13 Surprising Health Benefits of Foot Massage

When stress has turned our day into a rollercoaster of chaos, a foot rub can be the gentle hug our tired toes need. This is largely because our feet have reflex points linked to the solar plexus - nerves that are responsible for the stress response.

Once the therapist massages these reflexive points, the cortisol hormone can be balanced by the release of endorphin (a happy hormone). This activity will ultimately decrease anxiety and depression.

A wonderful benefit of foot massage is that it helps with blood circulation. 15 minutes of this massage therapy may be all you require to stimulate better blood flow and improve circulation in your legs.

It's useful for individuals who remain sitting all day. Whenever you sit for extended period, the muscles in your feet can slow down the flow of blood in that area.

Edema occurs when the body retains excess fluid in its tissues, especially in the legs and feet. Regular foot massaging therapy can stop the accumulation of these excess fluids.

The soothing foot rubs can stimulate lymphatic drainage and flush out these problematic fluids quickly. This condition is largely witnessed in pregnant women. It might also occur in patients with heart disease and kidney problems. 

Whatever diet you have planned in your daily routine, foot massages can act as a soothing balm for your digestion. When a massage therapist gently runs their hands over your foot, touching those reflex points, it helps stimulate the proper functioning of the digestive system.

A foot massage after meals can help break down food more efficiently. Over time, this can result in a reduction in bloating and stomach aches after eating.

A flat feet condition is characterized by the absence of foot arches. This condition can lead to pain while taking a simple walk or even during rest. Foot massaging is one way to alleviate pain and offer relief.

Getting a good foot massage along with consistent exercise could help boost the strength of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the feet. This reduces the daily hurdles of living with flat feet.

Ladies, if you're suffering from pre-menstrual symptoms, a foot massage could act as fantastic remedy. Consistent massage of the foot can help decrease PMS symptoms like mood swings, menstrual cramps, and bloating.

A December 1993 study published by the Obstetrics & Gynecology Journal also showed that foot massages can help women manage PMS symptoms. Moreover, stimulating the flex points aids to decrease emotional and physical discomfort during menopause.

One of the major perks of getting foot massages is to reduce pain in the heels and arches. Rubbing the foot with the help of a professional releases tension in the surrounding muscles.

With a good massage, tight muscles will start to unwind, blood flow will be stimulated properly, and aches and pain will melt away.

Sleeping is an important element of our lives, and soothing foot rubs might be a great way to fall asleep quickly. This therapy is useful for people with a busy schedule or those who have to wake up early.

Massaging the feet helps to calm the nervous system connected to the legs, which in turn releases endorphin and serotonin. These chemicals boost the person's mood and help them achieve quality sleep.

Regular massage of the feet might contribute to maintaining lower blood pressure levels. A Dec 2020 report published by Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health showed that foot massage can help manage hypertension.

Soothing foot rubs will improve blood flow and improve circulation, which is responsible for reducing hypertension. However, it should be taken as a complementary solution, alongside a balanced diet and following specific exercises to lower blood pressure.

Gentle rubs on the feet could become your ally to boost your immune system and fight diseases. When a therapist applies pressure on the foot, the circulation of lymph fluids increases. These lymph fluids are carriers of white blood cells, the defense squad of the body.

Moreover, with the decrease in stress levels due to foot massage, the body will see a downtick in cortisol hormones, hence promoting relaxation. A relaxed body is better equipped to combat illnesses.

Massaging your foot can offer improvement in joint mobility as well. It is generally helpful for those people who follow a sedentary lifestyle and can suffer from restricted leg mobility or joint pain.

Consistently receiving this massage therapy may promote better flexibility, range of motion, and balance. It will also alleviate joint pain and promote more blood flow to the painful region for a speedy recovery.

Headaches can be a real disruptor of happy moments in daily life. If you are facing these headaches (or even migraines) frequently, a professional foot rub can effectively reduce the symptoms.

When the therapist applies gentle pressure to the inside of the big toe and second toe, this action can release tension in the temporal lobes. So, visit a massage therapist if you're consistently suffering from headaches/migraines.

A foot massage can help promote healthy skin, and many factors contribute to achieving this. For instance, increased blood circulation assist in transporting more oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, including the skin.

Gentle strokes and pressure help release tight muscles and keep the skin elastic. Likewise, the creams and oils used during the massage therapy can also prevent dryness in the feet.

Foot massage therapy should last around 10 minutes for proper stimulation of blood flow, relaxation of the nerves, and relief of muscle tension. A therapist needs to perform the therapy slowly and steadily to reach all the parts of feet for best results.

The maximum time for doing this therapy is not definite for everyone. Somebody can receive for 20 minutes while another may demand over 1 hour. It all depends on the participant’s needs and desires.

Now, if you're a regular customer of foot massage, a 5-minute quick therapy can also be considered, typically if you have a busy work schedule.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for information purposes only. Do not take it as a medical advice.