Foot massage has been practiced in many cultures for centuries to promote well-being. Today, massage is a complementary practice used to relieve pain, reduce stress and anxiety, rehabilitate injuries and boost overall health.
Among the potential foot massage benefits is a reduction of tension and stress. The pressure applied by the reflexologist can send a calming message from the nerves in your feet to your central nervous system, according to the University of Minnesota. In turn, the body adjusts tension levels and enhances overall relaxation.
While more research is needed to support the stress relief benefits of reflexology, a small February 2011 study published in the Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing found a link between foot massage and less tension. According to the study, a one-hour self-reflexology session three times a week for six weeks reduced stress and fatigue.
Foot Massage to Manage Headaches
Reflexology has also been cited for helping manage or mitigate headaches and migraines, according to a September 2015 review published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine. This effect may be linked to the overall reduction of stress with reflexology.
According to the University of Minnesota, the gate control theory (also known as the neuromatrix theory of pain) suggests that pain is a sensation experienced and created by the brain. The brain can create sensations of pain in response to emotional factors, like stress. So, when stress is eased through foot massage, it may have a relaxing impact on headaches or migraines as well.
