It should be noted that foot and leg massage is different from a simple back massage. With the help of this procedure, you can get rid of the feeling of fatigue, improve the condition of the muscles and the body in general. In addition, this procedure helps to relax after a long day of work or walking down the street. How to do a foot massage yourself?
Benefits of the procedure
The main difference between foot massage and other procedures is that during its implementation, stimulation falls not only on the muscles of the feet themselves, but also on other muscles of the human body. This can be explained by the fact that a number of important reflex points are located on a person's feet, each of which is responsible for the functioning and condition of a certain organ in a person.
For example, in the arch of the foot there are a couple of points that affect the condition of the spine. That is why stimulation and impact on this part of the leg will help eliminate pain in the spinal region and positively affect the state of the entire human body.
Better he alth
Can I do a foot massage? ViaProper massage of the toes can improve the condition of the eyes, teeth, heart activity, ears, gums and sinuses. There are also points on the foot that can affect various internal organs and affect the emotional state of a person. With the help of massage, you can eliminate pain in different places and improve the overall well-being of a person. A positive effect can also be achieved from foot massage in children.
Massage can also be done at home. But for this, you should first get at least minimal information about the technique of its implementation.
Best effect
Benefits from foot massage:
- The procedure helps to quickly eliminate the feeling of fatigue, relaxes the legs and has a positive effect on mood. If a person’s profession is associated with a long stay on his feet, then in the evening such a procedure will be simply necessary. After the massage, a person's performance improves and fatigue disappears.
- Restoration of vitality. Due to its general strengthening properties, massage tones the body, improves the functioning of internal organs, and also relaxes a person.
- Restoring homeostasis. Foot massage helps to improve the general condition of the body, as well as its self-regulation.
- Improves the functioning of the lymphatic system. After the massage, swelling and redness on the legs quickly disappear.
- Improves the process of blood circulation. The blood flow in the limbs becomes faster, there are no blood clots.
- Restore hormone production.
- Quick regulation of the body. Atmassaging the foot and other parts of the leg increases the resources of the human body, due to which diseases and other disorders pass faster.
Contraindications
The opinion that foot massage cannot harm a person's condition is wrong. Complete prohibitions include fungal infections of the nails or feet.
Before a massage, it is important to remember the main contraindications:
- presence of chronic diseases in the acute stage;
- infectious lesions of the body;
- diseases and pathologies of the nervous system;
- heart disease;
- carrying a child;
- limb damage;
- presence of varicose veins;
- diabetes mellitus;
- tumor formations in the body;
- joint he alth problems.
When pregnant, it is important to consult a gynecologist before having a foot massage.
Main types of massage
There are many types of foot massage. The most effective and common include:
- Point. In the East, the theory of the presence of special biological points on the feet is very popular.
- Thai massage. The whole procedure is based on the fact that the foot is a small copy of a person. This technique helps to completely eliminate fatigue, cleanse the body of toxins and harmful toxins, relievefrom pain syndrome. Ten treatments are enough to improve the general condition and he alth of a person.
- Chinese technology. The Chinese are sure that the feet of a person are aging first of all, so they pay special attention to the massage of this area. First, you should steam your legs and apply he althy oil. The whole massage lasts for several hours. Chinese technique includes massage of all 60 active points on the foot.
- Therapeutic massage. The massage course includes 12 sessions, which are carried out every other day. This helps to improve the effect of the procedure. The massage technique includes working out the calves, Achilles tendon, feet, and lower legs.
Acupressure is beneficial for migraines, sleep problems, arthritis and stomach problems.
Foot massage for flat feet should be done in the same way as a lower back massage. During the procedure, some massage therapists advise using special massage rollers, sticks and mats.
Massage techniques
How to give a foot massage to a girl? Massage Techniques:
- Reflex. The force of pressure on the foot with this technique changes over time from strong to weak pressure. This procedure helps to improve the immune defense of a person and restore the nervous system, which has a healing effect.
- Relaxing. This type of massage is considered the simplest and lasts only 15 minutes. First, the feet are gently stroked, and then the ankle and each toe massage begins.
Features of massage
At the beginning of the procedure under the feet shouldplace a soft pillow-roller or a rolled up towel. This should be done so that when exposed to the muscles, there is no pain and discomfort, since sometimes they appear due to pressure on the leg bones of some hard surface.
In order for the massage of the feet and legs to be pleasant for a person, in addition to the correct technique, it is important to take the most comfortable position and create favorable conditions. You should also pay attention to the temperature in the room. The human body during the massage should not feel chills. So that the second leg, on which the massage is not being performed yet, does not freeze, you should cover it with a blanket or a terry towel.
