The traditions of Oriental feet massage date back to the times of Buddha who had a contemporary Indian physician called Jivaka Komarabhacca believed to be the father all kinds of massage techniques. There are similar traditional feet massage therapies originating in Thailand, Malaysia and China which have many therapeutic applications apart from being one of the most relaxing and rejuvenating experiences for the tired feet. In fact the Asian massage therapy relating to the feet has a detailed and complicated procedure of practice which has been described in detail in many historical scriptures.
The amazing experience of such a foot massage when administered by an experienced masseur can do wonders to your body and mind simultaneously.
Essential Ingredients to a Great Feet Massage Experience
The experience of a foot massage requires many essential ingredients ranging from the skills of the masseur and the environment to the aromatic oils and the mood of the receiver. All these factors combined together create a powerful mechanism that transports you beyond the realms of the physical world into a joyful world full of exciting sensations and memorable feelings. The environs for the feet massage needs to be thoughtfully set up to derive the maximum sensuality from the therapy. Pristine white ambiance, flickering lights from designer candles, fragrance of the aromatic oils and a soothing music are essential to create the right mood. As stated earlier, without the mood the relaxing effect of the feet massage can be seriously restricted. The receiver needs to let go for a moment and get submerged in the feelings and the sensations. The journey of the feet massage therapy commences from the cleaning and scrubbing of the feet while being submerged in knee deep water and carries you through the rhythmic motions of the masseur’s gentle touch that can easily teleport your senses into an exotic world of surreal sensuality.
How to Massage Feet – Feet Massage Techniques and Tips
The massage techniques in any feet massage therapy used have the potential to transform it into a pleasurable journey that lingers in your body and mind long after the session. Washing the feet thoroughly with lukewarm water with a few drops of aromatic essential oils like peppermint or lavender is the beginning of the Oriental massage technique. The application of the massage cream has to be with slightly warm hands for a soothing feel on the feet. The initial strokes in the process commence with light movements from top to bottom followed by strokes in the reverse directions. The golden rule in how to massage feet is that the pressure should be increased gently and the touch should linger at points where the nerves are located. Circular motions with the thumb and fingers on the sole are the source of the calming transformation that any good feet massage therapy is expected to produce. Rotation of the foot at the ankles and at the ball of the foot requires deliberate motions to send the right and relaxing signals to the brain. The sole will have to be kneaded with the fist with sufficient pressure to ensure that the foot muscles are adequately worked upon for the de-stressing effect. Pulling and rolling of the fingers must commence from the toe and then move towards the pinky finger. The basic feet massage technique that holds good for every situation is that the receiver must not be allowed to tense up at any time during the massage. Another tip that is given great importance in the Asian massage therapy is that both the feet must be given absolutely equal attention to ensure the symmetry of sensations on the lower part of the body.
Health Benefits of Feet Massage Therapy
There are several wonderful health benefits of a well administered foot massage session. The most significant advantage of getting a massage done is that is relaxes your muscles and calms the nerves after a hectic day to leave you with feeling of being rejuvenated and energetic. The de-stressing effect of a good feet massage is incomparable in its revitalizing and morale boosting properties. Apart from the psychological and emotional upliftment that the massage therapy offers, there are numerous direct benefits to the body as well. The tensions and pains in stiff calf muscles that may accumulate through the day of walking around can be easily washed off through a proper massage. The rhythmic movements in a massage therapy are aimed at improving the blood circulation in the feet which help build up stronger muscles in the load bearing parts of the legs. Improved blood circulation in the lower parts of the body is also considered beneficial for the digestive and excretory systems of the human body. The functioning of the kidney is known to have direct benefits of regular feet massage. Additionally the application of the aromatic essential oils frequently ensures a glowing skin with recharged surface cells in the feet that add to your sophisticated looks in the appropriate dresses.
Foot Reflexology Massage
Based in the Chinese belief that all nerve endings of the internal organs of the human body are accumulated at the sole of the feet, the reflexology foot massage acquires immense significance in its application. Careful and precise application of pressure on certain specific points on the soles of feet can stimulate subsequent reflex actions in other parts of the body. This forms the basic premise of employing feet reflexology massage for therapeutic uses. Some of the common ailments that can be effectively addressed through this massage technique include asthma, migraine, sinusitis and constipation. The increase in blood circulation arising out of such a massage therapy ensure a process called homeostasis which is considered as a great boost to various body functions. There are a few traditional restrictions which must be respected while administering feet reflexology massage. The massage cannot be given within one hour of having a meal and should never exceed more than 45 minutes through the duration of a single day. Pregnant and menstruating women are not allowed to receive any kind of reflexology massage. Both the massaged as well as the masseur must observe the traditions of the Oriental massage therapy for the process to be of any value.
The art and science of feet massage has been practiced for centuries in various cultures and subsequently several streams of therapies and techniques have evolved as a result of its immense popularity among people of all ages. Women in particular have been extremely fond of the feet massage therapy and thus several techniques have been developed specifically suiting the needs of women during the massage therapy. Touching, sliding, pressing, twisting, pulling and kneading the various soft tissues of the feet can be a magical and mesmerizing experience if carried out by an experienced masseur which comes along with a host of health benefits that are great for the body, mind and the soul.
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