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Feet are the part of the body that carries a huge load every day. At the same time, the well-being of a person as a whole depends on their health. Let's remember what pleasure the whole body gives the usual immersion of overworked legs in warm water. And simple techniques that allow you to master foot massage and do it yourself at home give visible results.
Indeed, the feet have a direct connection with all organs and systems. Reflexology deals with these issues in detail.
Reflex zones of the feet and their stimulation
The field of medicine, which specializes in the study of the reflex zones of our body, pays special attention to the soles of the feet. Along with the palms, they are responsible for the tactile function, rich in nerve endings and receptors that transmit information to the brain and other organs.
Traditional oriental medicine also places great importance on foot stimulation and knowledge of energy zones. Here, many phenomena are interpreted more broadly: the connection of the physical, psychological and spiritual comes to the fore.
In our body, all systems are interdependent and therefore one problem, if it is not solved, pulls others along with it. Our skin, according to reflexology, directly reflects the state of internal organs and vice versa. If blood circulation and nutrition of the legs suffer, there are uneven loads accompanied by pain, “distress signals” begin to be sent to the brain and other body systems. Such a situation, if it is permanent, is a great stress and threatens to result in global disruptions. Taking care of the feet, caring for them, we communicate a healthy comfortable state to the whole body . There is also a feedback: the affected internal organs also transmit information already to the skin. And knowing the exit points of these signals, one can not only diagnose, but also treat.
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In reflexology, the so-called foot map is used. All significant points are indicated on it and it is indicated for communication with which bodies they are responsible. There are 36 such zones on the sole of each leg. The foot is a projection of the human body, where the fingers are the head, and the heel is the pelvic region and knees . So, on top are the points responsible for the brain, pituitary gland, vision and hearing. The widest part of the foot is associated with the heart, lungs, and liver. The lower section allows you to influence the reflex zones of the kidneys, intestines, genitals. The outer part of the foot is also rich in active points. For example, the inner side surface is a projection of the spine.
Types of procedures
There are a number of techniques that allow you to relieve pain and fatigue, correct orthopedic deficiencies, improve the functional properties of the foot, and also affect other organs and systems, normalizing their work. They are used to solve specific problems and prevention. The most famous are the directions described below.
Point (reflex)
In order to properly perform reflex massage, you need to know the location of active points on the foot and their purpose well. Traditional Oriental medicine speaks of the release of energy during the procedure, which contributes to the harmonization of the work of all body systems. European medicine explains the effect by the release of endorphins, which occurs when you press the points. Thus, the body uses its own resources to promote recovery.
Chinese
The Chinese technique is one of the areas of acupressure of the foot. Masters use various techniques that work with reflex zones combines. Pressing on the right points activates the channels through which the Qi vital energy moves. The impact depends on the task: the treatment of headaches, diseases of the respiratory system, digestion, as well as insomnia, depression. Massage therapists use techniques such as stroking, pressing, rubbing, vibration. These procedures are often combined with other therapies, such as acupuncture.
Thai
Many people compare Thai technique with yoga. Masseurs pay attention primarily to the muscles and joints, which are exposed to a very intense effect. Deep pressure is used, twisting the foot, arching the toes up and down, pressing on the crossed feet. For point pressure, thin wooden sticks are used.
Therapeutic
Therapeutic massage is prescribed by a doctor for chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system and serves to improve foot mobility and relieve pain. Often it is part of the procedures for the whole body.
Massage technique
As in other types of massage, each session includes three mandatory stages: preparation, main part (intensive impact) and completion.
First, the tissues are warmed up using stroking, light rubbing. As a result, there is an active flow of blood and a noticeable reddening of the skin. Massage oil or cream is applied to the legs.
During the procedure itself, the following techniques are used:
- stroking with the palm or knuckles;
- rubbing with straight and circular movements;
- forceps kneading;
- pressure (on active points);
- tapping;
- vibration (lifting and shaking each toe or the entire foot.
In different methods, the sequence of actions is different. In this case, as a rule, the procedure begins with the study of each finger. Then the sole is massaged, where the concentration of active points is especially high. Next comes the impact on the outside: the top and side parts. In conclusion, attention is paid to the heel, Achilles tendon, ankle joint.
The procedure ends with light strokes. The masseur's hand soothes and relaxes the tissues.
