It should be noted that foot and foot massage is different from simple back massage. With this procedure, you can get rid of the feeling of fatigue, improve the condition of muscles and the body in general. In addition, this procedure helps to relax after a long working day or walking on the street. How to do foot massage yourself?
The benefits of the procedure
The main difference between foot massage and other procedures is that when it is performed, stimulation occurs not only in the muscles of the feet, but also in other muscles of the human body. This can be explained by the fact that on the feet of a person there are a number of important reflex points, each of which is responsible for the functioning and condition of a particular organ in a person.
For example, in the arch of the foot is a pair of points that affect the condition of the spine. That is why stimulation and impact on this part of the leg will help eliminate pain in the dorsal region and will positively affect the state of the entire human body.
Health improvement
Is it possible to do foot massage? Using proper massage of the toes can improve the condition of the eyes, teeth, heart activity, ears, gums and sinuses. On the foot there are also points that can affect various internal organs and affect the emotional state of a person. With the help of massage, you can eliminate pain in different places and improve the overall well-being of a person. A positive effect can be achieved from foot massage in children.
Massage can be done at home. But for this you should first get at least minimal information about the technique of its implementation.
Positive effect
Positive effect of foot massage:
- The procedure helps to quickly eliminate the feeling of fatigue, relaxes the legs and has a positive effect on mood. If a person’s profession is associated with prolonged standing, then in the evening such a procedure will be simply necessary. After the massage, human performance improves and fatigue passes.
- Recovery of vitality. Due to its general strengthening properties, massage tones the body, improves the functioning of internal organs, and also relaxes a person.
- Recovery of homeostasis. Foot massage helps to improve the general condition of the body, as well as its self-regulation.
- Improves the functioning of the lymphatic system. After the massage, swelling and redness on the legs quickly disappear.
- The blood circulation process improves. The blood flow in the limbs becomes faster, there are no blood clots.
- Recovery of hormone production.
- Quick regulation of the body. When massaging the foot and other parts of the leg, the resources of the human body increase, due to which diseases and other disorders pass faster.
Contraindications
The opinion that foot massage cannot harm a person’s condition is wrong. Complete prohibitions include fungal damage to the nails or feet.
Before conducting a massage, it is important to remember the main contraindications:
- the presence of chronic diseases in the acute stage;
- infectious lesions of the body;
- diseases and pathologies of the nervous system;
- heart disease
- bearing a child;
- damage to the limbs;
- the presence of expansion of veins;
- diabetes;
- tumor formation in the body;
- joint health problems.
During pregnancy, before conducting a foot massage, it is important to consult a gynecologist.
The main types of massage
There are a large number of types of foot massage. The most effective and common include:
- Point. In the East, the theory of the presence of special biological points on the feet is very popular.
Acupressure has a beneficial effect on migraines, sleep problems, arthritis, and stomach problems.
- Thai massage. The whole procedure is based on the fact that the foot is a small copy of a person. This technique helps to completely eliminate fatigue, cleanse the body of toxins and harmful toxins, and relieve pain. Ten procedures are enough to improve the general condition and health of a person.
- Chinese technology. The Chinese are confident that they are primarily aging human feet, so they pay special attention to the massage of this area. First you should steam the legs and apply healthy oil. The entire massage continues for several hours. Chinese technique includes massage of all 60 active points on the foot.
- Massotherapy. The massage course includes 12 sessions, which are carried out every other day. This helps to improve the effect of the procedure. The massage technique includes the study of calves, Achilles tendon, foot, and lower leg.
Foot massage with flat feet should be carried out in the same way as lumbar massage. During the procedure, some massage therapists advise using special massage rollers, sticks and rugs.
Massage techniques
How to do foot massage for a girl? Massage Techniques:
- Reflex. The force of pressure on the foot with this technique changes over time from strong to weak pressure. This procedure helps to improve the human immune defense and restore the nervous system, which has a healing effect.
- Relaxing. This type of massage is considered the simplest and lasts only 15 minutes. First, the feet are lightly stroked, and then begins the massage of the ankle and each toe.
Features of the massage
At the beginning of the procedure, a soft pillow-roller or a rolled towel should be placed under the legs. This should be done so that when exposed to the muscles there is no pain or discomfort, as sometimes they appear due to the pressure on the leg bones of some hard surface.
To massage the feet and legs was pleasant for a person, in addition to the correct technique of implementation, it is important to take the most comfortable position and create favorable conditions. You should also pay attention to the room temperature. The body of the person during the massage should not feel chills. So that the second leg, on which massage is not performed yet, does not freeze, you should cover it with a blanket or a terry towel.
Preparation for the procedure
How to do foot massage? Massage of the feet and legs can be done in any free time. For example, before conducting a pedicure at home. Masseurs during the procedure recommend the use of special oil, cream or foot lotion.
