Do your arches ache or your heels hurt? Do you have gout or are you battling bursitis? Nearly three out of four people suffer some form of foot ailment in their lifetime, and it is especially common for pregnant women, people who stand most or all of the day at work, or who exercise strongly.
But no matter what you do, your feet work hard for you every day and just like your neck, back and shoulders, your feet can also benefit from a regular rubdown.
According to Dr Howard LeWine of Harvard Health, foot massage:
- improves circulation
- stimulates muscles
- reduces tension, and
- may ease pain.
He says it also gives you a chance to check out your fee so you can get a jump on treating blisters, bunions, corns and toenail problems.
Dr LeWine says that while a professional foot masage is a treat, it's not necessary to get the benefits. Instead, he's given us this guide for a do-it-yourself foot massage.
- Sit in a comfortable chair. Bend your left leg and rest your left foot gently on your right thigh.
- Pour some skin lotion or oil into your hand. Rub it gently in your foot and massage your whole foot, including the toes, arch and heel.
- Do a deeper massage. Press the knuckles of your right hand into your left foot. Knead your foot as you would dough - or work the skin and muscles by holding a foot with both hands and pressing your thumbs into the skin.
- Using your hands, gently pull the toes back and forth or apart. This stretches the muscles underneath.
- Repeat on the other foot.
Dr LeWine says massage devices, such as low-tech foot rollers, can also help relax and restore the condition of your feet.
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