Why you need a foot massage before going to sleep at night

Massage is the best technique for relaxation and also has positive effects on overall health. One of the best things you can do for yourself is self-massage.

Massage improves metabolism, stimulates the secretion of sweat, mobilizes fat, improves blood flow and accelerates the flow of blood through the tissue.

Massage is also good when it comes to beauty of the skin because it makes it supple and healthy. Hence we get a youthful look.

Massaging helps eliminate lactic acid, facilitates digestion and affects the muscles stretch and relax reflex.

Massaging and applying pressure on specific points of the feet (i.e. reflexology) can ease symptoms of various ailments and helps when it comes to improving and maintaining healthy organ function.

It is recommended to massage your feet every night before going to bed. The treatment will be most effective if the massage lasts from 10 to 15 minutes.

Foot massage is actually healing. A very large number of nerve endings are concentrated on the soles, and opposite ends of those same nerves are spread in all other parts of the body. Accordingly, feet represent a map of the whole body. When you massage them, you actually stimulate them as well as other parts of the body. This is why it is said that feet play an important role in our nervous system. In fact, the massage is very specific pressing your thumbs on the precise points. Firmly press for a few seconds, and then move on to the next point.

Here are some of the most common benefits of foot massage and reflexology:

·         Stimulates muscles and nerves.

·         Lessens stiffness.

·         Removes stress and fatigue.

·         Improves blood circulation.

·         Stimulates the lymphatic system.

·         Helps to lower blood pressure.

·         Improves immunity.

·         Increases metabolism.

·         Can relieve headaches and migraines.

·         Often relieves pain.

·         Unblocks energy flow.

·         Normalizes body functions.

·         Leads to better sleep.

Basic Message Steps:

1. Wash your feet. This cleans and warms them.

2. The best massages use a lubricant to make the massage easier. Adding essential oils provides the benefits of that specific oil. Add 1-2 drops of lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, or tea tree essential oils mixed with your regular skin lotion or carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or coconut oil.

3. Let’s start with your toes. Squeeze, pull and twist each toe one at a time, moving from the joint to the tip and the largest toe to the smallest.

4. Using both thumbs, massage the soles of your foot from top to bottom, applying strong pressure for a few seconds to each spot. Concentrate on your aches and pains or use the reflexology chart to guide you.

5. Massage heels, ankles and Achilles areas.

6. Don’t forget about the tops of the feet. You have reflexology points there too!

7. Repeat these steps for the other foot.

8. Experts recommend giving yourself feet massage every night for the best results.

Our feet go through a lot of abuse daily and we often neglect them. So tonight, when you’re resting and done with the day, kick off your shoes and give yourself a foot massage. Doing this right before you go to bed will help you to relax, fall asleep faster, and sleep better overall. Try it tonight and share this with others to help them find comfort and better health in their own lives!