This one step before bed is exactly what your body needs to start the next day off right!
For almost everyone, our feet constantly bear the weight of active lifestyles, but get little attention in return for holding us up, moving us around and grounding us to the earth.
That is now beginning to change since getting a foot massage is one of the new spa treatment trends for relaxation and indulgence.
While self-care is one great reason for a foot massage, in many cultures, foot reflexology is a regular health regimen that is used for the whole body that you should start using too.
Let’s take a quick look back at the roots of reflexology.
Massaging the feet to affect health has roots in ancient China and Egypt and was thought to spread during the Roman Empire. But it was not until the last hundred years that there is record of doctors and therapists becoming interested and when more specific zone and organ mapping was documented. These developments led to the foot reflexology practices we have today.
Reflexology can make a difference for your health.
By using the elements of reflexology where specific acupressure points on the feet are massaged or pressed, you can improve overall health, treat existing ailments and maintain proper function of your organs.
Here are some of the most common benefits of foot massage and reflexology:
- Stimulates muscles and nerves.
- Lessens stiffness.
- Removes stress and fatigue.
- Improves blood circulation.
- Stimulates the lymphatic system.
- Helps to lower blood pressure.
- Improves immunity.
- Increases metabolism.
- Can relieve headaches and migraines.
- Often relieves pain.
- Unblocks energy flow.
- Normalizes body functions.
- Leads to better sleep.
It’s simple enough for anyone to do.
Since a foot massage is relatively easy to do, even this brief knowledge about reflexology will enable you to get started. Included here is a reflexology chart, which you might be interested in reviewing before you start. Also, if you are a visual learner, watching a few Youtube videos may help: Video 1 and video 2.
Basic Message Steps:
1. Wash your feet. This cleans and warms them.
2. The best massages use a lubricant to make the massage easier. Adding essential oils provides the benefits of that specific oil. Add 1-2 drops of lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, or tea tree essential oils mixed with your regular skin lotion or a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or coconut oil.
3. Let’s start with your toes. Squeeze, pull and twist each toe one at a time, moving from the joint to the tip and the largest toe to the smallest.
4. Using both thumbs, massage the soles of your foot from top to bottom, applying strong pressure for a few seconds to each spot. Concentrate on your aches and pains or use the reflexology chart to guide you.
5. Massage heels, ankles and achilles areas.
6. Don’t forget about the tops of the feet. You have reflexology points there too!
7. Repeat these steps for the other foot.
8. Experts recommend giving yourself a foot massage every night for the best results.
Go ahead, try it tonight. Give yourself this gift of a little nighttime self-care, then let me know in the comments below how it was, or what changes you start to see and feel. Plus, if you need any help with additional essential oils, simply ask.
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By Joanne Beccarelli via FitLife.tv.
