Why You Should Massage Your Feet before Going to Bed

Ending your busy day of walking and standing around, with a nice relaxing foot massage is surely something everyone desire. Not only that it will relax you, but the foot massage will provide you with beneficial effects for both, your mental and physical health.

Foot massage is essential component of the alternative medicine called reflexology. Our feet have couple of nerve endings, reflexes, which are connected to different organs and systems in our body. Once we activate these reflexes through foot massage, they show therapeutic effects. Health.

However, foot massages are recommended by health experts for improving the overall health of all age groups, and there are many studies which have actually proved this. Nursing & Health Sciences has published a 2002 study focusing on the benefits of foot massage, saying that it supports healthy lifestyle for people of all ages, especially improving relaxation, blood circulation, and a person’s own healing power. There’s no need of a professional masseur for a regular foot massage. Just do it yourself right before bedtime.

Foot Massage Health Benefits

1. Promotes Sound Sleep
We are often struggled by our everyday problems even before we fall asleep, which prevent a good sleep. A short massage on your feet will relax you and will encourage a sound sleep, although we know that a full body massage is ideal one. Health.

Massages support the free flow of energy, and stimulate the reflexes alongside meridians, thus relaxing you and enabling a restful sleep.

Critical Care Nursing journal in Iran has published a 2014 study, according to which heart patients, especially those with ischemic heart disease, should practice foot massage to improve the quality of their sleep.

2. Improves Blood Circulation
Most of us wear tight and uncomfortable shoes throughout the day, which is why the circulation in our feet is often restricted. In addition, the feet muscles of most people don’t get any exercises which only adds to the poor circulation.

Massaging the feet 10 to 20 minutes before bedtime is recommended for everyone, especially for diabetics as they have more chances of peripheral neuropathy.

This issue happens when nerves and tissues in the extremities, both feet and hands, aren’t supplied enough with oxygen and nutrients because of poor circulation. This can result in tingling, numbness, and burning sensation. Health.

The Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation have published a 2014 study which proves that the level of physical activity isn’t connected with massage benefits, since massaged have enhanced the vascular function in those who don’t practice exercises.

Impaired blood circulation can be the reason for high blood pressure, heart and kidney problems, organ damage and varicose veins.

3. Alleviates Low-Back Pain
Foot massage before going to bed is recommended for people suffering from low-back pain. They should use their thumbs to apply pressing alongside the arch of their feet for a short period of about 5 minutes.

The Nursing and Midwifery Iranian journal has published a 2012 study according to which reflexology is more beneficial and effective in lowering of the chronic back pain, than massages on the lower back itself.

This type of pain can cause difficulties in having a sound sleep, which is why you should reduce it with a nice foot massage.

4. Fights Anxiety and Stress
We have all felt anxious or stressed some time. By massaging your feet, you will lower your anxiety and stress, and you will experience more benefits than just relaxation.

Pressing specific feet reflexes promotes relaxation, and causes responses in the nervous system, such as lowered anxiety or stress. Health.

In order to find the reflex responsible for relieving stress, called the solar plexus reflex, squeeze your foot’s sides together. This reflex is located at the center of the scrunched area.

BMC Nursing has published a 2012 study which demonstrated that foot massage has reduced blood pressure and anxiety, while improving the mood in long-term people working with older patients with dementia. Health.

Foot massage is the perfect, effective way to deal with the everyday stress and anxiety.

5. Reduces Blood Pressure
Since high blood pressure can lead to myriad health problems, we should try to reduce it so that we can lower the risk of those other problems. A regular foot massage can help you in that. Health.

PLOS One has published a 2016 study which states that aroma foot massage drastically reduced the mean diastolic and systolic blood pressure. Not only that, but it has also lowered the state anxiety score and increased the life scores related to mental health.

6. Prevents Lower-Leg Edema
This condition happens as a result of fluids build-up in the legs, causing painful, swollen and stiff legs. Some of the common causes of edema are poor blood circulation and pregnancy. This condition makes people have difficulties and pains in moving, and also sleep problems.

Besides stretching, swimming, or light exercise like walking, foot massage can as well help in fast relief from these symptoms. Health.

The International Journal of Nursing Practice has published a 2010 study which states that this type of massage has proved to be effective in edema treatment in pregnant women.

7. Lowers Foot and Other Chronic Pain
A nice massage on your feet will relax them, soothe and stretch the muscles, as well as lower the painful swelling.

Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice has published a 2014 study which discovered that reflexology lowers pain and relaxes people with conditions such as chronic pain and whiplash injury.

Pain Management Nursing has published an American Society study from 2014, according to which foot massage was actually effective in postoperative management of pain in patients with breast surgery. Health.

How to Give Yourself a Foot Massage
You can easily massage your feet not relying on others, unlike massaging other parts of your body. In just half an hour regular foot massage, you will reap all of the mentioned benefits.

