Foot massages feel amazing, but did you know that a foot massage can give you multiple different benefits? Your feet support you every day, absorbing pressure, stress and tension, with every step you take throughout the day. Having a foot massage will help with relaxation, but there are some extra benefits to having a foot massage.
Why Your Feet Hold More Tension Than You Think
Your feet constantly support your body weight, and adjust to movement, all day long. They take a lot of strain, and every step that you take, the small muscles, joints and arches all work to keep your body balances.
This effort adds up, even during periods of rest, and I think we’re all guilty of neglecting our feet, when it comes to self care.
Wearing tight shoes, hard floors and long hours of standing, all increase pressure within the foot, especially the heel and ball of the foot. Your nerves within your feet are highly active, helping control your balance, and subtle habits like gripping with your toes, all add to long-term tension within the foot.
How Foot Massage Helps You Truly Relax
When you have a foot massage (or any type of massage), it allows your body to release tension, breathing becomes slower, muscles loosen and you feel overwhelmingly calmer.
Steady pressure along the arches and heels, draws focus to sensation (rather than distraction), helping the mind feel clearer. Your mood often lists, as the body releases stored strain.
Gentle movements, during massage, support better circulation, which leaves your feet feeling warmer and lighter.
What Happens in Your Body During a Foot Massage
During a foot massage, pressure moves across the soles and toes, which improves blood flow, and this help to deliver oxygen to tired tissues.
The gentle stimulation of nerves within the feet, signals through the legs, to reduce pain and achiness. Plus, the muscles in the feet and lower legs begin to loosen, making them feel lighter and more flexible, which is particularly helpful, if, like me, you suffer with plantar fasciitis.
How Better Foot Care Can Improve Your Sleep
You probably have a hand-care routine, with hand creams, lotions, files and more, but do you give your feet the same TLC? When feet are sore or irritated, your nervous system stays more active, making it harder for you to rest deeply.
Keeping your feet clean, dry and moisturised helps to prevent foot issues, which can disturb your sleep. Giving your feet a warm foot soak, or a gentle foot massage before bed, encourages your whole body, and mind to relax.
Slow and steady breathing during your foot care session, will also help to clam your mind, with less irritation and tension, for a more restful sleep.