Massage Therapy for Your Feet = Health for Your Whole Body
Your body is a well-coordinated and precisely balanced mechanism. It is designed to work as a whole, singular unit in cooperation with numerous inner systems. Each of the body’s systems functions in an inter-dependent way with all other systems. In a healthy body structure, fascia, muscles, joints, nerves, arteries and organs all work together to maintain the body’s integrity. For example: the heart needs the brain to regulate its operation; the musculoskeletal system depends on nourishment from the digestive system to grow and be strong.
According to the ancient Chinese principles of Reflexology, many of the body’s energy/electrical channels (meridians) that are channels to and from vital body organs, are connected to and terminate in the foot (see the diagram). Access to these organs through foot massage therapy or reflexology practices can clear any blocks that prevent the free flow of energy and nutrients that are necessary for healing. According to the diagram, energy meridians in the foot connect to such organs as liver, spleen/pancreas, stomach, gall bladder, bladder and kidneys.
Massage in the specific areas of the foot can relieve congestion and clear the path for energy to flow freely throughout the body. When that happens, balance is restored to the whole body.
Astounding Foot Factoid:
The foot, besides having the ability to carry heavy loads, is made up of 42 muscles, 26 bones, 33 joints, 250,000 sweat glands and at least 50 ligaments and tendons—plus almost 15,000 nerve endings!
Benefits of Foot Massage
When the foot is massaged, pain, discomfort or trauma in any associated areas of the body can be treated. The end benefits include:
- better sleep
- improved blood circulation
- greater relaxation
- less depression
- relief from pain
- reduced swelling
- lower blood pressure
- general overall health
Before and After reflexology thermal testing supports the above benefits. In the after photos, there is proof of a balanced increase of circulation and energy that includes blood circulation to all extremities proving that with just massage to the feet, every cell in the body can receive benefit.
According to Chinese medical traditions, interrupted body energy (Chi) can cause such diverse physical symptoms as headaches, constipation, sinus congestion and knee pain. You can avoid these issues and maximize good health and body balance by eating a healthy diet, getting appropriate exercise, engaging in healthy breathing practices, paying attention to good posture and taking time in your life to de-stress and relax. Living in a healthy way is never a perfect science – when things get off balance, you have your feet to provide a way to return to stasis.