• Pour warm water in a large bowl, and add 2-5 drops of your favorite essential oil.
• Soak your feet in the warm water for about 10-20 minutes. Then pat dry them with a clean soft towel.
• After this, sit in your comfortable place. Put the right foot sole on your left knee, and spread some warm olive, coconut, or mustard oil on the same foot.
• Massage your foot with the oil, while moving the fingers back and forth along the bottom of your foot.
• After the sole massage, focus on the toes by extending, squeezing and flexing them in order to improve their flexibility.
• Do the same procedure on the other foot.

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How Massaging These Six Powerful Spots on Your Feet Can Change Your Life

Did you know that your legs, feet and hands have thousands of nerve endings in them? And each one can be used to stimulate your whole body?

Foot reflexology is an alternative healing method that has been used for centuries to help with problems disassociated from your feet, it’s simple and effective for a lot of people.

The process relates to the traditional healing process of acupuncture and focuses on stimulating points of the body to encourage balance, relaxation and healing. Obviously, it can’t cure everything, but reflexologists have claimed it has the power to helpwith things like sleeping disorders, high blood pressure and stress.

It has been scientifically proven to have four main positive effects on the body:

• Increased blood flow to the kidneys and intenstines
• Positive changes in patients with kidney dialysis
• Relaxation effect with lowered blood pressure and anxiety decrease
• Pain reduction with AIDs, chest pain, diabetes, kidney stones and osteoarthritis

You can, in fact, perform a very simple foot massage to stimulate these spots on your feet and encourage relaxation in your body.

Try massaging these six key pointson your feet to get you started:
1. The Big Toe

By massaging the big toe you can help with your appetite control and as a result encourage weight loss, coupled with the right exercise.

2. The Center of your Large Thumb

This is the main access point to the pituitary gland, the primary hormone gland. If you suffer with hormone imbalance you can pay attention to this area.

3. The Base of the Big Toe

Massaging this area is like massaging your thyroid gland, and can help relive stress or tension. Even if you don’t suffer with stress, it can still be helpful and relaxing.

4. The Foot Center

At the center of your foot a number of nerves meet, these nerves are connected to your diaphragm. By massaging this area you can help to relax your body, and any stress and tension. There are a number of techniques and ways you can massage to help with stress.

5. Inner Edges of the Feet

These areas of the feet are connected to the adrenal gland, and so by massaging this part of your foot you can increase your energy levels.

6. The Area Close to the Heel

By concentrating on this area you can help to activate your excretory system and help to rid your body of any toxins.

Try to massage your feet on a daily basis and focus on any areas relevant to you to achieve the best effects, or see a professional to help with massage processes.

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Massage These Points On Your Body For 1 Minute And Get Rid Of Acid Reflux, Heartburn, Bloating And Stomachaches

Acupressure has been part of Chinese holistic medicine for centuries. It uses the same principles as acupuncture, and it provides the same results. Acupressure is a body healing method, which doesn’t only treat disease, but also promotes relaxation and overall well-being.

It’s important to know that all acupuncture points on your body are linked to certain organs and pressing these can help you soothe stomachaches, heartburn, and indigestion. Read on and find out how to help your body self-heal by using acupuncture.

POINT A — CENTER OF POWER

This point takes the central part of your body. It’s located half way between the base of the breast bone and the navel. Pressing this point can help you treat abdominal pain and spasms, constipation, indigestion, heartburn, emotional stress, such as anxiety and frustration, which can also trigger digestive issues.

However, if you suffer from chronic or serious illnesses including heart problems, cancer or high blood pressure, you shouldn’t press this point too hard. Also, be cautious not to press this point for longer than two minutes, and never on an empty stomach.

POINT B — SEA OF ENERGY

You can find this point 2-finger widths below your navel. If you massage this point, you can relieve abdominal and the lower back pain, constipation, gas, as well as digestive problems. You can either use your fingertips or your palm to press this point. Ideally, you should press point B for one minute while focusing on deep breathing.

POINTS C — THREE MILE POINT

This point is located 4-finger widths below the kneecap, 1-finger width to the outside of the shinbone. To be sure that you’ve found the right point, feel if your muscle flexes as you move your foot up and down. If it does, you’re in the right place. Massaging these points can alleviate stomachache, indigestion, stomach disorders, and fatigue.

POINTS D AND POINTS E — SEA OF VITALITY

You can locate point D in the lower back, 2-fingers widths from the spine at waist level, whereas pint E is positioned in 4- fingers width from the spine at waist level. If you press these two points, you can relieve indigestion and abdominal pain. However, be wary not to use the treatment if you have disintegrating discs or fractured or broken bones. Also, avoid this healing method if you suffer from a weak back. What you can do is press the spots lightly to stimulate healing.

