From the moment we step out of bed, our feet are the ones supporting our every move throughout the whole day. Yet, they are the ones being neglected the most. Unfortunately, neglecting your feet also means neglecting a significant part of your health.

How so? It’s because your feet possess meridian points that link to your other body parts, spanning across your whole body. Hence, when you are getting a good foot massage, it is akin to reaping the benefits of a whole body massage.

Feet health = body health

Ever had a traditional foot massage before? If you did, the masseuse might have remarked you to take special care of your body when a certain area of your foot hurts more. How is your leg linked to the other parts of your body? Reason being, a large number of nerve endings are concentrated on your soles, and the other connective ends of those nerves reach to all over your body, like a spider web.

According to Traditional Chinese medicine philosophies, there are vital life force energies flowing through our bodies known as qi (氣). This qi also flows through channels or meridians, akin to a circulatory system.

Think of these meridian channels like a blood vessel. Unobstructed blood flow indicates good health. Whereas, obstructed blood flow caused by accumulation of sediments like cholesterol indicates unhealthy lifestyle, and leading to potential health problems like cardiac arrest.

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Similarly, a qi blockage in any of our body’s meridian channels will create problems like body aches. This blockage also explains one’s sensitivities in certain areas of your foot, as it corresponds to certain areas of the body. For example, if you experience particular sensitivities in your feet arches, you might want to take note of your kidneys.

Hence, think of your foot as the headquarters of your body’s energy pathways - a microcosm of your entire body.

A reflexology foot massage essentially stimulates these meridian points, and undoing any blockages promotes better qi circulation and reduced body aches and pains.

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Mental well-being

Besides relieving body issues, reflexology massage also reduces stress and anxiety levels. According to multiple[1][2][3] studies, a foot massage can promote relaxation by lowering heart rates, body tension and anxiety levels. After which, you will then feel more at ease, bringing about a state of optimum functioning.

This is also how the benefits of foot massages extend beyond relieving physical aches, and another reason why our feet plays a big part in our overall well-being. As a gateway to our health, caring for your feet also means caring for your general health. It is best to start taking care of them by treating them to regular massages. If an apple a day keep the doctor away, then a massage a day will keep all ailments away.

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[1] Hayes, J., & Cox, C. (1999). Immediate effects of a five-minute foot massage on patients in critical care. Intensive and Critical Care Nursing, 15(2), 77-82.
[2] Quattrin, R., Zanini, A., Buchini, S., Turello, D., Annunziata, M. A., Vidotti, C., ... & Brusaferro, S. (2006). Use of reflexology foot massage to reduce anxiety in hospitalized cancer patients in chemotherapy treatment: methodology and outcomes. Journal of Nursing Management, 14(2), 96-105.
[3] Stephenson, N. N. (1998). The effects of foot reflexology on anxiety and pain in patients with breast and lung cancer.

Caring For Your Feet Means Caring For Your Health

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