| It seems that just about everyone enjoys a | | | | Where to Get a Foot Massage |
| good foot massage. Limited to just one area of | | | | Foot massages are offered just about anywhere |
| the body - an area that is often neglected but | | | | a regular massage is, although some masseuses |
| takes the brunt of our everyday activities - foot | | | | are able to create a niche specialty primarily in the |
| massages are both relaxing and healing, and for | | | | feet. However, there are different types of foot |
| many people, they are the epitome of luxury. | | | | massages. Some regular, full body massages |
| While it's not uncommon to have a friend or lover | | | | include the feet, but don't focus exclusively on |
| offer a foot rub for a quick fix for painful feet, a | | | | them. These are probably the least likely to do |
| true foot massage requires the right equipment | | | | much good, since not much time is spent on any |
| and training. | | | | one part of the body. |
| Reflexology and Foot Massages | | | | Shiatsu is another type of massage that |
| While massage and reflexology are two different | | | | incorporates foot work into the treatment, as is |
| things, they are often combined. Reflexology | | | | Zone Reflex Therapy. In some cases, podiatrists |
| focuses on the use of certain pressure points on | | | | and physical therapists use foot massages to |
| the foot, each of which coincides with a part of | | | | enhance their regular services and to relax the |
| the body. It is believed that by manipulating and | | | | feet and muscles. |
| applying pressure to these points, the specific | | | | For the best results, most clients choose to look |
| body parts can benefit from increased blood flow | | | | for a spa that offers foot massages as a specific |
| and stimulation that promotes healing. | | | | focus. This means that they are assured of |
| Foot massage, by its very nature, means rubbing | | | | getting the right amount of time spent on |
| and pressing the feet and stretching out the | | | | manipulating the muscles in the foot and working |
| muscles found there. The reflexology points would | | | | out any stiffness and swelling. These facilities also |
| then be pressed, even unintentionally. By | | | | take the time to find and treat any potential |
| combining both types of therapy, even greater | | | | issues in the feet, whereas a regular body |
| benefit is found, since pressure points are | | | | massage that includes the feet is rarely in-depth |
| intentionally manipulated. | | | | enough to find problems associated specifically |
| Health Benefits of a Foot Massage | | | | with the feet. |
| Our feet are pummeled all day long and carry our | | | | Equipment and Training Used in Foot Massage |
| entire weight on a very small surface area. Add in | | | | Therapy |
| shoes that pinch, high heels, or other factors and | | | | Most foot massages are done with just bare |
| most people have feet that are in desperate | | | | hands, but in some cases, a special instrument |
| need of relaxation. People who are required by | | | | might be used to help reach the deeper tissues of |
| their job to be on their feet all day (such as | | | | the foot, particularly in the sole. A curved wooden |
| waitresses, nurses and store clerks) are | | | | or stone massage instrument is useful for this. |
| particularly at risk for developing aches and pains, | | | | Podiatrists occasionally use compressed air to |
| as well as other problems, in their feet. Studies | | | | reduce edema in the feet and stimulate blood |
| have shown that having foot problems can throw | | | | flow. This method is particularly useful when |
| the entire body off and cause pain in areas | | | | dealing with foot ulcers caused by diabetes, and |
| seemingly unrelated, such as the back or neck. | | | | has been proven to reduce healing time by up to |
| Stimulating blood flow to the feet with massage | | | | a month after foot surgery. |
| and easing the tense muscles there alleviates | | | | Most traditional massage facilities offer training in |
| stress and can help relax the entire body. This is | | | | foot massage techniques, but for training in more |
| one of the reasons people opt for this type of | | | | specialized techniques, prospective students should |
| massage. It takes less time than a full body | | | | look for specific reflexology or alternative therapy |
| massage, but offers instant stress relief. When | | | | schools. However, it's not required to have a |
| feet are swollen, the gentle pressure and | | | | certificate directly in the subject, and many people |
| manipulation can help move the excess liquid out | | | | find that they can learn the basics of a great foot |
| of the tissue, leaving them refreshed and feeling | | | | massage by simply watching instructional videos |
| light. | | | | or taking a look through a photo tutorial. |