Feet Massage: Relief, Stress Reduction, and Health Benefits Explained

If your feet are aching after a long day, a foot massage can give you much-needed relief. But it doesn't just feel good; research shows that it has health benefits too.

Even a brief foot massage can ease stress and lift your mood. That's beneficial because managing stress and boosting energy makes you more likely to make healthy choices like exercising regularly and eating well.

But how does massaging your feet do all this? It stimulates your nervous system, which increases the production of feel-good chemicals like orphins in your brn. In one study, people who got a foot massage after an appix surgery had less pn and used fewer pnkillers.

It's not just that though; foot massages boost circulation, ding healing and keeping muscles and tissues healthy. This is particularly important for those with conditions such as diabetes which can add to poor circulation or nerve damage.

Rubbing your feet also gives you a chance to check for other issues like sores, corns, and ingrown toenls. If you have health problems that affect blood flow, checking your feet regularly is a good idea.

How to Give Yourself a Foot Massage

Professional massage can be costly. Luckily, you can enjoy the same benefits at home--for free--by giving yourself or asking a partner for help. The areas prone to tension are easy to reach.

Moderate pressure massage works well for most people with conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and long-term pn. You might consider getting your first foot massage from a professional therapist who is certified by Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals ABMP or the American Massage Therapy Association AMTA. If you had surgery on your feet, talk to your doctor or podiatrist before starting.

Here's how to pamper the tensest spots:

Step 1: Sit in a chr or lie down with one foot on top of the opposite thigh. Use lotion like coconut or argan oil if you wish for smooth movements across your skin.

Step 2: Hold the front of your ankle with one hand and pinch the back of your ankle with the thumb and forefinger of the other hand, then pull downward towards the heel. This relaxes the Achilles ton which can tighten from activities such as exercise, standing for long periods or wearing high heels.

Step 3: Use your thumb to make small circular motions on the bottom of your heel up to where each toe connects with the foot. You can also knead the sole by pressing your knuckles onto it. Or hold your foot with both hands and press your thumbs into the sole, working from the heel up to just beneath your toes.

Step 4: Finish by rotating each toe lightly. Once you're done, switch feet.

If anything hurts, use less pressure. If you feel sharp pn, stop immediately.

You can also use a common store-bought massager or try a foot roller. Stand with one hand gripping something stable as you roll your foot over the device at a comfortable pressure for you.

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