Foot massage - Why feet deserve a massage

Show me your feet! Did you know that there are some reflex points in the feet which, when stimulated by a massage, can radiate well-being throughout the body? Our feet carry us through the day and are therefore heavily used. After a stressful day at work, you just want to put them up. Often we feel pain or pressure, some feet swell up or the soles of our feet "burn". A relaxing treatment would be just the thing. In the case of orthopaedic deformities, this affects the entire musculoskeletal system and can lead to back or knee pain. This is why many people wear special insoles in their shoes to compensate for these deficits. So you see, the feet have a not insignificant influence on our whole body and our well-being. Therefore, they definitely deserve a thorough massage. More and more people in Germany are internalising this fact and have long since recognised the benefits of a foot reflexology massage.

What is behind foot reflexology?

When massaging the feet, reflex points are stimulated, each of which is related to a body part or organ. The activation of the points therefore triggers reflexes or reactions in the body, which is why we speak of a foot reflexology massage. About 5,000 years ago, the Chinese started the first treatments after they became aware of the positive and even healing effects. Since then, the method has been part of traditional, naturally applied medicine in China.

The feet also deserve honour and recognition

We often misjudge the importance of our feet. We like to put them in beautiful shoes in which they do not always feel particularly comfortable. In doing so, we unconsciously pay more attention to appearance than to functionality. Otherwise, we would probably squeeze them into uncomfortable pumps less often, knowing that in the evening we would like nothing better than to take off our fancy shoes because of the pain. Feet are there to move around and we take the service they provide for granted. Maybe this article will help you look at them differently.

The Chinese way of looking at the feet is very different from ours, after all they are the part of the body that connects us to the earth we walk on. According to the Chinese, they function as the entry port and distribution centre of the (earthly) energy, the Qi.
The feet are the reflection of our health and healing is possible through the stimulation of the reflex zones. Once the points have been identified, the treatment can begin. During the massage, the energy, the Qi, is released and distributed in the body. The optimised blood circulation ensures the exchange of toxins for energy.

The zones of my foot

You can roughly divide your foot into 4 zones, which cause reactions in different areas of the body through the massage:

The toes form zone 1: A massage of the toes can provide relief for complaints around the head. Headaches and neck pain, for example, are addressed as well as dental problems, tired eyes, inflamed sinuses and many more.

Zone 2 is located on the balls of the feet: They are primarily massaged in relation to our chest. This also includes organs such as the lungs and bronchi, the heart and the ribs.

In the arch of the foot we find zone 3: All organs between the diaphragm and the waist, e.g. the liver, the spleen, the pancreas and the stomach, benefit from a massage of this zone.

Zone 4 includes the heel and the transition area from the arch of the foot to it: the focus of this zone is on the kidneys, the various intestinal sections, the bladder and also the knees.

What positive reactions can a foot reflexology massage cause?

Triggering beneficial reflexes by stimulating the 4 foot zones can help:

• Reduce stress
• To relax and recover
• Improve the quality of sleep
• Release tension
• For pain relief
• Release energy and transfer it to the targeted parts of the body
• Stimulate the promotion of water retention and toxins
• Strengthen the immune system
• Promote blood circulation
• To evoke positive feelings
• Optimise the flow of energy

What exactly happens during a reflexology session?

The masseur makes sure they are comfortable and asks which area of the body you would like to address.

The massage is performed directly on the skin and using an essential oil or lotion. For this purpose, the undressed feet are elevated on a cushion and cleaned before the kneading treatment, mostly with warm, damp towels.

The therapist then takes a closer look at the feet to be able to determine the reflex zones more precisely. With his hands, he works intensively on the zone that was determined in the previous conversation. Those who have ticklish feet need not worry, because the masseur handles the hand movements and pressure points with precision. He stimulates the energy flow and evokes the positive reactions of the focused organs or areas. A session lasts about 1 hour, after which one feels vital and refreshed. If needed, one should consider regular treatment.

What costs will I incur?

For a one-time treatment, you have to reckon with 30 to 100 euros. The fee varies greatly between rural and urban areas. In Germany, foot reflexology is not considered a medical therapy such as physiotherapy and is not recognised by most health insurance companies. Nevertheless, there are occasional subsidies for alternative treatment methods, especially if they are related to a conventional medical therapy and promote its effect. Therapy centres themselves grant discounts for long-term treatment or offer treatment packages.

Foot reflexology for everyone?

With a few exceptions, anyone can enjoy reflexology. However, the following prerequisites must be observed: 

• In the event of a sprain, fracture or other complaints in the foot, you should refrain from the massage
• Pregnant women can try the massage from the 4th month and avoid it beforehand
• People who suffer from diseases of the heart and blood vessels and have a risk of thrombosis are not advised to undergo a foot reflexology massage.
• During an infectious disease such as flu and the like, one is not suitable for massage

We recommend that you consult your doctor and get advice from him or her before treatment. When choosing a therapist, look for seriousness and professionalism. Certificates and proof of training are good evidence of the masseur's suitability. Not everyone who kneads your feet is versed in this field.

The ancient Egyptians may have recognised the benefits of reflex zone therapy even before the Chinese, because on the sarcophagus of the Egyptian physician Ankhmahor (2330 BC) there are images showing people performing foot massages. In the hot desert sand, these were certainly also subjected to a lot of strain.

Which zone should I have treated?

The foot influences our entire body, including organs, joints, muscles, glands, etc. Depending on your concerns or which part of the body and its function should be optimised, the appropriate zone should be selected. For knee pain, focus on zone 4, the heel. For a tense neck, a toe massage helps. Of course, you can also perform such a treatment on your feet yourself, but you can also do a lot wrong. It is always preferable to have it done by a professional.

How can I give myself a foot massage?

Take a cosy, comfortable position. Now stretch out the foot and circle the ankle. Then stroke the foot with both hands from the heel towards the toes. After stretching the toes, make small circular movements from the heel to the toe. Press painful areas for a few seconds. The feeling after releasing is relieving. Finally, as at the beginning, run your hands over the foot as if to smooth it. With time, you will be able to locate your reflex points and find the sensitive areas more quickly.

As an alternative to the hands or as a supplement to self-massage, various aids are available. Hedgehog balls/massage balls, wooden massagers with rollers or regeneration mats, for example. A warm foot bath can already ensure a relaxed state of the feet before the treatment.

Some massage chairs are able to perform a foot reflexology massage, which is very close to manual therapy in terms of effectiveness and quality.