The feet carry the weight of the body throughout the day. A foot massage is one way to ease tension and tired, aching feet. Foot massage can be performed in the comfort of your home either manually or with a foot massager. Getting a foot massage is not just a way to pamper your body. Massage offers a number of healthful benefits. Although feet are often neglected, foot massage is becoming more popular as a natural treatment to relieve pain and stress.
Increase Blood Flow
Foot massages increase blood circulation carrying oxygen and nutrients to the cells. Increased blood flow to the area can alleviate the intense foot pain caused by poor circulation. A foot massager designed for home use is one way to get a foot massage without visiting a professional massage therapist. Diabetics who suffer foot pain caused by peripheral neuropathy or poor circulation often benefit from foot massage, but should receive the approval of their doctors first. Mayo Clinic recommends foot massage as an alternative medicine therapy to improve blood flow, stimulate nerves and help ease pain temporarily.
Treat Foot/Back Pain
According to George Trachtenberg, a doctor of podiatric medicine, treating individuals who have gait difficulties with an interdisciplinary approach that includes physical therapy, chiropractic and foot massage can help to alleviate lower back pain. Doctors also recommend mechanical foot massagers to treat foot pain caused by foot injuries and ailments, particularly acute and chronic heel pain.
Relieve Stress
Feet become tired and stressed after a long day supporting the body. In a 2002 poll sponsored by the American Podiatric Medical Association, 52 percent of Americans reported that their feet hurt. The National Center for Health Statistics also reports that approximately 59 million adults in the nation suffer some type of foot problem. Foot massage is one home remedy for stress. A foot massager helps to relieve tired, aching feet. Massage can decrease stress in general, which is beneficial to the body both physically and mentally. Foot massage also relieves stiffness caused by overuse of muscles.
Member Comments