Finally, it’s the end of the day, and what else could be a better mode of relaxation other than a regular soothing foot massage. Well, foot massages are bound to relax your body from all the stress and tensions leaving you in a quiet soothing, and comfortable position. Foot massages help in promoting blood circulation throughout the body which in turn helps in getting rid of some chronic ailments and diseases. But did you know that you can get this right at home with your own DIY foot Massage techniques at home? Yes, you can if you have the right tools.
Well, we all know that there are two different types of foot massages available – Manual foot massages and Electric foot massages. Although electric foot massages are quite easy to perform without even stressing our body or bending over to push the power button. However, these electric foot massages tend to have some side effects on our body in the long run. Whereas, when we talk about the manual foot massagers it is quite the opposite of the electric foot massagers. Manual foot massagers are all about the application of some soothing oil over the feet and then gently pushing and pressing the target pressure points to provide maximum relief and comfort from the pain and stress that our feet and body go through daily.
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Are Manual Foot Massagers good stress relivers?
The gentle touch of our hands over the feet and the circular and non-circular movements of the thumb and the fingers on the various pressure points in the feet do help us retire into a zone of tranquility and relaxation. Just a simple manual foot massage can send chills down our body and the person getting massaged can get the vibe of heaven on the earth after getting a manual massage done. The entire body feels re-energized, and you can feel the oxygen and blood gushing down into the tissues and helping in rejuvenation and recuperating the worn-out and degenerated soft tissues.
Side effects of Electric Foot Massagers
- The primary side effect that most people have mentioned is the increase in skin sensitivity after a robust foot massage. Some may also encounter a mild pain in the feet which heals overtime.
- After an extreme session, you might encounter symptoms of flu. That’s because most of the toxins present in the body need a way out, and they can be released through the form of flu.
- You might also experience extreme exhaustion as all the toxic materials and stress is released from the body. Although this exhaustion will only last for a few hours, some people with extreme sensitivity can experience fatigue due to constant electric foot massages.
- Frequent bowel movements along with urination
- Due to prolonged use of an electric foot massager, a person can encounter mild red rashes on their skin
Well talking about manual DIY foot massages, there are quite a few massaging techniques even in manual foot massages which are proven to have different health benefits from each other. These different DIY foot massage types have different potentials of healing and curing some different ailments and diseases. Let’s try and list out manual massaging techniques which are widely popular and are proven to have different health benefits.
Types of Manual Massages
Swedish Foot Massage:
This is a foot massage technique that involves the use of gentle hand strokes on the feet to extract the pains and regain composure. This is one of the most popular foot massages in the United States as it is deemed to provide utmost relaxation. Soft and gentle hand strokes along with circular kneading motions are performed by the therapist starting from the soles, arch, and heels. As a first-timer, you should try getting this kind of massage as it is very gentle on the skin.
Deep tissue foot massage:
A deep tissue massage aims to reach the deep layers of the skin by applying a certain amount of pressure. In the deep-tissue massage, the therapist makes the use of slow yet powerful strokes which can penetrate deeper into the tissues of the skin. The intention is to revoke the lifeless skin as the immense pressure can promote the removal of toxins along with releasing the built-up stress.
As the deep-tissue massage penetrates into the skin layers, the body might feel extremely exhausted. Some people might also encounter a slight pain in the feet but this feeling gets subdued with the passing of time.
Hot stone foot massage:
This therapy involves the use of smooth and tiny heated stones which are placed on all parts of the foot. These heated stones absorb all the tension present in the bones and the joints, which in return fills the void with a feeling of comfort and enhances tranquility. The therapist might also push the stones into the skin for the heat to seep into the multiple layers.
Acupressure Foot massage:
Well, not particularly considered as a massage but, this Acupressure is a sort of therapy that takes the application of pressure into the targeted pressure points or acupoints. This therapy is quite similar to acupuncture where needles are inserted at the target pressure points to the body to heal, relax or balance energy levels of the body. This Acupressure technique is mostly performed by professionals to heal common conditions and get rid of allergies, body pains, headaches, and muscular stress and pains.
DIY Foot Massages at home
Well, these were a few manual massage techniques performed by experts which are proven to be highly beneficial in healing the body and getting rid of the excess pain and stress from our body. Now let’s talk about a little DIY foot massage techniques to perform at home to keep our feet healthy and also rejuvenate and restore the gentleness of the feet are:
Arch Rubs:
This technique is used to massage the beneath your feet. Firstly, the upper pa with one hand. Then, start rubbing the length of the arches with the fingers of the other hand. Repeat this procedure from the heel to the ball of the foot several times as it helps to release the muscle tension and also provides relief to the feet from the stress and strain.
Toe Bends:
Here comes another do-it-yourself foot massage technique that helps in the improvement of the flexibility of the toes. This technique also helps in the relaxation of the toes and the feet. And trust me, this is a really simple technique that could provide you with a few hours of elevated stress-free feet and calmness. What you need to do is just hold your 5 toes with a hand and gently bend it towards the back and then again bring it back to the normal position. Meaning you need to bend all your toes in a back and forth manner repeatedly to enjoy the flexibility of your toes.
