Foot Therapy
Interesting Facts about Foot Therapy
Foot therapy in the form of reflexology is considered by some to be a folk method of healing. Others believe that there is solid science behind the practices. Either way, foot therapy is relaxing, can relieve pain, and feels good.
Reflexology relies on the belief that specific parts of the foot are related to different parts of the body’s system. For example, the tips of the toes are said to communicate with the top of the head. The theory goes on to connect the urinary system with the achilles tendon, and the spine is believed to be connected with the insides of the feet. There are complicated charts that show multiple points on the feet that relate to each major organ or system of the body.
Reflex therapy practitioners claim that massaging those parts of the feet will assist in healing the related parts of the body. Circulation, immune function, digestion, glandular systems, even mental health can be improved through reflex therapy, also called foot zone therapy. Discoloration, tenderness, and pain signal imbalances or problems with different organs and systems of the body. Reflex therapists believe that certain diseases and disorders can be discovered before symptoms are apparent using foot therapy. Authentic reflex therapists have gone through intensive training and certification before practicing the art.
There are many possibilities for foot therapy at home. A simple foot massage with plenty of lotion from a spouse can relax your entire body and make your feet feel great. Tennis balls are a helpful tool for foot therapy at home that you can do yourself. Physical therapists often use tennis balls to massage the bottom of the feet and they recommend using a tennis ball for foot therapy at home. It takes only about 15 minutes a day to obtain and maintain foot, ankle, and leg health using this method. You can roll the tennis ball around under the foot for a whole foot massage.
Some believe that there are three spots at the base of your toes, five places on the ball of your feet, five spots in the middle of your foot, and five places just in front of the heal that when stimulated with a tennis ball, will help relieve pain from sciatica, knees, hips, and achilles tendonitis. Place the tennis ball under each of these spots and press down firmly on the ball for about ten seconds. You should press firmly enough to feel it, but if there is severe pain, you may have an injury and need to see your doctor. When using this method, do not roll the ball around under the foot.
Another home therapy for your feet is to freeze a hard plastic bottle, such as a Gatorade bottle. Leave your sock on to prevent freezing of the skin. Sit down and place the bottle on the floor under your foot. Gently roll the bottle forward and back under your foot. Use just enough pressure to avoid pain. This home foot therapy loosens the tendons and muscles as well as provides an anti-inflammatory effect because of the ice. This is especially effective for plantar fasciitis.
Excessive weight and occupations that require long durations of walking or standing can cause foot discomfort, pain, or even structural problems. Home foot therapy, professional massage, and reflexology can help alleviate some foot pain, but other steps may also be helpful and necessary.
Foot and leg pain may be caused by lack of circulation. Foot massage may help alleviate this in the short run, but if you have consistent swelling, you should consult a physician to ensure that something more serious is not the problem. Losing weight, elevating the feet when it’s possible, and wearing supportive shoes can all prevent or alleviate foot problems.