Thursday, November 25, 2010

Your feet need pampering


Foot massage.jpg
They are probably one of the most neglected parts of our body. Our feet, bear the brunt of our entire body weight. Over time they tend to get tired and even swollen and hence need to be treated with care. 

Massages are a great way to de-stress and relax the overworked muscles. One can either go in for a regular massage to give some relief to the feet or even try reflexology, where specific points on the foot are pressed.

Technique: Before you begin the massaging process, it's best to clean the feet. Soak them in a small tub of warm water. This will help relax them. Using a good lotion is also important. Try opting for one specifically for the feet or if using a body lotion, go for a scented one like lavender or jojoba oil. Don't restrict the massage just to the toes, but instead work on the entire foot. A lot of the tension remains in our ankle areas, so move the foot around gently. Start slowly, using firm pressure on your foot and then build it up for the parts that require more concentration. Spending a good 10 minutes on each foot will help.

Benefits: 
- Massages are good for lymphatic drainage. They help get the waste material out of your system and leave you feeling refreshed.

- The foot has thousands of nerve-endings on it and if you know the pressure points, you can relieve pain in that area. It can also help with stiffness.

- Massaging relaxes the muscles in the feet and are good for those who have jobs that require them to stand all day or those who love heels.

- Pressing the feet can help lower the heart rate of patients who have undergone a major operation. It also increases circulation in the legs, thereby reducing pain.

- Middle-aged women can especially benefit. It helps reduce their stress levels and aids in menopausal body reactions like hot flashes.

No comments:

Post a Comment