There are different types of massage and not all of them will be enjoyed by everyone, this is also true when it comes to a foot massage. One can get a very basic foot massage where an expert will massage the tendons and muscles in the feet. In this procedure, the masseur will usually have received training and will know what to watch for in the facial reactions of their client to pick up on what is working, they also will usually ask their client to provide feedback as well. Sometimes scented oils and lotions will be used, but there are many people who have sensitivities to various smells, so the therapist will usually ask the client about the use of scented products and aromatherapy prior to beginning the massage.
Some techniques are more than 5000 years old, such as the Chinese foot massage based on reflexology. In this practice, the expert's hands and fingers press down on specific trigger points in the feet that the control inner organs. Thai foot massage is similar to Chinese in that it uses reflexology, but the pressure points are manipulated with a stick and lotion or cream, instead of fingers and hands.
Since this specialty was never recorded by the Chinese, the knowledge almost became lost. Once many of the Western countries started connecting more with the Chinese and up to around 1912, they started picking up this knowledge, then in 1913, there was an American doctor who began to write about it. Soon other American doctors were following this practice and eventually, in 1938, Eunice Ingham, a physical therapist, took the details and refined them and wrote them down, which has now become the framework for this field today.
BENEFITS: There are many benefits, including cleansing and improved circulation. As the blood circulates through the body, it helps to distribute nutrients and oxygen. Because stress results in a slow down of the blood flow, nutrients and oxygen are also slowed and the blood pressure goes up. A foot massage has the effect of restoring the flow of the lymphatic system, the blood and even lowering blood pressure. This results in improved health in one's mind and body.
CONSIDERATIONS: Since pressure points on the feet affect one's organs, it is important to go to a licensed massage therapist. This assures the patient that the massage will be managed correctly. One can be given every day, but total time for both feet in one day should not be more than 45 minutes.
Women currently menstruating, as well as anyone else who is bleeding, should not get a foot massage based on reflexology because it will affect their blood flow. Also, pregnant women need to be sure that their massage therapist has been made aware of their condition so that any stimulation of the reproductive organs can be avoided, as this may cause the woman to begin contracting. As with any massage, it is very important that the recipient drink plenty of water following their massage in order to wash away and eliminate the toxins released as a result of the massage.
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS: There is another option that some people like to use and that is a foot massage unit that has been scientifically designed for home use. These products are available in a wide range of different prices and are often effective in helping people find relief. The different types of equipment offer different things, for example, some vibrate, some pulse and some even have heated water that bubbles. There are even slippers that vibrate; some come with a heating mechanism that can be an effective treatment for some people. Regardless of the type of foot massage, it can be very therapeutic; it has the ability to eliminate toxins, lower blood pressure and restore a feeling of calm.
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