POINTS F — GRANDFATHER GRANDSON

You can find this point on the arch, 1-thumb width from the ball of the foot in the direction of the heel. If you press this point, you can easily soothe abdominal cramps, stomachache, indigestion, and diarrhea. In addition, this method can be quite beneficial for those who suffer from hypochondria or chronic anxiety.

POINTS G — INNER GATE

Find this point in the middle of the inner wrist, two-and-one-half-finger width below the wrist joint. Using acupuncture on this point will help you treat stomachaches, indigestion, nausea, and anxiety. For best results, press this point for one minute while breathing deeply. For firm pressure, use a hooked thumb.

You should always follow these treatments with drinking plenty of water in order to remove toxins from your body.

source: https://www.healthyfoodteam.com

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Why Is So Important To Massage Your Feet Before You Going To Sleep!

Massage is the best way to relax, and researches show that it is excellent for the proper functioning of all organs and your overall health. Massages are relaxing and curing at the same time.

The foot massage before going to bed can provide numerous benefits for you, and you will feel the difference in the body.

This is due to the numerous points on the feet which are linked to different organs in the human body.

You need to choose a cream, lotion or oil to work with. Creams and lotions and work well for foot massages, and the oils will soften the rough calluses on the bottom of your feet.

For best results, this massage should last 10 -- 15 minutes.

Here are the most important benefits of this foot massage:

• Prevents and cures many symptoms such as headache, stress, asthma, constipation, sinusitis and migraine
• Improves blood flow
• Relieves pain and stiffness caused by too much exercising
• Stimulates the secretion of sweat
• Treats numerous diseases
• Reduces the effect of edema (during pregnancy)
• Eliminates lactic acid
• Improves metabolism
• Good for your skin
• Accelerates the flow of blood through the tissue
• Facilitates digestion
• Cures restless leg syndrome
• Boosts blood circulation
• Mobilizes fat

source: http://www.goodmorningcenter.com

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Master The Ancient Japanese Art: Get Rid Of All The Difficulties With Only One Touch

For those who have not heard of Jin Shin Jyutsu, an ancient Japanese art and philosophy, it is the right time to learn that now.

It is a part of alternative medicine which is based on the fingers, and whose task is to balance the energy of the body through the important points of the fingers which is essential for physical and emotional health.

How to perform:

 During the exercise, try to relax and concentrate on the difficulties that you have. Breathe slowly and deeply.
 Grab a certain finger with the opposite hand then grasp it and squeeze the whole fist. Stay in this position about two minutes. You will feel pulsation of the fingers.
 During the exercise, breathe evenly and slowly.
To exercise the entire body you have to do this to each finger individually, and stay in this position for three minutes.

Which are the medical benefits:

Reduces pain and stress, relaxes the body, regulates sleep, increases circulation and concentration, strengthens the immune system, improves skin and cleanses the body.

Each finger represents one organ, and with pressing a particular point you can establish equilibrium.

THUMB

Organs: Stomach organs

Emotions: Depression and anxiety

Physical Symptoms: Painful stomach, skin problems, headaches, nervousness

INDEX FINGER

Organs: kidneys and bladder

Emotions: frustration, fear, mental burden

Physical symptoms: pain in joints and muscles, toothache and gum problems, addiction, indigestion.

MIDDLE FINGER

Organs: liver and bile

Emotions: Indecision, anger, irritability

Physical symptoms: circulatory problems, menstrual problems, problems with your eyes or vision, fatigue, migraine headaches.

RING FINGER

Organs: lungs, and colon

Emotions: Negativity, sadness, fear of rejection

Physical symptoms: Disturbances, tinnitus, breathing problems such as asthma, deep changes on the skin.

LITTLE FINGER

Organs: heart and small intestine

Emotions: Uncertainty, anxiety, feeling less valuable

Physical symptoms: Problems with pressure, heart problems, sore throat, problems with bones and nervous system and bloating.

source: http://www.goodmorningcenter.com

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How To Quickly Relieve Stress With A 5 Minutes Massage On The Fingers

The massage is used for centuries and is considered as the most effective tool which allows you to preserve your health.  Therefore, we have seen a rise in popularity of the massage in the last 10 years.There is no doubt that it has a positive impact on human health.

Unfortunately, the people who need massage, especially those who lead an active lifestyle, oversaturated stressful situations, often can not find free time to visit a massage parlor.

For this reason, here is a five-minutes  massages of the fingers that you can do at any time, at any place, at home, at work and even if you are traveling.

It is simple and gives the maximum positive effect in minimal time. This massage will relax the tense muscles of the fingers and you will be capable for working and will be happier.

The massage technique:

Our fingers are constantly working for us and because of that they are full of tension and trough the years they become less agile and flexible. Loosen them and all the tension which is piled up in our body will come out.

