The essence of foot massage is the impact on special reflex zones, each of which is a projection of an internal organ. This procedure has a centuries-old history; mention of it can be found in the drawings of the Mayan tribe.
Impact on reflex zones relieves stress
With a little effort and patience, you can learn how to massage your feet. How to do it correctly for yourself, how to give a foot massage to your beloved man, is it possible to prevent the development of flat feet in a child? Having found answers to these questions, any girl can become a wonderful lover and caring mother.
When is a foot massage necessary?
Massaging your feet perfectly relaxes and relieves stress. With this pleasant procedure you can eliminate the following ailments:
- constant feeling of fatigue,
- frequent attacks of headaches,
- deterioration in sleep quality,
- poor appetite
- improper metabolism.
Traditional medicine does not consider such symptoms to be signs of serious diseases, so proper foot massage will be an excellent solution to eliminate such problems. With regular use, blood circulation improves, the work of all internal organs is activated, and depressive states disappear.
If you want to be healthy, learn how to massage!
Girls who walk a lot in high heels need to master the technique of massaging their feet to prevent flat feet and the appearance of protruding bones on their feet.
It is necessary to massage your child's feet regularly. This will not only strengthen the muscles and eliminate flat feet, but will also help hyperactive children calm down a little.
If you massage a man’s feet correctly, this will have a preventive effect on the pelvic organs and prevent the development of male diseases and impotence.
Hydromassage power of bubbles
Hydromassage, or air bubble massage, is another important function of electric foot baths. It can be done in two different ways.
The first method is the same as for all Jacuzzi baths: a compressor supplies air under pressure to the nozzles, which are located in one or two rows at the bottom of the bath. Air bubbles are forcefully pushed into the water and create intense massage vibrations that penetrate deep into the tissue.
The procedure increases blood flow, resulting in tissues receiving more oxygen and nutrients, which stimulates metabolism. Plus, this massage helps get rid of cramps.
Hydromassage can also be produced by jets of water, which are supplied under pressure through a system of nozzles. The maximum productivity of this procedure is ensured by the location and direction of the nozzles. Powerful jets of water stimulate muscles, dilate blood vessels, increase blood pressure, and also have a refreshing and invigorating effect.
It is not for nothing that hydromassage is considered an excellent means of helping to relieve stress and tension, and is often used in rehabilitation therapy. Its implementation promotes faster resorption of hemorrhages and accelerates recovery processes.
Principles of massage
Experts recommend not focusing on any one zone during the procedure - this significantly reduces its effectiveness.
Massaging begins from the toes and moves towards the heel. It is necessary to grab the lower leg, which will maximize blood circulation.
It will take a lot of time to master all the foot patterns on which the active points are indicated. You can start with a simple option, dividing the sole into several zones:
- head and neck – active points are located on the fingers;
- chest, upper limbs - the impact zone affects the fingertips and ends in the middle of the arch;
- abdominal cavity, pelvic organs - from the middle of the arch to the beginning of the heel;
- The inner side of the foot is responsible for the spine.
The procedure should not be done immediately after eating or on an empty stomach. The best time is an hour after a meal in the evening. To improve blood movement, you can drink 2-3 glasses of warm, clean water.
Before starting the procedure, your feet should be rinsed, vigorously, and thoroughly rubbed. Massaging the feet is done using a cream - you can take a children's cream or a special warming one. But it is more correct to perform a massage using special oils. After finishing the massage, you should cover your feet well and lie down for 10 minutes.
Even if you do one session correctly, your mood rises and fatigue goes away. To consolidate the result, you need to conduct at least 10 sessions. If pain is felt at any point during a massage, this indicates a problem in the corresponding organ.
Massage helps girls cope with PMS.
Principle of operation
This household appliance has several functions. It will help relieve fatigue and swelling of the legs with a foot massage; it will make it easier to carry out cosmetic foot care.
The bath itself is small in size. The housing in which the feet are placed is made of plastic. At the bottom of the container, rollers and other parts are inserted, with the help of which the massage is carried out.
The device has several operating modes, which provide different types of foot massage:
- hydromassage;
- vibration massage;
- acupuncture;
- bubble effect.
The desired type of massage is set by pressing buttons. On budget models, the control unit is located on the bath. More expensive versions have a remote control.
The massage procedure is carried out according to the following algorithm:
- Warm water is poured into the container;
- Sitting in a chair, a person lowers his feet into a hydromassage bath with water and presses them lightly on the bottom of the container, which is shaped like insoles;
- After this, the desired operating mode is set and the massage itself begins, which lasts from 15 to 20 minutes.
