Having a foot massage can do more than just give you relaxation and a nice feeling after a long, tiring day. But while many people do engage in massages, the benefits of having a good foot massage are often overlooked because most people opt to have massages only on their back and shoulders.
So, it is about time to give your feet the most needed love and care they deserve just like your body.
But if you are one of those people who doesn’t have the time to go to a spa or massage parlour, then it is about time to do it yourself!
What are the benefits of a foot massage?
If your feet are aching all day long, yes, you are right! A good foot massage can help relieve that pain and stress as well. But aside from alleviating such pain, it also has health benefits for your body too.
A brief foot massage can help perk you up which helps in lessening stress in your body. By giving your feet the much-needed massage they need, it activates your nervous system which helps increase feel-good brain chemicals like endorphins.
Aside from that, it helps in boosting blood circulation that helps in keeping your muscles healthy. It also helps in taking care of other foot conditions such as callouses, corns, sores, and even ingrown toenails.
What are the signs that you need a good foot massage?
If you are experiencing these symptoms, then take a break and give yourself a good foot massage.
Sore feet and aching feet
Our feet go through a lot every day – and it is no joke, especially if your job requires you to walk or stand for long periods of time. From childhood to adulthood, our feet are responsible for carrying our weight our whole life.
And many of us are guilty of wearing uncomfortable footwear. Hence, having a foot massage will help stimulate the muscles in the foot and reduce the stiffness of your joints. It can also help reduce pain in your ankles and heels while strengthening them to prevent further damage or injury.
Swollen feet
Foot, ankle, or leg swelling has many causes including heart, kidney diseases, or diabetes. It can result in swollen ankles, feet, and calves which can be painful when walking. When your feet are swollen, it can be difficult to find the right footwear and also hamper your mobility.
Foot massages have proven to improve circulation that helps the fluid return to the blood vessels thus reducing visible swelling, discomfort, and this painful condition.
Diagnosis of High blood
While there is still no direct connection between high blood pressure and foot massages, there are studies showing that regular foot massages can help in reducing high blood pressure because it helps in giving better blood flow in the body.
High blood pressure or hypertension is a common medical condition that many of us acquire as we age. It often doesn’t have symptoms but can be discovered when having a regular check-up. Hypertension can have serious effects on the body if left untreated. Hence, it is important to have proper management or treatment.
A previous study has shown that foot massages can significantly reduce blood pressure that shows massages can be an easy and effective way to improve cardiovascular health.
Leg cramps
Many of us may have already experienced this condition. Leg cramps are sudden, involuntary, intense muscle pains usually in your calf, foot, or thigh. Sometimes the cramp may cause your leg to spasm or tighten uncontrollably which can cause severe pain.
Foot massages can help in giving your feet and legs proper blood circulation. Adding essential oil to your foot spa will make it more effective and help relieve the muscles. While leg cramps are generally harmless, it is always best to consult with your doctor especially if the cramps are getting frequent.
Depression and anxiety
Many of us experience stress and depression every now and then. While some people have these symptoms go away at once, there are others who struggle in keeping their mental health at bay. Some rely on medicines and other treatment options, but others may want to find a natural way to help them.
It may not seem an obvious solution, but having a foot massage has shown positive results that it can reduce anxiety and improve overall mental health. Even a brief foot massage can help you relax which helps in easing stress and make you feel refreshed.
The benefits of giving yourself a massage are proven and just a simple foot massage can do wonders for your overall health including your mental health.
Spend some time taking care of not just your body, but your feet as well.
Fun fact about Nicola: She owns a lot of sunscreens as she carries a mini sunscreen in each of her handbags and backpacks.
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