Achilles Massage:
This home remedy helps in relieving the stress and pressure on the Achilles tendon. What you need to do is just grasp the Achilles tendon between the thumb and index finger with one hand and stroke it. The stroking motion should always be downwards towards the heel and then repeat several times. Thus, this do-it-yourself foot massage technique helps your feet to relax and release all the in-built pressure and stress.
Heel squeeze:
This tends to be a very simple DIY foot massage technique. Wherein, you need to hold the top of the foot with one hand and the back of the heel with another. After that, you just need to repeatedly squeeze and release the back of the heel. This process helps in relieving the stress, tension, and pressure from the back of the feet.
Infant foot massage:
Infants also benefit from foot massages just like adults. These DIY foot massages can help solve common baby problems. In the sense, rubbing your baby’s feet can relieve the baby of some tummy issues, or sickness, or fussiness, or Teething pains. This infant massaging technique also works based on Reflexology aspects, wherein there are certain pressure points in the feet which are related to a few organs of the body. For example, if you rub your baby’s toes, then this may provide him comfort and relief from his teething pains.
These were a few do-it-yourself massaging techniques that can be easily practiced at home without any equipment except a set of magical hands (*winks*). However, there are quite a few foot massaging tools also available in the market which can provide relief from the pain and stress of our feet. Let’s list out some of the best manual foot massage tools here.
Manual Massaging tools to help you out at Home
Due North Foot Rubz Massage Ball:
This handy, effective, and affordable little tool meets the challenging demands of dull and lifeless feet. This foot massager ball has many nodes on its surface that act relatively well on the active acupressure points. When you roll your feet on these tiny massager balls, you can feel a soothing sensation that is a result of the removal of distress. These massager balls are handy and lightweight that can be carried anywhere. They are also very cheap as it only costs $5.83.
TheraFlow Dual Foot Massager Roller (Large):
Just glide and slide your feet on this TheraFlow dual foot massager and experience utmost relief. This massager is made of wood, as wood massagers have always been known for the remarkable benefits they offer to maintain proper health. This wooden foot massager is made using smooth acupressure nubs which can give a deep massage to the tissues present in the skin. You just need to place your feet on the acupressure nubs and gently glide your feet for a smooth massage. Thereaflow wooden massager is one of the best foot massagers for feet as it is made of organic materials and built in a way to suit the curvature of your feet.
This foot massager costs about $16.95 on Amazon.
Ryson Foot Roller & Spiky Massage Ball:
A massage roller as well as a spiky ball- both can be a relief to plantar fasciitis and stimulate the pressure points of the feet promoting a healthy organ system. This massager is made from non-chemical, non-toxic, and washable PVC material. The best option for treating and reducing the effects of Plantar Fasciitis. You need to just sit back and roll your feet over this foot massager every day to reduce or cure Plantar Fasciitis disease. This massager also provides relief from pain and muscle soreness in the feet by simply melting down the stress molecules. You can purchase this massager from Amazon at a rate of $17.89.
Trigger Point Nano Foot Roller:
This lightweight and portable foot massage roller is the favorite of many athletes because of its lightweight property. The middle component is made from high-quality dense foam, which can regulate the multiple layers of the skin and improve the circulatory system of the body. Not only does it enhance mobility, but also refreshes the dull skin after a long day. This lightweight foot roller is available on Amazon at $24.99.
Theraband Foot Roller:
This DIY foot massage roller addresses the concerns associated with the limp muscles and immense foot-aches. This athletic foot roller massager promotes metabolism, improves strength, and makes the feet flexible. The ridges present on the surface of this foot massager can thoroughly reach into the skin and pump out all the stress within a few minutes.
Although this massager can be used the way it is, you can also create a personalized massage by freezing this foot roller. When freezer, it creates cryotherapy, which is most prescribed to people dealing with Plantar Fasciitis. Other specialties of this DIY foot massager include an anti-slip back, easy-to-clean property, and it does not scratch the surface of your floor. You can purchase this foot roller from Amazon at a rate of $13.00.
Conclusion:
Foot massage is quite an accessible and easy treatment for sore feet which can be practiced quite easily and comfortably at our homes. This practice can help a person unwind and relax while steadily moving your fingers over the feet. The application of pressure boosts the blood circulation level of the body. This can help in relieving the various body pains and rejuvenating the injured cells and tissues inside the body. Apart from these home-based DIY foot massage techniques, you even have various massaging tools which provide utmost relief to the feet and the entire body as well. Try to inculcate and practice these foot massaging techniques to live a stress-free and relaxed life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):
Before starting a foot massage you need to check if you have diabetic neuropathy and consult the doctor if a foot massage is good for you. Additionally, pregnant women and people with blood clots are also at risk of foot massages.
The benefits of a DIY foot massage are it helps the feet to relieve the pain, heal wounds, relax the feet, and also maintain constant emotions.
Lavender essential oil is the best for a foot massage as it helps the feet to relax and also eases anxiety levels.