There are models in which you can use bubble massage mode, or selective impact on areas responsible for certain reflexes.
If the water begins to cool, you can turn on the heating using a special toggle switch located on the outside of the plastic case. You can set the desired temperature, which will be constantly maintained during the entire procedure.
In addition to models with an electric drive, there are mechanical units in which massage is carried out by pressing the feet on special massage ridges located at the bottom of the bath.
The design of the body is made in such a way that splashes during the procedure will not fall on the floor. At the bottom of the container there are linings made of corrugated rubber, which prevent the bath from sliding on the floor during a massage.
Caring for such a device is simple. After the procedure, it should be washed with a mild foaming detergent and then air dried.
How to properly massage at home
At home, you can massage the feet of your beloved man, child, or do self-massage. After vigorous rubbing, you need to rub each finger in a circular motion for a minute, bending and unbending them in each direction. You should move from the nails to the base. For middle-aged people, active bending can cause discomfort because some joints and muscles do not work well enough. Therefore, you need to do everything carefully, gradually increasing the intensity.
Thanks to the effect on active points, immunity improves, memory and creative thinking are activated.
Proper foot massage will relieve many problems.
The next stage is circular movements with your thumbs over the entire area of the sole. It is necessary to correctly distribute the intensity of pressure, since the skin on the sole has an uneven thickness. The heels require special attention and maximum effort - in these places the skin is the roughest.
For complete relaxation, you need to pull your foot forward and back, turn in a circle to the right and left. Then you need to walk intensively along the entire foot with your left hand, clenched into a fist. The right palm should massage the top of the foot.
In addition to rubbing, it is necessary to make stroking, kneading and zigzag movements from the instep of the foot to the base of the toes, and then in the opposite direction. Such movements are effective for hypertonicity of the legs and flat feet.
You need to massage the base of the heel well with your thumb and index finger. Using tapping movements, walk from the middle of the heel to the very top of the foot, and then from the foot to the ankle. Massage the ankle, carefully massaging the hollow between the tendons.
The final stage is soft, relaxing strokes. After which you need to wrap your feet with a towel.
Massage of legs, thighs and buttocks
Massage the lower legs, thighs and buttocks should be performed with vigorous but smooth movements. The number of repetitions is seven times on one leg. A set of massage exercises will relax your legs after heavy physical activity, allow them to rest, and also reduce swelling. After just a few sessions, you will feel that the girl’s skin has become firmer and more elastic.
Daily massage treatments help strengthen muscles.
Recommendations for a guy:
- Before massaging a girl’s legs (legs and thighs), use pinching movements to stretch the calf muscle. Perform a series of intense slashing gestures (from bottom to top and vice versa).
- Using massage movements, move towards the knee, performing soft stroking and patting.
- Perform slow rubbing and tapping with your fingertips (from ankle to knee).
- In the direction from the knee to the hip joint, make a set of stroking and massage movements. Do a palm squeeze. Press your palm against the surface of your thigh and make several vibrating movements.
- Grab the fat fold with your fingers and knead it from bottom to top. Be careful not to use force - bruises may appear on delicate skin.
- The following movements are circular stroking. Perform them with the bases of your palms, moving from the lateral surface of the thigh to the sacrum. Gradually increase the amplitude and press deeper.
- Gradually, using stroking and light pressure, move to the buttocks. Make some gentle chopping, pinching and spiraling movements with your fingers.
- You can finish the procedure with light, relaxing movements from the buttocks to the lower legs and back.
Foot massage in a beauty salon is a rather expensive procedure. Now that you know how to give your girlfriend a foot massage, you can not only have a pleasant time with your beloved, but also save money and improve the health of your chosen one. Attention to a loved one brings you closer and improves relationships. Massage is the best way to show you care.
How to massage children's feet
This procedure is the best prevention of flat feet in children. Massaging the feet increases muscle flexibility, strengthens the body's protective functions, and brings mother and child closer together. If you massage correctly and regularly, children develop coordination of movement and develop correct posture.
Tactile contact is very important for mother and child
Technology for massaging the feet of an infant:
- With your left hand, fix your left leg in the shin area. Rub the sole with your thumb, direct movements from the heel to the toes, you can draw numbers, the child’s name.
- Press on the middle of the foot - the child’s toes will bend. Run your finger along the outer edge of the foot to the heel - press on the middle of the heel, the toes will straighten.
- It's easy to massage each finger.
