Home - Health - 9 Health Benefits Of A Foot Massage

9 health benefits of a foot massage

9 health benefits of a foot massage

A foot massage can be an incredibly relaxing and calming experience after a long workday. Professional foot massages not only benefit the feet, but they also have many advantages for the body and mind. The feet have several acupressure points connected to different body parts, making the massage even more comforting. Additionally, foot massages improve mental and emotional health. Here are some unexpected health benefits of a foot massage one can experience:

Reduced stress and anxiety
Stress has become a part of life with increased work pressure and less sleep. Studies suggest that foot massages can lower stress, manage anxiety, and help the body relax. In fact, when patients with a history of stroke were given foot massages, their anxiety levels were reduced.

Improved blood circulation
The muscles in the feet are not used enough these days because of a lack of physical activity. A good foot massage can compensate and reactivate the feet muscles because it stimulates blood flow, increasing blood circulation in the feet and legs. People with diabetes can particularly benefit from such increased blood circulation.

Better sleep quality
Disturbed sleep can be caused by many factors, including stress, specific health issues, worrisome thoughts, or even a mentally stimulating day. A few minutes of foot massage before bedtime can help with better sleep quality because it makes one relax completely and relieves muscle tension.

Quick recovery from foot injuries
A foot massage is an effective way to soothe foot and ankle injuries and help recover quicker. Massages can also help reduce the impact of injuries by strengthening the feet and ankles and making them more flexible.

A boost to the immune system
One needs a strong immune system to recover quickly from diseases and fight bacteria, germs, etc. With regular foot massages, white blood cells tend to become more active, so they help fight infections and diseases better.

Better appetite
Loss of appetite is common if one is suffering from digestive problems. Getting a foot massage stimulates the digestive system, making one feel hungry after the massage. So, it can help induce appetite and aid digestion.

Reduced instances of headaches
Those who often experience headaches opt for head massages, but surprisingly, foot massages can also reduce headaches. Some pressure points on the feet are connected to the head and brain. When these points are activated with external pressure, it reduces headaches and their intensity.

Lowered blood pressure
High blood pressure can cause other problems like lightheadedness and shortness of breath. Many people with high blood pressure benefit from a foot massage because it relaxes and soothes the body. Even 10 minutes of a good foot massage can calm the body and mind and lower the pressure of the blood.

Reduced menstrual symptoms
Menstrual pain, cramping, mood swings, and other symptoms are common among women. A week of constant bleeding can be difficult to endure. A foot massage can relieve stress associated with periods and manage its symptoms better.

Foot massages are generally safe. However, those with certain conditions like varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, and others, may have to avoid the process. Therefore, consult a health care expert before opting for regular foot massage sessions.

