Foot massage with acupressure sandals
Have you ever had a foot massage? You probably know how wonderful a foot massage feels, from the feet to the head. There are many nerve points on the soles of the feet and each point corresponds to a specific part of the human body. This is why manipulation of the soles of the feet plays an important role in many natural treatments, such as reflexology.
A foot massage should become part of your daily routine. However, a masseur is not always available and massaging your feet with your own hands can feel ineffective or difficult. This is where massage sandals can help. The purpose of acupressure sandals is to relax you, improve circulation and balance your body. Using them can reduce stress, relieve pain, improve sleep and boost the immune system.
Acupuncture sandals are also often called massage sandals, meridian sandals or even acupuncture sandals. Standing on the massage stones of the sandals may feel a little uncomfortable or even too intense at first, but you will soon get used to using them and they will become comfortable to wear.
Feeling relaxed and calm through the soles of your feet
I often do a lot of DIY work myself, wearing acupuncture sandals. The massage stones in the sandals massage the soles of my feet pleasantly, relaxing my mind. I’ve found that when I’m cooking or doing the dishes while standing in sandals, the stressed feeling disappears without me noticing. Sometimes I change my posture so that I stand more on my feet, so that the relaxing effect is felt throughout the head.
Increased blood flow
The massage sandals stimulate the acupuncture points on the soles of the feet, which has good effects on different parts and organs of the body. Massage stones made of natural stones improve blood circulation and boost metabolism. If you do a lot of work sitting or standing at a computer or desk, you may well be able to stimulate circulation by using massage sandals.
Relief from aches and pains
Studies (including by the World Health Organisation, WHO) have shown that acupuncture, or manipulation of acupoints, is an effective method of pain management. Acupressure uses the same acupoints. For example, neck and shoulder pain, migraines, headaches and ankle pain can be relieved by using acupuncture sandals that stimulate the soles of the feet for at least 30 minutes a day.
In reflexology, the toes correspond to the head and brain, and toe massage helps people relax. The inner edge of the big toe is an area that affects the neck, and treating it can relieve neck pain and tension. The sole of the foot below the toes corresponds to the shoulders. Pressing this area helps to relax the shoulders.
Relief from menstrual and menopausal symptoms
Many women suffer from various menstrual problems, such as headaches, dizziness and mood swings. Massaging the soles of the feet and wearing massage sandals can help with these symptoms too. There are a lot of nerve endings in the foot area, and massaging them has a pleasurable and also pain-relieving effect. Massage releases hormones that have a positive effect on the body’s function and balance.
Sandals for yourself or as a gift
There are different types of massage sandals. Some have a large number of very small knuckles and others have larger massage stones. It is important that the massage stones are correctly positioned in the bottom of the sandal in line with the acupoints on the sole of the foot. Sandals with appropriately sized and well positioned stones also feel more comfortable on the foot.
At Meridian Care, you can order acupuncture sandals with massage stones arranged according to the acupoints on the sole of the foot. Many of my clients have loved using the sandals at home or in the office. Doing chores or work in the sandals massages the soles of the feet effortlessly, stimulating circulation and making you feel comfortable. Acupressure sandals are also a nice health gift for a friend or even a mother!
Chantal Hellevig
I am an acupuncturist, Chinese medicine expert, and a registered podiatrist. I studied Chinese medicine at the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and in Traditional Chinese Medicine Academy of Malaysia. I have furthered my knowledge while working in Finland, China, Singapore and Taiwan with experienced doctors.