Thai massage practitioners have used therapeutic foot massage for centuries to heal a variety of ailments and relieve pain. According to the Chiangmai and Chiangrai website, the roots of Thai massage can be traced back to ancient India, where a physician named Jivaka Komarabhacca established the techniques around about 500 B.C. These techniques were brought to Thailand, where they have been passed down through generations of practitioners.
No scientific evidence exists to support the benefits of Thai foot massage, so consult with your health care provider before using this type of a massage as a treatment for disease or other maladies.
Toxin Removal
According to the UK Complementary Healthcare Information Service website, Thai foot massage techniques may help break up toxins in the body. Massage practitioners massage the area between the ankle and the heel on both sides of the foot. This action may stimulate the lymphatic system, which helps clear toxins and bacteria from the body.
Eyestrain
Strategic massaging of the feet is thought to relieve eyestrain, according to the Chiangmai and Chiangrai website. Thai massage techniques may also help improve clarity of vision. These benefits are thought to be produced by slowly massaging the muscles between the third and fourth toes, which may relieve pressure on nerves associated with the eyes.
Heart Health
The nerve in the base of the fourth toe is believed to be connected to the heart, according to the Chiangmai and Chiangrai website. Thai massage practitioners believe that pain in this spot indicates a problem with the heart. Lengthy massage is thought to ease the pain in the joint and improve the health of the heart.
Headaches
The nerves between the second and third toes of the foot are thought to be linked to the head, notes the Chiangmai and Chiangrai website. Thai massage practitioners apply pressure to the nerves between these toes in an effort to relieve headaches. Pulling the big toe on both sides of the nail may also alleviate pain in the temples, which is often caused by sinusitis. Thai foot massage may also help prevent future occurrence of headaches.
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