Previous Read

Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

Next Read

4 side effects of antidepressants

Antidepressants are meant for the management of depressive disorders such as clinical depression, bipolar depression, persistent depressive disorder (PDD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), atypical depression, seasonal affective disorder, bulimia, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and social phobia. Healthcare providers generally prescribe these in combination with psychotherapy (talk therapy) to address the root cause of depression. While antidepressants help manage these conditions, there are a few side effects to be aware of. There are a few typical side effects of anti-depressants and some not-so-common side effects. These are mentioned below: 1. Typical side effects Every individual may experience different reactions to antidepressants. Some of the most frequently occurring side effects include nausea, trouble sleeping (insomnia) or sleeping too much, dry mouth, blurred vision, dizziness, decreased alertness, agitation, and anxiety. A few other symptoms also include loss of appetite, loss of libido, headache, diarrhea or constipation, fatigue, tremors, and increased sweating. 2. Bleeding Some antidepressants can affect the blood-clotting process, increasing the risk of bleeding. One may experience this in the form of frequent, easy bruising and nosebleeds. 3. Lower sodium levels Antidepressants may also negatively impact the sodium levels in the body. This is more common among older people. Symptoms of low sodium levels (hyponatremia) include headaches, confusion, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, fatigue, crankiness, restlessness, muscle cramps or weakness, and seizures. 4. Serotonin syndrome This is a rare but fatal reaction to antidepressants. Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, diarrhea, high temperature, shivering, sweating, tremors, muscle twitching, over-responsive reflexes, agitation, dilated pupils, confusion or delirium, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), and high blood pressure. In more serious cases, individuals may also experience convulsions (fits), arrhythmia, or coma. Reactions to antidepressants may depend on factors such as interactions with other treatment options, age, genetics, and the type of antidepressant. Tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) typically cause more reactions in comparison to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Strategies to cope with side effects The side effects of antidepressants generally tend to improve within the first few weeks of starting them. However, they may sometimes require professional intervention or lifestyle changes. Some strategies that may help one cope with these side effects include the following: Take the prescriptions with food unless specified otherwise. This will reduce the risk of nausea. Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Drink lots of fluids (especially water) throughout the day. This helps with nausea and dry mouth. Avoid consuming sweets and sugary beverages. Maintain a food diary to check if a particular food is causing a reaction. Engage in light exercise, such as walking, jogging, biking, swimming, or aerobics, to keep drowsiness at bay. This will also help reduce feelings of restlessness and anxiety. If the antidepressant causes insomnia, speak to the doctor about taking it during the day. Alternatively, if it causes drowsiness, take the antidepressant at night if the doctor approves. Avoid caffeinated food or drinks later in the day. Eat low-calorie, high-fiber foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Those experiencing frequent bouts of dizziness must use handrails or canes for support, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery, and get up slowly from a seated position. Try breathing exercises.

Trending Articles

01

Everything you need to know about chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme tiredness and fatigue that does not go away even after resting. The causes of the condition are yet to be known. However, there are some theories indicate several factors which include: Viral infection Stress Or several factors in unison Once the symptoms are identified and the condition is diagnosed, treatment can be taken to get relief from symptoms. Understanding all aspects of the condition, including its stages, diagnosis, symptoms, and prevention can help in managing it effectively. Different stages and phases of chronic fatigue syndrome The patients of chronic fatigue syndrome undergo four phases of the condition. Their response towards the treatment can also vary greatly depending on the phase that they are going through. These phases are: Phase I: Crisis or trauma Phase II: Stabilization Phase III: Resolution Phase IV: Integration During all the phases, a chronic fatigue syndrome patient undergoes some physical, psychological, and social changes that are easily noticeable. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome No one test can diagnose a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome. This is because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome resemble several other health conditions. Therefore, a lot of patience is required for the diagnosis of the condition.
02

What you should know about depression

Depression is a mental health disorder that results in bouts of continuous sadness. A clinical mood disorder can lead to physical and emotional suffering, and can also change one’s behavior. Frustration, anger outbursts, lack of energy, sleep issues, anxiety, disinterest in eating, concentration issues, and suicidal thoughts are also common symptoms of this disease. Depending on its severity, the illness can challenge one to lead a normal life, too. Diagnosis There are many different methods a medical professional can use to determine if one is affected by depression. Psychiatric evaluation is the most common way to determine if one is suffering from the disease. The mental health doctor will interview the affected person to understand their thought process, mood, and other symptoms. Some doctors may compare symptoms with the ones listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This makes it easier for them to understand the condition. A physical exam is also performed to determine if any physical health issue is caused due to this mental condition. Stages of depression Depending on the level of sadness, the stages of depression can be divided into five stages: Stage 1 Even though the signs of mental disease are hard to miss, for most people, it starts with denial.
03

