massage

One of the many  benefits of a foot massage can be very relaxing.  In the last 10 years, professional massage has grown massively. With a wide variety of options for massage and a growing number of massage therapists becoming widely available, people everywhere are becoming more and more curious about this expansive, interesting, and healthy practice. People commonly associated massage with backs, arms, and legs but what about feet? The feet play a pivotal role in human mobility, so it makes sense that we would want to care for them. this article explores the benefits of getting a foot massage.

Stress Relief

When your feet get massaged, you help your body to free toxins that have become stationary when you have spent an entire day standing. During the day, this constant use can lead to a small amount of swelling where fluids collect and stagnate. Rubbing or massaging helps get the flow moving again, which works to greatly improve your mood, and general sense of well-being.

An appropriate time to massage your feet for this particular use would be at least 30 minute to an hour before going to bed.

Sleep

Another great benefit to massaging your feet before bedtime, is that the relaxation responses you experience will make it easier to sleep. Better sleep patterns also lead to better stress management, and any examination of the relationship between these two facets of life will reveal that they are intrinsically intertwined. The dimple on the top of the foot is called the Solar Plexus. Massaging this area can bring great satisfaction and allow you to rest better.

Improved Circulation

Like most massage, the benefits to circulation are huge. Increased circulation means a much more efficient circulatory system. The better this part of you can perform, the better you will feel. When you are hydrated, and manipulating your delicate framework of lymph and blood vessels, your system will respond by becoming more elastic and pliable. This is very important for cardiac health, and the feet are one of the most difficult places for the body to pass fluids to and from because of their location.

Reduce High Blood Pressure

When your circulation has been improved in your feet, your heart doesn’t have to work as hard to pass blood and other fluids to them. This helps to take some of the strain of functioning off your system, which means that you will have more energy for other activities and bodily functions.

These 5 massage pressure points are beneficial for stress. Stress can manifest itself in a lot of unpleasant ways. When you are stressed out, it can trigger unpleasant effects in your muscles that cause painful knots, and stress hormones that can cause weight gain and other health issues. If there was a way to reduce stress to the system quickly and effectively, would you try it? Pressure points are a fast way to do this, and it only takes a small amount of study to learn. This article will get you started by teaching you the 5 pressure points you should know about.

Jian Jing

This pressure point is great for stress relief, and also for a few different areas of the head, neck, upper back and face. To perform Jian Jing pressure stimulation, you squeeze or pinch the muscle of the shoulder in between your thumb and middle finger. To perform it properly it must be done in 4 – 5 second intervals.

Feng Chi

Feng Chi is a technique that has been associated with migraine relief, fatigue, certain types of blurry vision, neck pain, and stress. Some have even used this technique to aid with cold and flu symptoms. To perform Feng Chi, lock your hands behind your head with your thumbs pointed downward. Place both of your thumbs onto the base of your neck muscles and run your thumbs upward to the bone behind your ears. You should be able to simply follow the groove that is created by the muscle.

Tai Chong

Anxiety, menstrual cramps, limb pain, and other general upsets. To perform this pressure point, use your thumb or a strong finger to place pressure in between the tendons that extend to your big toe and the second largest toe. Hold pressure for 4 – 5 seconds.

He Gu

This is one of the best pressure points for stress and facial pain. If you wish to locate this area, you will find it on the side of your hand in between your thumb and index finger. Press into the muscle and massage for 4 – 5 seconds.

Zu San Li

Eastern medicine has long believed that various areas of the body are connected. This particular spot is thought to help with important organs like intestines, stomach, and liver. It is found on the outside of your lower leg, next to the top of your shin. Press and hold this spot for 5 – 6 seconds.

Massage is one of the most relaxing the feeling experiences that can be had.  Not only is massage an excellent activity to enjoy or to pass time, it is also an excellent way to help improve one’s health. With the prospect of any activity, preparation is usually a necessary step. The same should go for when we are considering engaging in health activities such as massage. If you continue reading, you will find just a few tips on how to prepare for getting a massage.

Be Hydrated

Before you even think about going to get a massage, it is essential that you make sure to be properly hydrated. This will ensure that all of your systems are as elastic as possible when they practitioner begin manipulating organs and extremities. Your hydrated body will also be ready to eliminate any toxins that are going to be forced out due to the massage. Avoid any excessively artificial drinks before you go to your session. Don’t over fill yourself on water. Your normal intake will suffice. Drinking too much can lead to swelling and water retention.

Know What Body Area Needs Work

Communication is very important, so you should do a check of your limbs and body to find out what sections need work. This will make sure that you are able to tell the massage therapist which areas need particular attention. Once they know which areas are going to be the priority, that will guarantee that you will get the most out of your session. Be prepared to answer questions about those specific areas before you get started. You may even want to meet with them prior to the massage to set up expectations.

Get Comfortable

When you are about to get a massage, you need to be comfortable. Any distractions will make the massage less effective. Understand that a professional massage therapist is very used to seeing people in little or no clothing, so it’s very unlikely that you will have to worry about their sensibilities. Wear as little clothing as you are comfortable with so that the professional that is working on you is able to do their work with as little impediments as possible. Loose and flowing clothing can help if you don’t feel as comfortable in more vulnerable state of undress. A professional will also have a space in which they can provide a private, safe, and relaxing environment.