You may have heard of many foot massage therapies one of which is Thai foot massage. So you wonder “what is Thai foot massage?” How is it different from other massages?
Well, we help you understand it better.
Thai foot massage is very popular today, but it’s an ancient therapeutic practice that dates back thousands of years. Back then, the knowledge and technique of the massage was a top kept secret. It was passed down only through generations of Buddhist monks in the Thai Royal Palace.
The massage involves gentle pressing on parts of the foot to produce an effect in other parts of the body. It leaves you with a feeling of relaxation, natural balance, and general well-being.
A major advantage of Thai foot massage is that it has no side effects, is non-toxic and is not harmful to your health. On the contrary, it has many benefits. Some of which are explained below:
Health benefits of Thai foot massage
1. Relaxes and relieves stress
A study was carried out in 2013 on long-termcaregivers working with old people suffering from dementia. As you might know, working with dementia people is demanding and stressful. The study found out that the caregivers experienced lower levels of anxiety and better moods just after 10 minutes of Thai foot massage.
The massage will leave you with a general feeling of peace, calmness, and well-being.
2. Improves blood circulation in feet and legs
Our present lifestyle exposes us to many blood circulation related problems. For instance, lack of exercise or use of restrictive shoes can impair blood circulation. If you get cold or numb feet, pins and needles or you have a tingling in your toes, this can be a tell-tale sign of poor blood circulation. A thai foot massage will relieve you from these problems.
3. Lowers blood pressure
High blood pressure increases the risk of stroke, heart attack or kidney failure. These conditions can be reduced thanks to Thai foot message which helps lower blood pressure significantly.
4. Prevents Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis commonly affects people who are either overweight, involved in running, stand for long hours or those who wear shoes with inadequate support. Thai foot massage reduces muscle soreness and alleviates joint pain thereby helping people deal with plantar fasciitis.
5. Helps to alleviate migraines and headaches
A research published in the Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine journal reported that 81% of patients suffering from headaches were completely healed or got considerable relief after a Thai foot massage. In addition, 19% were able to stop their medication completely.
6. Boosts the immune system
The pressure applied during Thai foot massage stimulates your internal organs allowing the body and mind to reach a natural balance. It also rouses the body’s natural healing mechanism, and improves blood and lymphatic fluid circulation which in turn boosts the immune system.
Thai foot massage also helps to eliminate toxins and purify the body.
7. Relieves pain
A recent study was conducted on the effect of Thai foot massage on women who gave birth through C-section. The women who got the foot massage reported reduced pain compared to their counterparts who did not receive the massage.
8. Cures edema
Edema is the swelling of the feet and legs due to fluid retention. It is a common problem during pregnancy and results from extended periods of standing or sitting. According to a study reported in the International Journal of Nursing Practice, Thai foot massage reduces edema.
9. Improves sleep
If you have trouble sleeping or you are suffering from insomnia, a Thai foot massage could be just what you need.
How to give a Thai foot massage
The therapy involves hands-on rubbing and stretching techniques that open the energy lines inside your body.
Trained therapists apply firm but gentle pressure on particular reflex points on the foot that correspond to the systems of your body. The therapists identify at least 7200 sensory nerve endings in the foot, which are connected to the internal organs of the body.
The therapist must be able to read the signs on the feet, understand the client and apply combinations of pressure using the thumb, finger and hand. The massage helps to stimulate the functions of the internal organs.
For detailed step by step instructions on how to give a Thai foot massage, have a look at this video:
Final thoughts
If someone asks you what is the Thai foot massage? You have an answer. It’s a holistic therapy that heals your body, mind, and soul. Try the Thai foot massage today. It will leave you feeling relaxed, energized and invigorated to face the new day.
