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The Hidden Benefits Of Foot Massage

Shannan Powell | May 15, 2008

Nothing could be more relaxing at the end of an exhausting day than having a nice, long foot massage to relieve your tired, aching feet. Though it may seem like enough, there is much more to foot massage than just increasing your comfort level on a day when your feet have been used and abused. Foot massage, or reflexology, can provide wonderful benefits far beyond your feet. Many have found relief from pain and illness through foot massage, reaching into seemingly unrelated parts of the body.

History of Foot Massage

Very early references to reflexology have been found within the tombs of ancient Egypt. Hieroglyphics have been discovered in the tombs of the Pharaoh’s physicians, showing hand and foot reflexology techniques being used. Other references have been found within Oriental medicine and also Native American healing practices.

The current forms of reflexology are usually based on the research of Dr William H. Fitzgerald and Eunice Ingram, his physical therapy assistant. In the early 1900’s, these two medical professionals began incorporating reflexology, then called “Zone Therapy”, into their practice with tremendous results. Both have written books on the subject that have become important influences on the growth and development of this massage technique.

How Does Reflexology Work?

No one has been able to develop one concrete reason that reflexology massage is so effective; however there are many different theories. It is known that there are more than 7,000 nerve endings in the foot, each stemming from another region of the body. The stimulation of these nerves through foot massage may be the reason for the far-reaching effects of this massage therapy.

A massage therapist will use their knowledge of the locations of these nerve endings to massage the foot in order to relieve pain and symptoms that are occurring in various areas of the body. The techniques are similar to those of acupressure, where pressure is applied to certain zones of the foot, sending energy or blocking pain to the corresponding body part or organ system. Once you have had a few sessions, you will begin to notice which areas have an affect on your particular condition. After you have learned this, you may try home therapy to relieve any symptoms that you experience between sessions.

What Benefits Can You Receive From Foot Massage?

The benefits of foot massage are seemingly endless. Of course, massage will work to relax and rejuvenate tired and aching feet, but foot massage has much more to offer. Many have found that pain from various conditions, including cancers, PMS, and stress related headache conditions is relieved or eliminated after a properly performed foot massage. It has been reported that many different skin conditions, such as acne and eczema, have also been relieved through foot massage. Many believe that foot massage can also work to boost the immune system and to improve the function of many different organ systems by helping to remove toxins and unblocking energy pathways.