Feet carry the weight of the whole body and take a load through the day that we rarely think about until it starts to bother us. Each foot has 26 bones, more than 30 joints and hundreds of nerve endings. When tension builds up there it seldom stays in the feet: the gait changes, the knees and hips take the strain, and eventually so does the back.
Foot massage is a simple treatment with a wide reach. The therapist works the arch, the heel, the toes and the ankle, combining stroking, pressure and gentle joint mobilisation. A session usually runs 30-45 minutes and needs no undressing - shoes and socks off is enough.
Who it suits
People who are on their feet all day: shop staff, hairdressers, cooks, nurses. People who walk or run a lot. Anyone whose legs swell by the evening. And anyone who struggles to fall asleep: foot massage often settles the body faster than anything else, because it reads as a signal that the day is over.
What to expect
The first few minutes can be tender, especially in the arch and under the toes, where tension gathers most. It should not hurt: tell the therapist if the pressure is too strong and it will be adjusted. Afterwards the feet usually feel warmer and lighter, and some people get sleepy - that is a normal response.
Reflexology and ordinary foot massage
The two are often confused. Classic foot massage works on muscles, tendons and circulation - a mechanism that is understood and testable. Reflexology rests on the idea that points on the foot correspond to internal organs; the scientific evidence for that is weak. It can be pleasant and relaxing, but it should not be treated as organ therapy. A practitioner promising to cure a disease through the feet is a reason for caution.
When to hold off
If there are wounds, fungal infection, a rash or fresh injuries on the feet. With deep vein thrombosis or any suspicion of it. With uncontrolled diabetes and reduced sensation in the feet, see a doctor first - you may not feel excessive pressure. During pregnancy foot massage is generally safe, but tell the therapist.
How often
Once a week or once a fortnight is enough to keep the legs feeling lighter. For people who work standing, weekly and regularly. A single session brings relief the same evening, but the lasting effect comes from repetition.