Foot massage is not only a pleasant procedure, but also a good way to relax after a hard day. Regular procedures improve blood circulation, relieve heaviness and fatigue in the legs. Thanks to modern knowledge and technology, foot massage can now be done even at home. In this article, we will tell you how to do it and what to pay attention to.
What are the benefits of foot massage?
Massaging the feet, shins, ankles is a useful procedure that relaxes and strengthens a person's health. Legs experience stress every day (during walking, running, playing sports). Performing a massage improves tissue nutrition, prevents stagnation, reduces the severity of pain in patients with oncology. Among the advantages of foot massage:
- relieves muscle tension and fatigue;
- eliminates discomfort and the feeling of heaviness;
- reduces the severity of swelling;
- normalizes the functioning of internal organs;
- helps to avoid varicose veins;
- maintains joint health;
- prevents ligament ruptures during sports.
The Most Effective Foot Massage Techniques
Today there are many techniques for performing foot massage. Let's look at the most popular ones.
Classic foot massage
The basis of a classic foot massage is stroking, rubbing, patting. The procedure begins with stroking the feet, shins, knees, thighs, which helps improve blood circulation, prepare tissues for more intense impact.
After this, they move on to rubbing and kneading, which affect the deep layers of the skin. At the end of the session, they perform patting, which is necessary to increase the tone of the skin.
Classical massage is a universal procedure that suits most people of different ages. Scientists from the Department of Surgical Nursing at Sirat University conducted a study and proved that classical foot massage reduces the intensity of symptoms in many diseases and pain after procedures, such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Massage relieves fatigue and tension, reduces the severity of leg swelling.
Acupressure foot massage (reflexology)
The basis of acupressure of the feet is the impact on the active points of the feet, connected with the systems and internal organs. Stimulation of such points improves well-being:
- on the inside of the foot there are points associated with the health of the spine;
- Active points located under the fingers are responsible for the functioning of the respiratory system.
The procedure is performed by hand or special instruments. At first, slight pressure is applied to the feet, then the force of the pressure is increased. The massage stimulates the work of systems and organs, relaxes the body, relieves fatigue and psycho-emotional stress.
Swedish foot massage
Swedish massage uses soft stretching and deep kneading movements. The difference between this massage and the classic one is that during the procedure, the main attention is paid to the tendons and joints.
The session begins with warming up the tissues. Then they move on to stretching the muscles — for this, stretching movements and light pressure are performed. Swedish massage is useful for improving blood flow to the muscles, increasing body flexibility and relieving chronic tension.
Lymphatic drainage massage of legs
Lymphatic drainage massage is performed using a device . Regular procedures relieve swelling, reduce the severity of pain and tension in the legs. The main emphasis during the session is on the rhythmic impulses that the massager produces.
The procedure improves lymph flow, blood supply to tissues along the entire length of the leg — from the hip to the foot. The massage is designed to reduce the feeling of heaviness in the legs, especially at the end of the day, and prevent congestion, varicose veins. In addition, the lymphatic drainage procedure increases the body's resistance to viruses and bacteria.
Thai foot massage
Thai massage is based on elements of pressure and stretching. When performing the procedure, fingers, palms and even elbows are used. Working on lines along the shin, foot and active points restores the energy balance in the body.
In addition, Thai massage often uses movements aimed at stretching and rotating joints. Regular procedures improve mobility and relieve tension.
What type of foot massage should be used? A specialist will answer this question after conducting diagnostics and identifying indications.
