Terri Ramsey Beavers 
After a long day on our feet, all we want is a revitalizing foot massage. We all know they feel incredible but do their powers end there?
Are there any actual foot massage benefits?
We’ve compiled a list of the top 9 reasons your partner should give you a foot massage today!
1. Improves Circulation
If you work in an office or stay sitting most days, chances are you won’t be working your foot muscles regularly. Because of this, our feet won’t get enough circulation, especially if we squeeze them into tight shoes.
A 10 to 20-minute foot massage before bed will improve your circulation, important for those suffering from ailments like diabetes.
Be sure to massage your whole foot including the toes, arch, and heel. For the best results, work the muscles by holding your foot with both hands and pressing your thumbs into the skin.
2. Helps Relaxation
One of the major benefits of foot massages is how they let us wind down after a chaotic week. After flitting around all day, a foot massage has the power to improve our general well-being as we return to a relaxed state. This is also perfect before going to bed as the soothing motion will ease you into a peaceful slumber.
3. Keeps Your Feet Healthy
Reflexology is an ancient Chinese healing method that focuses on the reflex points in our hands, ears, and feet. The foot, as believed by Chinese Medicine, is a separate body as it is divided into many various vital-energy sections.
This practice believes that these body parts are linked to our various organs and body systems. It is also encouraged to drink warm water after the massage to help clear away any toxic substances in our body.
To reap the foot reflexology benefits, you must massage specific areas of the feet to remove toxins and increase healthy blood flow to the rest of the body. Studies show that it is useful alongside medical treatments to treat stress, cancer, and headaches.
4. Alleviates Swelling
Swelling, otherwise known as edema, is the buildup of excess fluid because of trauma in a specific area of the body. This is a reaction to conditions like diabetes, heart problems, or heavily pregnant women.
Turkish researchers found that pregnant women who got a 20-minute foot massage daily managed to reduce their lower leg edema greatly.
5. Reduces the Effects of Depression and Anxiety
Another one of the benefits of foot massage reflexology is its ability to ease mental ailments. The best way to do this is to curl your toes so you can see a small indent just below the ball of your foot.
Place your thumb on it and massage the area in small circles. Doing this is so effective that research has shown it helps alleviates anxiety from cancer patients.
6. Helps with Headaches and Migraines
You’ll be tempted to Google “foot massage near me” after this especially if you’re prone to headaches.
A study in Denmark showed that patients suffering from migraines showed great results after receiving reflexology treatments. The subjects stopped taking their medication and, three months later, 65% had reduced symptoms while others had been cured.
You can quieten your headache by pressing your big toe and releasing several times (if your pain is temple-based). Note that the left foot is used for the left side of the head and the right foot for the right.
7. Lowers Blood Pressure
Many of us suffer from high blood pressure because of stress and an unhealthy diet, or simply as a result of genetics.
A study conducted on healthcare staff working with elderly people showed that a 10-minute foot massage three times a week resulted in an improved mood, less anxiety, and lower blood pressure.
If you want to maximize the foot massage then check out the Buyers Guide For The Best Wooden Foot Massagers here.
8. Helps With Flat Feet and Plantar Fasciitis
Flat feet, or fallen arches, occur when you no longer have an arch in your feet due to ligament laxity, causing it to collapse. Some people find that their feet can hurt after physical activity.
Plantar fasciitis, or chronic heel pain, is caused by inflammation or when the plantar fascia (the tissue that supports the arch of the foot) deteriorates. According to ShoeAdviser, you can experience radiating pain from your heel to your arch of the foot if you have plantar fasciitis. This is usually caused by wearing inappropriate footwear that does not support your arches or cushion your sole.
If you regularly get a deep foot massage, with strong pressure on the arch, it can help reduce the pain and potentially cure these conditions.
9. Alleviates Symptoms of PMS and Menopause
There are many symptoms tied to PMS (premenstrual syndrome) such as sadness, irritability, anxiety, tension, and fatigue. Luckily, most of the symptoms can be alleviated when you get daily foot massages during this time.
Foot massages also help menopause and reduce the frequency of hot flashes and a bout of depression. The trick is to put your finger where your big toe joins the next and move in about one-and-a-half inches towards your ankle.
Next, press the spot and make small clockwise circles for the next few minutes. Switch feet and repeat the motion.
This helps because points on the body trigger a flood of brain chemicals (like endorphins and serotonin) that reduce our pain perception and make us more relaxed.
…And Those Are the Foot Massage Benefits!
As you now know, there are many foot massage benefits to enjoy. Not only do you get more connected to your partner (if they’re masseuse for the session) but they can reduce pain, stress, and discomfort regardless of the ailments
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