Important things you should know about diabetes

The pancreas is an important organ in our body that produces insulin. It is required to help the glucose pass to our cells from the blood. That is how energy is created, which is the fuel we require to function. When the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, the glucose level in one’s blood increases. This can result in diabetes, which can lead to organ damage. Types of diabetes There are mainly three kinds of this disease. Type 1 diabetes It can be most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Having said that, it can occur at any age. The insulin production of one’s body decreases with this condition, and they require daily injections to control their glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes Around 90% of people who have diabetes suffer from this type. It is most commonly seen in adults and results in one’s body failing to properly use the insulin that is produced. It can be kept under control by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but one may also require medicine in the advanced stages. Gestational diabetes This can be seen during pregnancy if the glucose level in one’s blood increases. It can affect both the child and the mother.
04

Gout – Diagnosis, stages, and prevention

Gout or gouty arthritis is a form of arthritis that commonly occurs in the joint located at the base of one’s big toe. It can also be seen in other joints and results in swelling, sudden pain, and tenderness. It can happen to anyone and occur at any moment, even suddenly in the middle of the night. The good news is that it can be prevented and treated. Diagnosis of gout Multiple medical tests can be used to determine if one has this form of arthritis. Below is a list of the most common tests. Joint fluid test The doctor uses a needle to collect fluid from one’s joint and test the same under a microscope. If urate crystals are found in the fluid then they have the condition. Blood test For gout detection, the doctor may suggest a blood test. The amount of creatinine and uric acid present in one’s blood indicates if they have it or not. However, the result of the blood test may not always be conclusive. X-ray imaging If one has joint inflammation, the doctor can use X-ray imaging to determine if it is caused by any other reason or gouty arthritis. Ultrasound A musculoskeletal ultrasound test is used to determine if one has gout or any other form of arthritis.

Our Blogs

Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of ADHD

Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of ADHD

ADHD, short for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, affects children worldwide, and this also often carries on into their adulthood. Some of the different problems faced by kids suffering from ADHD include sustaining attention for a long time, impulsive behavior, and hyperactivity. There might be other problems associated with ADHD, like low self-esteem, low grades in school, and difficulty in keeping up with relationships. More often than not, symptoms of ADHD are seen to have decreased with age. However, there are cases wherein ADHD symptoms never subside. Levels of ADHD There are three different levels or stages at which ADHD can affect individuals. They are: Predominantly inattentive ADHD This level of ADHD may be related to missing details very easily and getting distracted often. Also, one may get bored very quickly. One has difficulty in processing new information, and there is also the tendency to not listen properly. One might not be able to follow directions very clearly and also lose things like pencils or papers. It has been observed that girls are more likely to get inattentive ADHD than boys. Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive ADHD This is mostly associated with symptoms like restlessness and difficulty with sitting still. Kids suffering from hyperactive-impulsive ADHD have a tendency to talk consistently, and it’s less likely that they will engage in quiet activities.
Read More
Understanding skin aging

Understanding skin aging

Changes in the skin are one of the biggest signs that the body is aging. But how the aging of skin takes place depends on a lot of factors such as our diet, lifestyle habits, stress levels, and the like. For example, if you smoke regularly, it can lead to the production of free radicals, which damage healthy skin cells and cause wrinkles. So, let’s dig a little deeper into skin aging so that you can diagnose it and prevent it for as long as possible. Stages of skin aging As you age, you will start noticing changes in your skin. These changes take place in phases or stages. Learning about these phases can allow you to take better care of your skin and stay away from everything that can prove to be harmful to it. So, these stages of skin aging are: Stage I – Between 25 and 35 years This is the time when your skin will look extremely voluminous to you. But, this is also the time when the early signs of aging will start to appear. Therefore, it is important that you follow a good skincare regime. Some wrinkles can start appearing on the forehead. Lines can also start to appear on the face when you make normal expressions such as laughing, smiling, or frowning.
Read More
Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of addiction

Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of addiction

There are three terms that one can relate to addiction – reward, motivation, and memory. Addiction is when the body craves a behavior or substance in an obsessive pursuit of a reward. The person will have little concern about the consequences of the particular behavior or substance. Things to note in case of addiction Some of the attributes that one can relate with addiction include an inability to stay away from the substance, lack of self-control, an outrageous desire for the substance or behavior, ignorance towards the problems that the behavior might be causing, and a growing tendency to ignore the emotional response. Addictions have been known to interfere with daily life and there are also cases of relapse and remission. The complications of addiction can be physical, emotional, as well as financial. Stages of addiction There are five main stages of addiction. These include: Experimentation Every addiction starts with experimentation and during this stage, one cannot understand that this is the beginning of an addiction. One cannot be sure that this will turn into something serious, and hence no necessary steps are taken at this stage. A simple way to find out how this will turn into addiction is understanding the reason for experimenting and how often a person experiments with new substances.
Read More
Top debt settlement companies in the USA

Top debt settlement companies in the USA

Incurring debt is really common in this age and era as everything has become extremely expensive, from college education to owing a house. If you ever feel that your debt is too large and you may not be able to pay it in time, then you can seek the help of a debt settlement company. These companies essentially communicate with your creditor to try and lower your debt and the rest of it is typically forgiven. Given below is a list of the top 9 debt settlement companies in the USA. National Debt Relief If you have USD 7,500 or more in debt, then the National Debt Relief can be a great choice for you. It is one of the most prominent debt settlement companies in the country. The initial consultation is offered for free, but you will have to pay 15-25% of the settled debt amount as a fee. Freedom Debt Relief This a dedicated company that offers debt relief services to people who have at minimum USD 7,500 to USD 10,000 in debt. 15-25% of the settle debt amount is charged as fee once a settlement is negotiated, and in return, they offer the possibility of settling the debt within 24-48 months.
Read More
Allergies – Stages and prevention

Allergies – Stages and prevention

The immune system of our bodies is constantly fighting against viruses and bacteria to keep us healthy. However, in certain cases, the immune system may also end up fighting some substances that are not always harmful. When this happens, you experience an allergic reaction. The allergens are the substances that cause the reactions. With a little carefulness, you can prevent the allergies effectively. The allergic development Even though an allergic reaction can vary from person to person, it generally progresses in the same five stages: Stage 1 The allergen enters your body through food, air, or touch, and contact the cells in your body. Stage 2 Your immune system creates immunoglobulin E, which is a type of antibody. Stage 3 This antibody enters your gastrointestinal tract or respiratory tract but does not do anything. Stage 4 The next time when you are exposed to the same allergen, the immunoglobulin E treats it as a harmful substance and reacts with it. Stage 5 24 hours after the reaction, the immune system cells move towards the areas that were affected to release certain chemicals to treat it. How to diagnose allergies Your allergies can be diagnosed by a doctor. Before visiting him or her, you must recognize the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Read More
Anemia – Symptoms, types, and prevention

Anemia – Symptoms, types, and prevention

Anemia is a kind of medical condition in which an adequate amount of oxygen fails to reach one’s body’s tissues owing to the deficiency of red blood cells in their body. When one suffers from this condition, their body feels weak and exhausted all the time. Symptoms There are different kinds of anemia and each of them has a cause of its own. It can have short-term or long-term effects and the disease can be mild or severe in nature. If one sees any symptoms suggesting that point toward anemia, it is essential to consult a doctor immediately. The signs vary from person to person and depend on the cause or their origin. Sometimes, the chronic disease causes anemia and the doctor ends up diagnosing the disease but the fact that one is suffering from anemia does not show up in the test. Sometimes, there are mild symptoms and then, with time the symptoms become more prominent indicating that the disease has penetrated one’s body more deeply. Some of the commonly found symptoms include breathing difficulties, fatigue, pale skin, chest pain, headache, dizziness, hands and feet turning cold, irregular heartbeat, and pain in the chest . Types of anemia Iron deficiency anemia This is the most common kind of anemia, which occurs due to iron deficiency.
Read More