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After a long day on the go, a relaxing foot massage sounds like the perfect way to unwind right before bed.
A good foot massage can help you feel flexible and reinvigorated, so you’re fully prepared to take on the next day.
But massaging your feet every night has plenty of health and fitness benefits that you’ve probably never even heard of.
Many cultures believe that massaging the feet mobilizes fat, increases metabolism, stimulates the secretion of sweat, and improves blood flow.
Some health experts practice the idea of reflexology, meaning that applying pressure to certain points in the feet, hands, and ears corresponds to other areas of the body.
A good foot massage is especially beneficial, as the feet contain many nerve endings that spread stimulation throughout the rest of the body.
Applying pressure and gently massaging the ankles, soles, toes, and upper part of the foot can offer the following health benefits:
- Better sleep
- Improves blood circulation
- Eases PMS and menopausal symptoms
- Lowers blood pressure
- Relieves restless leg syndrome
- Reduces water retention
- Boosts metabolism
- Fights depression
- Facilitates digestion
- Soothes sore and achy muscles
- Helps improve lackluster skin
An effective foot massage should take no longer than 10 to 15 minutes—just enough time to help you destress and relax.
Using a lotion, cream, or oil can make the whole experience feel even more luxurious, especially if you’re prone to calluses on the soles of your feet.
