It’s quite simple to massage the hands, but somewhat more challenging to massage your own feet. The potential benefits make it worth figuring out a way to reach down and give your toes some attention. Even more than the hands, the feet are purported to be a meeting point for all of the energy systems in the body. Stimulating these points can give you an overall sense of well=being.
It’s amazing what our feet do. Made up of 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments, there is a lot going on down there. When everything is good, we rarely think about our feet other than what colour of shoes to put on them to match an outfit. But when they start to hurt, there is little else that we can think about.
Action – There are many things that can go wrong with the feet. Plantar fasciitis, ingrown toenails, gout, bunions, corns, hammertoe, nerve damage and arthritis are just a few of the issues that can affect them. When something hurts, we start to walk a different way and that can affect everything from the back to the hips to the knees. A lot is riding on the health of our feet, so using massage and common sense is crucial to keeping them well.
The worst thing we do is wearing uncomfortable shoes. Fashion is one thing, but causing a lifetime of pain isn’t worth wearing something just because it looks good. Use common sense and remember how important your feet are to your overall quality of life.
Steps – In order to reach the feet, you need to figure out what is easiest for you. Try sitting in a comfortable chair and bringing your knee as close to your body as possible, resting the foot on the chair if possible. Lying in bed might be easier if you are very overweight or extremely stiff. If you can’t reach your feet no matter what you do, it may be worth going to a massage therapist to have them work on your feet, or put a tennis ball on the floor and roll it under the soles and toes.
If you can reach them, use your thumbs to rub the soles of the feet in small circles, working from toes to heels. Rub each toe on both sides and in-between them as well. Do whatever feels good and do it for as long as is comfortable.
Why It Makes You Feel Better – Regular massage can reduce tension, stimulate circulation, relax the muscles and relieve pain. When you consider how much time you spend balanced on all of those little bones of the feet, you can imagine the constant stress they are under. A little attention can feel good and help everything to function better.
It’s also an opportunity to notice if anything is going on that might become a problem, such as ingrown toenails, corns and callouses, or bunions. Getting a step ahead of any potential issues is always helpful.
Example – After a long day, nothing feels as good as a foot massage. It’s a way of winding down and working out the stiffness and soreness that your feet are feeling. Knowing that it is beneficial for your overall health is a good reason to kick off the shoes and give yourself a massage.
Take five minutes in the evening or whenever you can fit it in and pay attention to your feet. They work hard for you, so do something nice for them.