- Gently knead, rub the arch of the foot and the Achilles tendon. Gently tap the sole on a hard surface - this will normalize the tone of the leg.
A set of additional useful functions
Some models provide additional functionality.
Dry massage
Expensive devices have this function. With its help you can relieve muscle pain, tension and fatigue of the feet. For massage without water, a set of different rollers is provided that can be easily removed and put on.
Water massage with aromatic salts and oils
By adding sea salt or essential oils to water, it is possible to better cleanse the skin and have a healing and antibacterial effect on the skin. In warm water, vitamins and minerals that contain salt and oils will be better absorbed into the cleansed skin of the feet. It is useful to give such baths to elderly people suffering from joint pain. Baths will have a beneficial effect on muscle and bone tissue.
Coniferous oil is especially effective, having a therapeutic and preventive effect.
When the hydromassage with the addition of oils and salt is completed, the skin of the feet should be lubricated with cream, and the container should be washed with detergent.
When using essential oils, you should know what effect they have on the body and skin of the feet:
- lemon balm and jasmine relieve fatigue, stress, improve mood;
- rosemary increases energy and activity;
- pine needles calm;
- citrus fruits tone;
- tea tree and sage are refreshing and help fight sweaty feet.
Knowing these properties will help you choose the right time for massage and the oil that will be added to warm water.
Infrared radiation and water heating
Some models have an infrared emitter that has a healing effect. It is built into the lower part of the case and is equipped with a special IR lamp.
Infrared radiation warms up muscles and bones, thereby improving blood circulation and relieving vascular spasms and foot cramps.
You can do infrared heating with or without water.
Exposure to magnetic field
Electric models include magnetic therapy, which improves blood circulation in the legs, helps relieve heaviness in the legs, cramps and muscle pain.
Before starting a course of exposure to a magnetic field, you should consult with your doctor.
Set of massage attachments
Some models include a set of special devices that help prepare your feet for a pedicure:
- graters;
- files;
- brushes;
- scrapers.
The most expensive hot tubs are equipped with devices for exfoliation and removal of calluses.
Contraindications
Despite all the undeniable advantages, the procedure has contraindications. Massaging is not performed if there are fungal infections or during exacerbation of chronic diseases. For diabetes, osteoporosis, problems with small joints of the foot, and varicose veins, massage should be done very carefully.
In case of cancer, reflex action on the points can provoke the growth of tumors. In pregnant girls, massage of certain points on the feet can have a stimulating effect on the uterus, which is very dangerous for the fetus and the expectant mother.
Foot massage is an effective and affordable way to strengthen the immune system, prevent and cure flat feet in a child. The procedure does not take much time; every girl can master it on her own, and the effect of a correctly performed procedure will be noticeable after the first session.
Balls for rollers
Rollers, or cushions, which are also found in almost all models, are designed for a more thorough foot massage. They can be located on the central eminence or under the instep of the foot at the bottom of the bath.
The rollers come in studded and smooth types. They knead the foot well, relax the joints, and massage the muscles. Some hot tub models can be purchased with a variety of removable rollers of varying thicknesses and spikes of different sizes. This allows you to select the optimal massage option depending on the situation.
All rollers are attached to the base of the bath and rotate around their axis. The user just has to place his foot on the roller and, with a little pressure, “roll” his foot along it.
The same principle applies to the massage ball, which is attached like a hinge and rotates in any direction. With this ball you can massage your entire foot, paying special attention to problem areas.
Why is it important to take care of your feet?
In our body, all systems are interdependent and therefore one problem, if it is not solved, leads to others. Our skin, according to reflexology, directly reflects the state of our internal organs and vice versa.
If blood circulation and nutrition of the legs suffer, uneven loads occur, 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. By taking care of our feet and caring for them, we impart a healthy, comfortable state to the entire body.
There is also a feedback: the affected internal organs also transmit information to the skin. And knowing the exit points of these signals, you can not only diagnose, but also treat.
Bath selection options
When choosing such a home appliance, you should pay attention to:
- The presence of a remote control, which will increase the comfort of procedures and avoid bending over to turn on the device.
- Water heating function, which significantly improves the quality of the massage by maintaining the same temperature.
- The power of the device, which determines the number of functions used.
- Weight and presence of rubber pads on the bottom of the bath. Too much weight will complicate the use of the device, and the lack of rubberized stands will make the procedure unsafe.
- The length of the power cord, which should be long and automatically retractable.
- Display and timer that will increase the comfort of using the whirlpool bath