Indications for massage
Foot massage is recommended as a therapeutic or preventive procedure in many cases. It can be:
- joint diseases: arthritis, arthrosis;
- orthopedic problems: flat feet, valgus;
- chronic fatigue and swelling of the legs;
- emotional depression, the effects of stress, insomnia;
- poor circulation in the limbs,
- rehabilitation after injuries: sprains, dislocations, fractures,
- prevention of varicose veins.
Impact on reflex zones is also used in complex therapy for the treatment of:
- headaches;
- digestive disorders;
- problems with the spine, in particular, radiculopathy;
- diseases of the heart and blood vessels;
- chronic bronchitis and colds;
- gynecological problems in women and prostatitis in men;
- as well as many other ailments.
Improvement in Arthritis
Arthritis is a joint disorder characterized by decreased mobility and pain. Treatment is necessary, a neglected disease leads to disability.
It is important to know that massage is part of a comprehensive program. It is done already in remission, without directly affecting the affected joint, if it causes pain.
You can learn to do the procedures yourself, because it is their regularity that brings the greatest benefit.
The following self-massage techniques are especially effective for arthritis:
- rubbing the outer part of the foot and sole in the direction from the toe to the lower leg, using pinching;
- kneading fingers: stroking movements, circular with impact on the pads, gentle extension up and down.
Help with arthrosis
The causes of arthrosis are metabolic disorders, lack of joint fluid, changes in the structure of cartilage. It leads to limited mobility and acute pain. To help affected joints, do the following exercises:
- work out each finger using stroking, pinching and light vibration (taking the pad lightly shake);
- rub and move the joints connecting the phalanges;
- intensively rub the upper part of the foot from the ankle to the toes and vice versa;
- work out the sole by pressing with the pad of the thumb and pressing with the knuckles of the back of the hand;
- Using two fingers in a circular motion, rub the heel, ankle, Achilles tendon area.
When it comes to medical procedures, it is especially important to perform them correctly. Therefore, it is recommended to get a few object lessons before moving on to practice.
Flat feet: how can massage help?
With flat feet, the sole of the foot does not have a pronounced arch, which worsens the depreciation function and increases the load on the entire musculoskeletal system. This is expressed in fatigue, pain, over time leads to problems with the joints. Gymnastics and self-massage help to restore the foot after exertion and improve its depreciation properties.
For a standard set of procedures for the preparatory stage, perform the following manipulations with each leg five to six times:
- alternately rub your fingers (the left and right hands work with neighboring fingers at the same time);
- with one hand (the other holds the heel), pull all the toes up, and then bend down as much as possible;
- roll a massage ball or a small hard ball on the foot;
- turning the foot to the side and holding the ankle with one foot, massage the sole first with straight stroking, and then in circular motions.
Performing the procedure at home
Most of the various foot massage techniques are easy to perform on your own at home. However, the use of reflexology techniques requires serious education and training. At the same time, a simple relaxing procedure is easy to do for yourself today.
- Wash your hands and feet. Sit comfortably, take a relaxed posture.
- Warm up the surface of the foot and fingers with light stroking movements.
- Apply cream or massage oil.
- Stroke and rub the top and ribs of the foot towards the ankle.
- Carefully knead each finger from the nail to the base, work out all the joints with vigorous movements.
- Rub the sole, moving from the toe to the heel and pressing with the knuckles.
- Knead the wide part of the foot with the palms folded into a fist.
- Work the upper surface of the foot in a circular motion, pressing with the pads of your thumbs.
- Warm up your ankles and calves by wrapping your hands around them and moving from heel to knee.)
- Massage the sides vigorously by clasping them with your fingers.
- Repeat ankle massage, kneading the sole and stroking the outer side of the foot several times.
- Finish the procedure with light relaxing movements.
In the future, you can improve the technique by mastering new techniques from video tutorials. If some reasons prevent you from mastering manual massage at home, auxiliary tools will come to the rescue: special rugs, slippers with spikes, as well as small balls, walnuts or chestnuts that roll over the foot. Self-massage and stimulation of the active points of the legs are facilitated by walking on peas and other cereals.
Video tutorials on teaching the procedure
Daily performance of such procedures will relax tired legs, give pleasure and will contribute to the prevention of many diseases.