Preparing for the procedure
How to do a foot massage? Foot and leg massage can be done at any free time. For example, before a pedicure at home. Masseurs during the procedure recommend using a special oil, cream or lotion for the feet.
In addition, it is important to thoroughly rub your hands before the massage so that they can warm up. If the bath has a shower, then a special rug should be placed in it, which will provide a foot massage. The shower itself will help eliminate fatigue and tension, and an additional foot massage with a rug will help improve the condition of the body. In addition, you can also buy special massagers for foot and leg massage.
Choice of massage oil
To have a relaxing foot massage,It is important to choose a quality and effective massage oil. You can do this yourself by picking up oils in a pharmacy or in a cosmetic store. To prepare the product, take 2 teaspoons of castor, olive, soybean oil or jojoba oil. You should also take a few drops of lavender, bergamot, geranium or German chamomile essential oil. All oils are mixed with each other in a small amount. One serving of oil is used only for one procedure. For one foot, one teaspoon of the finished product is taken. During the procedure, the resulting product is applied to the palms and gently rubbed into the legs with massage movements.
When massaging, you can inhale the aroma of oils, as it provides a soothing effect. At the end of the procedure, in order for the product to be completely absorbed into the skin and make it soft, warm socks should be worn for a while.
How is massage done?
How to do foot massage for children and adults? At the beginning of the massage, you should fix the foot with your hand, and massage it well with the second and rub it. When preparing the foot for the procedure, alternately massage the foot with the surface of the palm and fingertips. When the foot has become warm, you need to massage each finger individually, slowly moving from the nail to the base. In this case, it is important to carry out all movements carefully so as not to accidentally injure the leg.
Next, the foot is fixed in one position and it is massaged in circular motions with the thumb. It is important to note that the skin on the sole of the foot is differentin its thickness, therefore, the pressures and movements themselves should be intense in some places, and softer and lighter in others. With special force, you should massage the skin on the heels, as it differs in its thickness. On this part of the leg, the effort should be the greatest.
So that the foot does not strain during the procedure, you should put your hand under the ankle. After this, alternate forward and backward movements are made, while the leg should be completely relaxed. After that, the left hand is pressed against the sole pads. At the same time, the right hand is placed on top of the foot. It should also be pressed. After that, all movements are performed alternately with both hands. In this case, the left fist is pressed on the sole and quickly rubbed the upper part of the foot.
After that, the right hand remains on the surface of the foot, grabbing the leg as tightly as possible. Next, the left hand should be brought by the heel. After the position of the body is fixed at one point, you should gently pull the heel towards you and scroll the foot several times in different directions. Next, the foot is fixed by hand. In this position, you should close and spread your toes more, this helps to develop muscles.
Stroking and kneading movements start at the top of the foot and end at the base of the toes. Next, quick stroking and rubbing of the foot are carried out. At the same time, zigzag movements and a gradual advance from the heel to the toes should be performed. Further, all movements go in the opposite direction. After the sole is rubbed welllegs. This technique is also used for massage in the treatment of hypertonicity.
The left hand remains in its original position, and the index and thumb of the right hand are fixed at the edge of the heel. Next, the base of the foot is gently massaged with the thumb.
The left hand continues to remain in the same position, that is, it holds the foot. Next, the heel from the back is grabbed by the hand and zigzag and massaging movements are carried out. Doing a foot massage at home is not as difficult as it might seem.
Flat feet: performing a massage
How to do a foot massage with flat feet? Flat feet is a fairly common disorder of the musculoskeletal system, which is eliminated through complex treatment. Quite important and effective in the fight against flat feet is foot massage. The procedure is prohibited for vascular and skin diseases.
The technique of the procedure is as follows: massage of the back, legs from the knee to the foot, massage of the foot and lower leg.
With flat feet, all movements should be directed from the tips of the fingers to the heel of the foot. Also, movements should alternate: stroking, pressing, kneading, squeezing, pinching.
Valgus foot in children
How to massage flat foot? If a child is diagnosed with a flat-valgus foot, then you should use a special massage technique that is well suited for the child. The procedure is carried out every day and continues for 3 weeks. Between courses should take breaks of several weeks. The first massage should belighter and not include too sudden movements. The child should not feel pain or other discomfort.
Child massage
How to give foot massage to children? First, the child is placed on his stomach, a towel or blanket rolled into a roll is placed under his feet. The lower part of the limb should hang down. First, the back is massaged from the bottom up, using kneading, stroking and rubbing.
How to massage a hallux valgus? The whole procedure is started from the buttocks area: with the edge of the palm or fingers, slow rubbing, stroking in a circle, gentle patting and tapping with the fingertips are carried out. For massaging the foot, stroking and intensive rubbing are used. On the inside of the foot, you need to slowly rub, knead and pinch.
