What are foot massagers?
Foot massagers are devices designed to massage and stimulate the foot muscles and tissues. They can massage in a variety of ways, such as vibration, pressure, rolling or tapping. There are a variety of different foot massagers on the market, from manual rollers to electric devices with automated functions. Foot massagers are designed to help relieve tension and pain in the feet, improve circulation and promote overall well-being.
The importance of foot reflexology massage
The feet are a reflection of the human being and have symbolic meaning for how we stand in life and go through life. In Ayurveda, they are even considered a reflection of the cosmos. Dr. Fitzgerald divided the foot into different zones in which the individual organs are located. In this way, a map of the feet was created, which can be used as a rough guide:
- The tip of the foot with individual toes: Head with brain, eyes, ears, nose, teeth
- Inner edge of the foot: spine – the cervical spine is located between the big toe and the ball of the foot, the lumbar spine is located at the transition to the heel, the sacrum is located in the area of the heel
- Outer edge of foot: arms, shoulders, elbows, hips, knees
- Ball of foot: Here are the segments for lungs, chest, heart (on the left foot), esophagus and thyroid gland
- Heels: lower back and buttocks, knees, sciatic nerve.
- Arch of the foot: Here, individual areas are supposed to be connected especially with the internal organs (intestine, liver, gall bladder, kidneys)
As you can see in the picture, all organs and very many areas of the body are mapped on the soles of the feet. The treatment of these points is about a deep and fundamental regulation of the entire energetic system and an activation of the inner doctor, the self-healing forces. This effect is already known from the healing methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine, where it is applied in the form of acupuncture and acupressure. Here, too, it is about the harmonization of the energy system.
The effects of foot reflexology massage
Foot reflexology massage can be a wonderful addition to yoga, Ayurveda and wellness. Its areas of action are: Well-being and relaxation, prevention, healing, relief, regeneration, spiritual reconnection.
In the case of the common disease number 1, back pain and the resulting muscle tension, the “working” of the corresponding areas can certainly bring relief and an improvement in the life situation. The spine is shown on the inside of the feet as a foot reflex zone.
- Foot reflexology massage has the following effects:
- General vitalization
- relaxation of the vegetative nervous system
- Dissolution of energetic blockages
- Purification/detoxification
- Improvement of blood circulation
- Harmonization of organ activity
- Strengthening of the immune system
- Pain relief
- Decongestion, relief and recovery of muscles and joints
- Physical and psychological stress reduction
- Awakening of a new body and self-awareness
- Stimulation of creative potential
- In addition, many specific effects can be achieved.
How can foot massagers relieve tension in the back?
Foot massagers can relieve tension by targeting specific trigger points and muscle groups throughout the foot. By applying pressure, vibration or massage movements, the devices can stimulate blood circulation and lymph flow in the foot area, thereby promoting muscle relaxation. In particular, the use of rollers and balls can release adhesions and hardening in the muscles. The stretching and loosening of the plantar fascia, which can be responsible for heel pain, among other things, can also be supported by the use of foot massagers.
Tension in the back can also be relieved by rolling the soles of the feet, as the feet are connected to various areas of the body via nerve pathways and energy channels. Targeting specific areas of the sole of the foot that are connected to the back can help relieve muscle tension in the back and promote improved circulation.
In addition, foot massagers can stimulate the production of endorphins in the body, which act as the body’s own painkillers and thus can help relieve back pain. Regular use of foot massagers can reduce tension in the back and other areas of the body, resulting in an overall more relaxed and pain-free body.
How to use foot massagers?
Foot massagers can be used in a variety of positions to provide effective massage and relaxation. The most common positions are:
1. Sitting: In this position, you can use the foot massager on the floor or on an elevated object such as a chair or sofa. One can place the feet on the device and enjoy the massage while maintaining an upright posture.
2. Lying down: In the supine position, one can use the foot massager on a flat surface such as a yoga mat or bed. In this case, you can rest your legs on the device and enjoy the relaxing effect of the massage.
3. Standing: Some foot massagers can also be used while standing. Here, the device is placed on the floor and you step on it with your feet to receive a massage. This position can be especially helpful in promoting blood circulation to the feet and counteracting painful tension.
How to release tension with foot massagers?
The various training devices can be used to work on specific areas and on specific points. The flat rolling simultaneously covers many foot reflex zones and therefore has a rather unspecific effect, while the punctual working through circular, pressing or pumping movements allows targeted stimuli on corresponding body areas.
- Concave rollers is suitable for a flat work. Due to the concave surface shape you can massage very well the inside of the foot and thus the foot reflex zone spine.
- Round massager allows you to work selectively with circular movements. And it can easily reach and cover the entire sole of the foot.
- A semi nub ball has the advantage that it cannot roll away and thus a punctual and intensive massage of foot reflex zones without the need to constantly keep the training device under control. Very well you can work with pressing and pumping massage techniques.
- With a semi roller can be massaged by the firm support very targeted flat the sole of the foot. Due to the bisection you stand firmly on the floor and have a stable stand.
When should the foot reflexology massage not be used?
Reflexology is generally a safe and gentle method, but there are some cases in which it should not be used. These include:
- Infectious diseases or open wounds on the feet
- Pregnancy, especially in the first three months
- Cancer, especially if metastases have formed in the bones
- Blood clots or other circulatory problems
- Diabetes with restricted blood flow or nerve damage in the feet
It is important to consult your doctor or therapist before having a foot reflexology massage if you suffer from any of the above conditions.
Caution is advised during pregnancy: Stimulating individual points or massage areas could induce labor. When preparing for childbirth, we make use of this assumption: to stimulate labor, the uterine point (between the inner ankle and the heel) can be massaged with pressure. The uterine point (between the inner ankle and the heel) can be massaged with pressure if labor activity is to be stimulated.
Our TOGU experts advise:
Our tip for an effective foot massage against tense muscles: before using the massager, bathe your feet in warm water for a few minutes or spray them with a foot spray. This helps to improve blood circulation and relax the muscles before you start the massage. During the massage, take time to breathe deeply and focus your attention on the affected area. Use the massager slowly and with gentle pressure to avoid pain. Regular use of foot massage can help relieve tension and promote an overall sense of well-being.
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