Reflexology: Benefits of foot massage

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Extract from the article: The feet play a very important role in our lives: they support our weight and enable us to move around. The various zones on the soles of the feet have a direct connection with the organs. It's only when we start to suffer from pain, calluses or othe

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The feet play a very important role in our lives: they support our weight and enable us to move around. The various zones on the soles of the feet have a direct connection with the organs. It's only when we start to suffer from pain, calluses or other problems that we look for a solution to keep them healthy. One way of looking after the feet on a daily basis to prevent future problems is to massage them every day, just before going to bed. This technique has many benefits for the body.

This massage has many benefits. From a general point of view, focusing on the feet doesn't just limit the benefits to this area: this type of massage promotes relaxation, both physically and psychologically.

Strengthening the immune system

Massages are designed to stimulate the feet, helping them to relax and heal. Regular foot massage helps strengthen the immune system. This technique helps prevent the harmful effects of stress, which can lead to serious health problems, both physical and emotional.

Energy and youth

Foot massage restores the energy of the sensory receptors in the feet. When the feet are rubbed and palpated, they regain their youthful vigor. Reflexology theories suggest that a foot massage releases blockages that can obstruct the flow of energy through the body.

Better blood circulation

Good blood circulation ensures that the oxygen and nutrients carried by the blood reach the body's cells in the right way. This function of the blood helps to purify the body and eliminate any toxins and waste products that may accumulate. Blood flow can also be affected by stress. A foot massage can alleviate this problem and release any accumulated tension.

Balance and harmony

Harmonizing body and mind is a difficult task, especially when both are affected by stress and fatigue. Balancing the body can be achieved with a foot massage, which promotes homeostasis, or restoring the body to its state of equilibrium.  A process that allows all the body's systems to work in harmony with one another.

 

Purified skin

By helping to improve blood circulation, this massage prevents excessive secretion of harmful substances by the sebaceous and sweat glands. This eliminates the excess fat that can affect the skin. This massage is also excellent for combating the action of free radicals. This prevents premature aging and improves skin tone.

Less cramping

Relaxing your feet with a massage strengthens tissues and helps reduce lactic acid levels.  In many cases, excess lactic acid is responsible for cramps and muscle pain.

Tranquillity and relaxation

The connection established between the feet and the rest of the body helps relieve anxiety and induce a state of deep relaxation.  The solar plexus is an important body point located in the feet. This point is the main site of stress accumulation. It can be worked on using a reflexology technique, which acts on the pressure points under the feet and helps to treat various foot problems. This eliminates all negative energies. Reflexology involves applying light pressure with the fingers to a given point on the body.

Relieves pain

Traditional Chinese medicine has discovered that reflexology is a complementary therapeutic method that originated in Egypt, India and China. By stimulating certain zones, it reinforces the self-healing process.

A massage lasting between 10 and 15 minutes is recommended to relieve pain and prevent pathologies. Foot massage is ideal after physical exertion or a long day. It is also recommended for sedentary people under constant stress, as it promotes relaxation and nervous balance. Nevertheless, self-massage does not provide the same sensation as a massage performed by a professional using tried-and-tested techniques.

William O.

Article validated by Line Akoua Odoh, Reflexologist, President of the Association of Reflexology Practitioners of Togo (APRT)