Massage therapy is one of the most common methods for relaxation and rejuvenation. Massage techniques date back some 5,000 years with the first mention of massage for self-healing purposes in a Chinese medical textbook. Therapeutic massage alleviates pain, decreases stress and boosts immune system function.
A foot massage can be a healing treat for a loved one, or it can be self-administered after a stressful day. Today, massage therapists and spas--even some workplaces--offer many different kinds of foot massage.
Significance
According to the Mayo Clinic, massage is considered complementary treatment, but it is increasingly offered along with standard treatment for a variety of ailments. While more research is needed to confirm all the health benefits, the Mayo Clinic reports massage may be helpful for conditions such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, stiffness and control of blood pressure. Additional research shows benefits for those undergoing treatment for cancer or recovering from a sports-related injury.
Aside from the physical health benefits, the Mayo Clinic indicates that foot massage can create a caring environment that provides comfort to the client, which can have added benefits, like a sense of empowerment.
Trigger Point Massage
With trigger point massage, the massage therapist focuses in on areas of tight muscle fibers that can form due to overworking the muscle. Often a massage therapist will also treat fascia surrounding muscles to elongate and try to resolve muscle positioning causing chronic strain.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage uses strokes, kneading and vibration to relax the foot region. This type of massage can easily be combined with aromatic oils to enhance deep relaxation.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep Ttissue work employs slow, forceful strokes that go deep into layers of muscle and tissues. Deep tissue massage can help with circulation and release toxins. It's important to drink lots of water after a deep tissue massage to help flush out these toxins.
Sports Massage
This type of massage targets areas of foot injury. A sports massage therapist may be able to speed the recovery time of certain strains or breaks.
Reflexology
Reflexology, sometimes known as "zone therapy," uses stimulation of certain points in the feet, which are meant to correspond to specific regions in the body. For example, reflexology practitioners stimulate the ball of the foot to ease the symptoms of stomachache and boost kidney function.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is also known as acupressure, and is designed to regulate the flow of energy in the body. According to the article, "5 Little Known Benefits of Shiatsu Massage," by James Calvin, this type of massage begins with gentle stretching then manipulation to allow energy flow and relaxation.
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