Home — World self-care & traditional therapies — Manual therapy & points
Self foot massage
A listing is not a recommendation.
Origin: Japan and elsewhere (a folk custom in many places) · Tradition: Folk manual care, and a simple form of reflex-zone ideas · Manual therapy & points
What it is
Self-care of rubbing the whole sole with a thumb or a stick. It is used for tiredness, cold feet, and winding down before sleep. It can overlap with the Yongquan point or with reflex-zone ideas.
A short introduction (not a treatment instruction)
- Use a little cream or oil, and work evenly from the arch to the base of the toes.
- Do not keep pressing a point that is too painful.
- Doing this before sleep can make it easier to keep as a habit.
Symptoms or aims often mentioned with this practice
- Tiredness
- Cold or puffy feet
- Sleeplessness
- Stress or unease
Research notes (this is not a promise of effect)
C: Preliminary, small, or lower-quality studies, or mixed results. These notes should not be over-read
There are trials of foot massage and reflexology, but quality is low, and the validity of “reflex zones” for specific organs has not been shown. As a relaxation habit it can be reasonable.
Sources
Safety notes
Avoid, or consult a professional, for a diabetic foot, a wound, or an acute gout flare.
If you are unsure, or if you have a health condition, are pregnant, or take medicine, consult a qualified professional.
Situations in which this is better avoided
- A foot ulcer or infection
- Strong stimulation or heat in diabetic neuropathy
- A suspected deep-vein clot