Foot massage with a massage mat is an even simpler and more accessible method of influencing the acupuncture points of the foot to improve the body. All you need is a mat and several easy-to-remember exercises.

Many of us know the health benefits of a regular hike. Despite the simplicity of this type of physical activity, all the muscles of the body work while walking, and, most importantly, a natural foot massage. The best way to get a natural foot massage is when walking barefoot, which is not always possible for modern people.

And here specially developed methods of massage come to the aid. We already got acquainted with the method of direct influence on the active points of the feet in the article "Foot massage will relieve stress and heal".

Today we will talk about another type of foot massage - massage using a massage mat, which:

- has the fullest effect on the entire foot, activating all the acupuncture points of the foot;

- improves the work of internal organs;

- strengthens and improves the work of the muscles, the connection of the foot and lower leg;

- relieves muscle tension;

- improves blood circulation;

- prevents flat feet, swelling and pain in the feet;

- improves the process of recovery of the skin of the feet, prevents the formation of natoptish and corns;

- treats insomnia and chronic fatigue.

You can choose a massage mat with solid sea pebbles, with wooden or rubber spikes of varying thickness, density and height. You can also do exercises on the rug in several steps, moving from one type of rug (mild influence) to another (stiffer).

Foot massage technique with massage mat

Lay the mat on a flat surface. Stand with your bare feet on the mat and step from foot to foot while performing the exercises (see below). How long to do the exercise depends on your well-being. On average, it takes 5-7 minutes. If severe pain occurs, the massage should be completed.

Exercises:

1. Start with a simple exercise to gradually warm up your feet. Move the body weight from one foot to the other, focusing on different areas of the foot.

2. Smoothly roll from five to toe. First one leg, then the other.

3. With one foot, stand on your heel and the other with your toe. Roll in opposite directions (one foot - from toe to heel, the other - from five to toe). Increase the amplitude gradually.

4. Place your feet on the outer arch of the foot and tread in place.
5. When standing, lift up your socks, lower by five. Repeat several times, increasing the lift height.
6. Sit sideways and tread on the seat.

7. Stand on the mat on the socks, walk on the socks.

8. Same as the previous exercise, only on the heels.

9. Lift your toes up and hold in this position for 3-5 seconds, then stand on your entire foot. Repeat the exercise several times.

There is another type of foot massage - the so-called Thai massage. This massage uses hand combinations and special sticks. For this reason, it is impossible to perform such a massage on your own. The duration of the Thai massage procedure is strictly unlimited: it is believed that the longer the better. The normal duration of the procedure is one to several hours.

Thai massage helps to relax and at the same time to cheer up. Like other types of foot massage, it stimulates acupuncture points and opens energy channels.