subject: Foot Massage: Alleviate Aches Sooner [print this page] In a world where all we do is stand, run, walk and lift - our feet support us all day long. While being in shoes and socks all day, we restrict circulation and air contact. One of the most thoughtful gifts I ever received was the gift of a foot rub. These days there are seats everywhere where we simply insert a quarter and our feet will get rubbed and jiggled, leaving us quite like we just experienced an earthquake. Nothing beats the genuine human touch. So, now, why a foot massage?
This is not a new medical breakthrough, no, this art has been practiced throughout the world. Chinese records dating back 5,000 years document its use; the ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians applied forms of massage for many ailments; and even Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems. Massage is the manipulation of superficial layers of muscle and connective tissue that enhances function and promotes blood flow.
In our modern world, we are used to running to our pharmacist for relief, and to our traditional M.D. for a cure. However, there are also many massage therapists exist in the United States. Not only have we borrowed from different cultures, but we have created some of our own. One form of massage is foot massage.
As with all forms of massage, there are a variety of foot massage techniques. Thai Foot Massage or reflexology is one form. Reflexology originates from an ancient Chinese system and is based on the notion that there are nerve endings in the soles of the feet that correspond to all of the organs of the body such as the liver, kidney or spleen. The gentle and repeated massage of these pressure points stimulates and detoxifies the internal organs and improves circulation to the problem area.
Reflexology is one of the many varieties of foot massage. This is from the ancient Chinese world, and is based on knowing that there nerve endings in the soles of the feet. Each internal organ has an ending in the foot. To apply pressure on a specific nerve ending will result in the stimulation and/or detoxification of the related internal organ.
Foot massage begins with a footbath and is done with the fingers, hands and a sometimes a small wooden dowel dipped in lotion. A benefit experienced by everyone who experiences a foot massage is relaxation. It is a major stress-relieving technique. Numerous medical studies show that decreased stress levels improve the overall health of the body and mind. A scientific study was performed on heart surgery patients and it showed that there was a significant decrease in levels of stress after a foot massage. Reducing stress levels can help the body in many ways, mentally and physically as well. While a professional massage therapist is the best way to receive one, it is not always easy to get a foot massage on a regular basis. An alternative way to receive foot massage benefits is to purchase scientifically designed foot massage units for home use.
Foot Massage: Alleviate Aches Sooner
By: Hank Dupont
welcome to Insurances.net (https://www.insurances.net)
