Massage is one of the most appreciated practices by all of us. It is a process that provides relaxation and well-being to relieve daily pressure with simple, non-intrusive techniques. A massage requires a level of training and technical sophistication depending on whether it is relaxing, sports or therapeutic. On the other hand, everyday, the ideal is to have a partner who master a few gestures to relax, failing that, it is enough to know some basic notions to do good oneself without depending on anyone and without breaking the bank.
When we hear about massage, we tend to think of a specialist who takes care of us because it is difficult to be massaged the body itself. It is true that all the parts usually massaged are impossible to reach, with the exception of one: the feet. Indeed, it is the least maintained part of our body even though it is she who supports the rest of the body and ensures the majority of our movements and displacements. Plantar reflexology brings us some techniques to take care of our feet and in turn, the rest of our body by targeting specific points to relax.
The unknown organ
It is difficult to imagine that one foot has 26 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments, 19 muscles, 125,000 sweat glands and that, on average, a normal person will walk the equivalent of 4 times around the world. at the age of 70! In addition to all these feats, the feet have over 7,200 nerve endings connected to all body organs.
This last specificity not only makes the feet very sensitive to the massage, but in fact also an extension which makes it possible to reach the other organs.
A window on the body
Plantar reflexology puts the link between the different organs of the body and specific points on the feet: by massaging particular places, we do good to the bodies that correspond to them.
While there is still no scientific evidence on the direct benefits of reflexology, its non-invasive nature and its effect on general well-being leads specialists to consider it as a technique that ensures comfort and comfort in the home. body level.
In addition to doing good to other organs, a good massage of 10 to 15 minutes with a cream or an essential oil relaxes the body and rest the mind.
For a restful sleep
A good foot massage will allow you to sleep like a baby because it has an ability to improve your blood circulation while reducing tension. It provides your muscles with a relaxing and stimulating effect while helping to relieve the pain of long walks or uncomfortable shoes. A foot massage is as beneficial as, if not more than, that applied to the neck, shoulders and back. In addition, it is a good opportunity to check your feet to avoid or at least anticipate problems related to blisters, fungi and diseased nails.
Techniques for a good massage
The ideal is to be massaged by a professional, but in the case where it is difficult to obtain the care of a specialist, it is advisable to do it right:
Make yourself comfortable. Then, bend your leg and put your foot on the other leg.
Using a special massage lotion, cream or oil, gently massage the entire foot through the toes, heel and foot.
In a second step, begin to massage deeper using your fist in a dynamic back and forth motion (as if you were kneading bread). You can then hold your foot with both hands and use the thumbs to massage the muscles and skin.
To relax the lower foot muscles, gently pull your toes forward and back and then from right to left.
Repeat the same with the other foot for at least 5 minutes.