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Did you know that the right foot massage can help you with your blood circulation? It’s true! Not only will your feet feel great after one of these relaxing treatments, but your whole body will benefit as well! Here are eight benefits of foot massage that you may not have known about.
Facilitates sleep
Studies show that foot massage decreases cortisol levels, soothes tension, and promotes relaxation. Not surprisingly, researchers have also found that people who receive regular foot massages have an easier time falling asleep than those who don’t. If you’re having trouble resting at night—or just want to do something nice for yourself—book a session with a professional masseuse or give yourself one at home. Your body will thank you!
Relaxes muscles
A foot massage is a great way to relax muscles after a stressful day or after a run. This can help to relieve tension in your feet and lower legs, thereby improving circulation throughout your body. It’s even been proven that massaging your feet before bedtime helps you sleep better at night! So be sure to schedule regular massages for yourself—your mind and body will thank you for it.
Improves circulation
According to a study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, stimulating acupressure points can increase blood flow to a specific area. These points are often located on our hands, elbows, knees, and feet. By improving circulation throughout your entire body—your vital organs included—you can reduce your risk for high blood pressure, which is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke.
Releases endorphins
After a stressful day, it can be a relief to kick back and let someone else work on your feet. As your massage therapist presses and manipulates them, she’s releasing endorphins. These chemicals—often called the happy hormones—make you feel relaxed, happier, and less stressed out. Even if you don’t have time for an hour-long massage, try rubbing your feet with lotion after a long day at work.
Relieves pain
Whether your pain is from an injury or chronic condition, a foot massage has been shown to reduce stress and ease muscle tension. By applying pressure and gently stretching muscles in your feet, you can effectively treat ailments like plantar fasciitis, lower back pain, hip and knee problems, as well as headaches. And because your feet are connected to other parts of your body—including your head—massaging them can help relieve headaches by working out tensions and intense neck muscles.
Foot Massage reduces stress
While receiving a foot massage, we experience decreased levels of stress hormones. This makes our muscles and mind relax more effectively, making it easier to fall asleep. These sensations may help some people fall asleep faster. And more sleep is always better for your health: those who get enough sleep tend to be slimmer than those who don’t!
Relaxes the nervous system
Stress can exacerbate a wide range of health problems and a foot massage is an easy, effective way to relieve it. With regular massages, you’ll be able to relax more quickly and sleep better. That’s right: A quick foot rub before bed can help you sleep deeper and for longer. When you finally do get that much-needed shut-eye, your body will have more time to repair itself and restore its balance—both physically and mentally.
Releases tension in the head, face, jaw, and neck
Does your head feel like it’s weighing 50 pounds? How about your jaw? If so, a foot massage might be just what you need. Even a foot rub can significantly reduce tension in these areas. Overworked muscles in our face and neck help to explain why some people experience headaches, migraines, and other painful symptoms that affect their day-to-day life. In addition to reducing pain, foot massage also boosts circulation, which improves muscle strength and makes us more alert overall.
Summing Up
Right now, you may be thinking that foot massage is something only for those in-the-know people who are well-versed in healthy living. But actually, just about everyone can benefit from a few soothing strokes to their feet every once in a while. So put on your slippers and get ready to learn some important information about foot massage!