Exercise 1

Touch the little finger with the thumb and the forefinger then shake it gently in order to remove the muscle tension. Then, until you feel comfortable, turn the little finger in a clockwise direction. After 10 seconds change direction. Thereafter, do this exercise with your other fingers on the hand in the same way.

Exercise 2

Pressing the root of each finger can cause an increase in life tone. The reflex zones are found at the end of the thumb and they are related to the lungs, and this action will help you to free up the airways and nasal cavity.

Exercise 3

Squeeze your hand into a fist, but leave an empty space so you can place your thumb of the other hand inside. Gather the fist firmly and pull the thumb gently, as if trying to stretch it out … Then do the same thing with your other fingers.

Exercise 4

Finally shake your hands. It is necessary that the fingers feel the warmth and relaxation.

source: http://www.goodmorningcenter.com

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7 Unbelievable Benefits of Foot Massage And How to Do it

Almost of all of us go to great lengths in the quest for good health, while we overlook one simple and fast daily practice that can do wonders for our body and mind. That simple practice is called foot massage and requires a very little time. Daily massages can have far-reaching benefits, many of which are based in reflexology.

The Health Benefits of Reflexology

Reflexology is a safe and completely natural enhancer of the quality of your life. It uses massage therapy techniques to stimulate nerves, mostly in the palm of your hand and bottom of your foot. Each of these nerves branches off to different organs and glands in your body.

Reflexology can help you live a happier and more importantly a healthier life. It can help with cold symptoms, stress, to alleviate headaches and many other daily inconveniences.

Reflexology has been used for centuries and it has maintained a large following over the millennia because of the effectiveness in providing relief and promoting good health.

The Health Benefits of Foot Massage
In the realm of reflexology, the key to every body part lies in the sole of the foot.

Massaging your feet each night before going to sleep can bring relief to a pair of sore feet after a long day and bring wellness to your entire body by stimulating pressure points.

Below you can few benefits of foot massage

1.Foot massage promotes mental health and wellness
Foot massages on a daily basis can help keep the psychological aspects of your health in balance.

According to a 1999 study, a five-minute massage can reduce stress, blood pressure and heart rate to critical care patients.

A 2010 study showed that massage of the soft tissues of the hands or feet can bring emotional comfort to people grieving the death of a loved one.

Another study found that participants with stressful jobs felt reduced anxiety levels and improvement in the mood after a 10-minute foot massage.

2.Foot massage can serve as a natural pain relief

Foot massage can relief you of pain in general, not only pain in the feet.

A 2004 study showed that post-operative patients reported a greater reduction in their pain symptoms after a massage of the feet or hands compared to those who only used pain medication.

Another study showed that women who have been given foot massage after a C-section birth reported reduced post-op pain compared to the placebo group.

3.Foot can provide some relief to cancer symptoms and chemotherapy side effects

Studies are confirming that cancer patients are feeling a relief from the pain after a foot massage.

A 2012 study showed that breast cancer patients reported a dramatic reduction in physical symptoms, shortness of breath and improved energy levels after a foot massage.

4.Foot massage can ease Multiple Sclerosis symptom

A team of Iranian researchers found that reflexology was able to provide some relief from the crippling fatigue that so many people with multiple sclerosis suffer from.

5.Foot massage can lower your blood pressure

Research is showing that reflexology foot massage can lower your high blood pressure significantly.

Another study is showing that the systolic blood pressure and blood triglyceride levels were both improved after a therapeutic massage.

Further research found that patients with high blood pressure receiving massage specifically targeted at reducing blood pressure had symptom improvement that was significant enough that they were able to reduce dosages of their high blood pressure medications while undergoing the reflexology-based treatment.

6.Foot massage for relief of PMS symptoms

According to a 1993 study, women reported a reduction in their PMS symptoms following a reflexology—including foot massage therapy.

7.Foot massage for swollen legs

A 2010 study found that pregnancy-related edema was significantly reduced by a regular foot massage.

How to give a healing foot massage

One of the best gifts to a friend or a loved one is a relaxing and healing foot massage.

Below you can see one of many techniques for giving a foot massage:

1.Put some warm lotion or oil in your hand. Smooth the lotion or oil over the foot.
2.Hold the foot with both hands and rub the top of the foot using a firm motion with your thumbs. Start at the tip of each toe and move slowly all the way up to the ankle. Move back towards the toes and rub with a lighter stroke. Repeat this step 2 or more times.
3.While holding the foot with both hands, move your thumbs to the bottom of the foot and start rubbing it. Start at the tip of each toe and move your thumbs down towards the heel. Go back in the direction of the toes and rub the bottom of the foot with your thumbs. Repeat this step 2 or more times.
4.Repeat the same steps on the other foot.

source: http://healthadore.com

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