The Origins Of Foot Massage Therapy
A physician named Jivaka Komarabhacca who lived in India some 2500 years ago developed a complicated massage system regarding the feet. Some time later this somehow wound up in Thailand. It was passed on by word of mouth through family generations of the Thai people. It is still exercised today in much the same way as it was all those centuries back. When the Thai alphabet was developed under King Ramkamhaeng the Great, scholars began recording all elements of Thai society. This naturally, included foot massage therapy.
Sadly, nearly all records were lost when Thailand’s then capital of Ayuthaya was ransacked by the Burmese intruders in 1776. All that remained of the records of old customs was that which had been etched on the walls of Wat Poh, one of the most renowned temples in Bangkok. This was down to the forethought of King Rama III who wanted to protect as much of the customs as feasible. He realised that the temple etchings would achieve that.
Based upon the old training relating to massage therapies, several kinds are practiced in modern Thailand. The Foot massage is just one of the most fascinating of them all. The principles are simple while its practice is a fair bit more complex. The force which the masseur puts on the foot with their hands has to be extremely accurate. This is because it is directed toward specific nerves of the foot.
How Does Foot Massage Therapy Work?
The Thai think that each part of the foot links to a part of the body such as vital organs or systems. Applying pressure as well as rubbing a specific location of the foot affects the soft cells of that body part and not just the foot itself. This means that some problems in varying organs may be relieved by massaging the feet. The Chinese believe that some health conditions and diseases can actually be cured by foot massage.
As a general guideline, the Foot massage is far more efficient when the foot is bare. Therefore you don’t want to be wearing socks or stockings. There are several standard techniques that are made use of by nearly every Foot massage therapist.
Foot Massage Therapy Techniques
Sweeping and Massaging
A lot of Foot massages begin with bringing a boosted supply of blood into the foot. This is achieved by massaging its surface area gently. It needs to be long enough to develop the desired warmth and also establish the rhythm of activity. This overall sweeping is also a good way to get you used to the sensation of having someone handling your feet.
Thumb Walking
The thumbs are utilized to apply even more direct, as well as firm, pressure to numerous parts of your foot. In addition this loosens up the tense tendons which run along the outer surface of your foot. Using the thumbs gives a very focused pressure area.
Toe Turning
The toes are really delicate so care should be taken when manipulating them. Each of your toes can be revolved independently or by carefully drawing them upwards and in an outward direction while pressing gently.
Rubdown
For this you need strong but not rough pressure. Then you revolve the knuckles of a fisted hand back and forth across the sole of your foot, from its heel to its toes.
Cupping
This is a simple squeezing of your entire foot with a backwards and forwards motion of one hand while cupping it with the other.
Health Benefits Of Foot Massage Therapy
The benefits of regular foot massage
- improves your circulation,
- stimulates your muscles,
- reduces tension
- can reduce or alleviate pain. This is especially true if you have painful soles and arches.
This traditional Thai foot massage technique obviously has some similarity to reflexology which is now common in the Western world. So can you learn to do foot massage therapy? Obviously this is the sort of thing that is easier learned from an instructor than from a book. This enables you to get feedback on your technique and ensures you are doing it safely.
It may not be possible for you to learn all the traditional techniques exactly. However you can still give a decent foot massage of sorts. It is not very easy to perform this on yourself but would be easy to do on your partner. Like other massage techniques this is an ideal way to bond with your significant other, You could make it in to a date night. Settle down, maybe light some candles, use an aromatic massage oil.
Then take it in turns to give each other a foot massage. While this isn’t as sensual as some other massage techniques it could still be that foot massage therapy is a good experience for you both.
