chair.
2. Prevents Injury
Did you know that foot massage can prevent injury in the foot and ankle? Especially when combined with strengthening exercising and stretching, foot massage has the power to reduce the risk of injury. Anyone who is aging and/or is prone to foot and ankle sprains should consider purchasing a portable foot massager to help prevent injury in this important region of the body.
3. Reduces Anxiety and Depression
Frequent foot massage sessions have been shown to greatly reduce anxiety in cancer patients. Reflexology has also been shown to reduce depression in those who receive regular foot massage. Even if you have excellent mental health, foot massage is a great tool for maintaining a healthy state of mind.
4. Lowers Blood Pressure
That's right. Regular foot massage can reduce blood pressure. Studies have shown that foot massage for 10 minutes, three times a week, can help to not only relieve anxiety but also decrease blood pressure.
5. Relieves Migraines and Headaches
Many people with headaches and migraines opt to visit the massage therapist to help relieve these symptoms. But you do not need to visit a massage therapist's office to relieve your constant headaches. By simply massaging your feet a few times a week, you can relieve your symptoms!
6. Helps with Foot Problems
Okay, admittedly, this is not a lesser-known benefit of foot massage. But you might be surprised to learn that chronic and painful issues such as flat feet and plantar fasciitis can be relieved through undergoing regular foot massage.
7. Reduces Edema in Pregnant Women
Edema is a condition involving too much fluid in the feet and ankles. The swelling associated with the fluid can be extremely painful. Pregnant women, especially those in their last trimester, commonly experience edema. Through regular foot massage, like that which can be performed by a portable foot massager, pregnant women can greatly reduce the foot and ankle swelling.
8. Alleviates Symptoms of Menopause
Symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, depression, and mood swings. Many of these symptoms have been shown to be greatly reduced by regular reflexology treatment. With nearly nine out of 10 working massage therapists being women, we can see that massage techniques such as foot massage can be greatly beneficial to women's health and wellbeing.
