. Improves Blood Circulation
Circulation in the feet is often impaired by tight and uncomfortable shoes that you wear most of the day. Also, the muscles in your feet hardly get any exercise, which contributes to poor circulation.
To improve circulation to the lower extremities, massage is one the best options.
A 10- to 20-minute foot massage before going to bed can greatly improve circulation in the lower extremities. This is very important for diabetics, who are at a higher risk of developing peripheral neuropathy.
This problem occurs when tissues and nerves in the extremities, like the hands and feet, don’t get enough nutrients and oxygen due to poor circulation. This can lead to numbness, tingling and burning sensations.
A 2014 study published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation points out that massage improved vascular function in people who had not exercised. This means massage has benefits for people regardless of their level of physical activity.
Restricted blood flow can cause heart and kidney problems, high blood pressure, varicose veins and organ damage in the long term.
Promotes Sound Sleep
Day-to-day challenges keep our minds overly active at the end of the day, preventing us from enjoying sound sleep. To help the body unwind and encourage restful sleep, a short foot massage is very helpful. However, a full-body massage before going to bed is ideal.
The whole process of massage stimulates the reflexes along the meridians and promotes the free flow of energy. This offers deep relaxation and helps you sleep soundly.
A 2014 study published in the Iranian Journal of Critical Care Nursing reports that foot massage improves sleep quality in heart patients, and it is highly recommended for improving sleep quality in patients with ischemic heart disease.
Fights Stress and Anxiety
Most of us feel stressed or anxious from time to time. Foot massage can help reduce stress and anxiety. It does more than just put you in a relaxed state of mind.
Applying pressure to specific reflexes on the feet creates a response in the nervous system and promotes relaxation. These responses may result in reduced stress and anxiety.
The solar plexus reflex, in particlular, helps relieve stress. To help locate this point, squeeze the sides of your foot together. You will find the point at the center of this scrunched area.
A 2012 study published in BMC Nursing showed that foot massage improved mood, reduced anxiety and lowered blood pressure in long-term care staff working with older people with dementia.
To deal with day-to-day stress and anxiety, foot massage serves as an effective and easy remedy.
Alleviates Low-Back Pain
Those who suffer from low-back pain should massage their feet daily before bedtime. Massage should be done using the thumbs to press along the arch of the foot for about 5 minutes.
A 2012 study published in the Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research reports that foot reflexology is effective in reducing the severity of chronic back pain. It offers better results than massaging the lower back itself.
Low-back pain can make it difficult to enjoy sound sleep. Once the pain is reduced with foot massage, you can enjoy restful and pain-free sleep.