In addition, before holding a massage, it is important to rub your hands well so that they can warm up. If there is a shower in the bathtub, then a special mat should be put in it that will provide foot massage. The shower itself will help eliminate fatigue and tension, and an additional foot massage through a rug will help improve the condition of the body. In addition, for massaging the feet and legs, you can also buy special massagers.
The choice of massage oil
To conduct a relaxing foot massage, it is important to choose a quality and effective massage oil. This can be done independently by selecting oils in a pharmacy or in a cosmetic store. To prepare the product, take 2 teaspoons of castor, olive, soybean oil or jojoba oil. You should also take a few drops of essential oil of lavender, bergamot, geranium or German chamomile. All oils are mixed together in a small amount. One serving of oil is used for only one procedure. For one foot, one teaspoon of the finished product is taken. During the procedure, the resulting product is applied in the palm of your hand and gently rubbed into the legs with massage movements.
During massage, you can inhale the aroma of oils, as it provides a calming effect. At the end of the procedure, so that the product is completely absorbed into the skin and makes it soft, you should wear warm socks for some time.
How is massage done?
How to do foot massage for children and adults? At the beginning of the massage, the foot should be fixed with the hand, and the second should be massaged well and rubbed. When preparing the foot for the procedure, one should alternately massage the foot with the surface of the palm and fingertips. When the foot has become warm, you need to massage each finger individually, slowly moving from the nail to the base. At the same time, it is important to carry out all movements carefully so as not to accidentally injure a leg.
Next, the foot is fixed in one position and its massage is performed in circular motions with the thumb. It is important to note that the skin on the foot of the foot differs in its thickness, therefore, the pressures and movements themselves should be intense in some places, and in others softer and lighter. With special strength, massage the skin on the heels, as it is distinguished by its thickness. In this part of the leg, the effort should be greatest.
To prevent the foot from straining during the procedure, place your palm under the ankle. After this, an alternate movement is made forward and backward, while the leg should be completely relaxed. After that, the left hand is pressed against the cushions of the sole. At the same time, the right hand is placed on the top of the foot. It should also be pressed. After that, all movements are performed alternately with two hands. In this case, the left fist is pressed on the sole and the quick rubbing of the upper part of the foot.
After that, the right hand remains on the surface of the foot, capturing the leg as much as possible. Next, the left hand should be placed behind the heel. After the position of the body is fixed at one point, you should gently pull the heel toward you and several times scroll the foot in different directions. Next, the foot is fixed by hand. In this position, toes of the foot should be brought together and raised more, this helps to develop muscles.
Stroking and kneading movements begin at the top of the foot and end at the base of the fingers. Next, a quick stroking and rubbing of the foot. At the same time, zigzag movements and gradual advancement from heel to toes should be performed. Further, all movements go in the opposite direction. After well rubbed the sole of the foot. Using this technique, massage is also carried out in the treatment of hypertonicity.
The left hand remains in its original position, and the index and thumb of the right hand are fixed at the edge of the heel. Next, the base of the foot is gently massaged with the thumb.
The left hand continues to remain in the same position, that is, holds the foot. Next, the heel on the back side is captured by hand and carry out zigzag and massaging movements. Performing a foot massage at home is not as difficult as it might seem.
Flat feet: doing massage
How to do foot massage with flat feet? Flatfoot is a fairly common violation of the musculoskeletal system, which is eliminated through complex treatment. Quite important and effective in the fight against flat feet is foot massage. The procedure is prohibited for vascular and skin diseases.
The technique of the procedure is as follows: massage of the back, legs from the knee to the foot, massage of the foot and lower leg.
With flat feet, all movements should be directed from the tips of the fingers to the heel of the foot. Also, movements should alternate: stroking, pressing, kneading, squeezing, pinching.
Hallux valgus in children
How to massage a flat hallus foot? If the child is diagnosed with flat-valgus foot, then you should use a special massage technique that is well suited for the child. The procedure is carried out every day and lasts for 3 weeks. Between courses should take breaks of several weeks. The first massage should be lighter and not include too abrupt movements. The child should not feel pain and other unpleasant sensations.
Baby massage
How to do foot massage for children? First, the child is placed on his stomach, under his feet they put a rolled up towel or blanket. The lower limb should hang down. First, massage the back in the direction from the bottom up, use kneading, stroking and rubbing.
How to massage hallux valgus foot? Begin the whole procedure from the buttocks: with the edge of the palm of your hand or fingers, slowly rub, stroking in a circle, gently patting and tapping the fingertips. To massage the feet, use stroking and intensive rubbing. From the inside, the foot should be slowly rubbed, kneading and pinching.