Foot reflexology is often done to relax muscles and relieve soreness. Well, this type of reflexology can also be done yourself at home, you know. Want to know how? Check out the explanation here.
Foot reflexology is an alternative medicine method by pressing certain points on the foot area. Therapists believe that these reflection points represent the condition of certain organs and limbs. For example, the left big toe represents the left side of the head or the right big toe represents the right lung.
Although its effectiveness is not known for certain, foot reflexology is believed to have a certain effect by improving the flow of energy in the body called chi. Foot reflexology can also be used to relieve nausea, anxiety, constipation, and insomnia.
Foot Reflexology Techniques Based on Its Benefits
There are several foot reflexology techniques that you can acquire by learning them. Each technique is generally tailored to the purpose you want to do reflexology. Here is the explanation:
1. Eliminate sore feet
Walking long distances or wearing high heels can make your feet sore. One way to relieve the soreness that appears is with foot reflexology.
Sit comfortably in a chair, then place your left foot on your right thigh. Next, you can perform the following foot reflexology steps:
- Massage the entire foot using the thumb of the right hand.
- After that, massage each toe using your thumb and forefinger in a circular motion.
- Pull one big toe to the right side, while the other to the left side. Do this movement for 1-2 minutes.
- Grasp all of your toes in one grip, then bend toward the sole of the foot and the back of the foot alternately.
- The last stage, press the entire surface of the foot and shake it.
When all the foot reflexology techniques have been followed, you can do it on the other side of the foot.
2. Merelieve symptoms premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Research shows that foot reflexology can relieve PMS symptoms, such as low back pain and headaches. The trick is to press one of the curves of the foot with one hand, precisely on the edge of the surface of the foot.
Next, press the center of the big toe with the other hand. This massage is believed to relax the ovaries, uterus, and hypothalamus glands in the brain.
3. Makes sleep better
Foot reflexology is also known to relax the body and reduce stress, resulting in a better night's sleep. You can do foot reflexology by pressing the instep between the big toe and the other toe firmly and deeply. You can do pressure at this point for 3 minutes.
4. Relieves anxiety and depression
Research shows that foot reflexology can relieve anxiety and depression. The following are foot reflexology steps to relieve anxiety and depression:
- Bend your toes toward the sole of your foot.
- Next, find a small indentation on the sole of the foot and massage this area with your thumb.
- When massaging, make sure your other hand grips the top of your foot so that the pressure is even stronger.
- After one leg is finished, reflect on the other leg.
5. Relieves back pain
If you want to relieve back pain, press the point of the arch of the foot with your thumb. Next, move your thumb up and down along the point of the curve.
Foot reflexology is known to provide better results for relieving back pain than back massage.
In general, foot reflexology is considered safe. However, the thing you need to remember, foot reflexology cannot replace medical treatment. Also, avoid reflexology if you have circulatory problems, gout, and blood clotting disorders.
If you want to treat certain health conditions with foot reflexology, make sure the therapy is carried out by a trained therapist. However, if foot reflexology is not able to overcome the complaints you are experiencing, consult a doctor so that appropriate treatment can be carried out.