Types of foot massages

There are a thousand types of foot massages and ways to apply foot reflexology.

If you don't know where to start, here are a few ideas for all kinds of tastes, desires, and budgets.

If you try them (or have already tried them), let us know what you think!

We want to know what you think of them.

Note: If you can't go to a professional because you don't have time or it's too expensive for you - because it's a common complaint or because you simply have poor circulation - you can also get a massage at home. We invite you to visit La Casa del Masaje where you will find out how to choose the best foot massager for you.

 

Water massage (hydrotherapy)

You can get water foot massage practically in all thermal centers.

In fact, more and more spas, spas, and thermal spas have a specific section for the feet: the pediluvium (from the Latin ped meaning 'foot' and luere 'to wash').

The footbath has its roots in the Roman tradition and, to this day, its most common form is that of a stone walk that we do with bare feet and legs.

When walking along this path we will massage the soles of our feet (which may or may not be submerged in water of different temperatures) and our legs will receive jets of pressure from the sides.

Result? Relax in our lower extremities and reactivation of blood circulation from the knee down, with the consequent elimination of liquids and toxins which, in turn, help avoid varicose veins in the calves.

 

The at-home version of the spa footbath is the foot whirlpool massagers.

These little machines are easy to use, all you need is a plug and some water.

Put your feet in, turn on, and enjoy!

They're easy to use, you just need a plug and some water.

You can use the foot massager while watching a movie in the living room, waiting for the lentils to cook, or in a Skype meeting with your co-workers.

There are more expensive and cheaper ones but, in general, they have quite popular prices and, in addition to reactivating blood circulation, they can have extra functions such as relieving pain.

To some functions, you can also add specific essences or soaps to enhance cleansing, moisturizing, or skin and nail care.

We won't fool you, a foot bubble massage before going to sleep is great for us.

 

Heat massages

If you are not one of those who like to put your feet to soak, another homemade option of relaxing foot massage with air

This is a massager that you can easily use at home (while watching TV, teleworking, etc.) and has a double function.

If you're not a fan of soaking your feet, another option for air foot massagers.

On the lower part, on the sole of the foot, it performs a massage with pressures and rollers while on the upper part, it injects more or less hot or cold air, according to the consumer's taste.

What advantages over the water foot massager? That it does not have water, so many people find it more comfortable (and less lazy) to use it daily.

It has no water, so many people find it more comfortable (and less lazy) to use it daily.

 

Massages with paraffin

We call kerosene foot massages those massages that previously include a kerosene bath

These can be performed by professionals (at the spa, at the beauty center, etc.) or at home (using simple paraffin heaters and some type of massager or masseuse).

We call these massages paraffin foot massages.

The result is well-hydrated feet and nails (thanks to the kerosene) and a reactivation of blood circulation with all the attendant benefits, relaxation, and relief from fatigue and stress (thanks to the massage).

The result is relaxation and relief from fatigue and stress.

 

Exfoliating massages

In addition to relaxing, the exfoliating foot massages aim to thoroughly cleanse your lower extremities.

To perform them, they require a foot scrub gel, which is generally stronger than hand scrub gels and much stronger than face scrub gels.

Feet scrub gels require a foot scrub gel, which is generally stronger than hand scrubs and much stronger than face scrubs.

Under no circumstances should you ever think of using an exfoliating foot gel on your face!

Another option for exfoliating your feet is foot scrub masks

These cleanse but don't require massage and we, whenever possible, will stick with the massage.

 

Oil massages

The foot massages with oils can be relaxing or part of a reflex therapy treatment (pressure and relaxation massages on the feet and hands)

Foot massages with oils can be relaxing or part of a reflex therapy treatment (pressure and relaxation massages on the feet and hands).

They differ from other massages because these, instead of involving water, heat or gels that are then removed require oils.

There are all kinds of oils for foot massages and, depending on their ingredients, they have different colors, textures, and properties. Choose the one you like the most!

 

 

They all have different colors and textures.

Also, often foot oils can also be used for hands and the rest of the body so, if you are interested in this type of massage, be sure to buy the big bottle.

 

Moisturizing massages

Moisturizing foot massages are those massages made with products that, for the sake of redundancy, moisturize our feet.

Massages that moisturize our feet.

As we have already seen, to moisturize our feet we can use water, gels, kerosenes, oils and, of course, moisturizing creams

And, as before, there are almost as many moisturizers for the feet as there are possibilities for them. Do your research and choose the one you like best.

 

Thai foot massages

If you've ever been to Thailand you probably don't need me to explain what I'm talking about, but if you haven't yet traveled to the land of smiles (and massages) here is my explanation.

A Thai foot massage is a manual foot massage performed in a massage parlor or spa. There are different versions, but all usually include preliminary foot soaking to cleanse and soften the feet and a 30 to 45-minute massage afterward, with or without a pedicure.

In Thailand, you can have this massage while chatting with friends and, honestly, it's a real treat! Of course, if you go to a local massage parlor, be careful not to get a pedicure there.

Thai girls are much better at massaging than cutting and painting nails. I've warned you!

I've warned you!

 

Massages with pedicure

We call massages with pedicures all those pedicures that are preceded by a massage or vice versa, all those foot massages that are followed by a pedicure. They are a perfect combo to feel healthy, clean, relaxed, and beautiful. Getting a massage with a pedicure should be mandatory at least once a year.

Types of hand massages

We have already seen that there are an infinite number of techniques for massaging the feet. But we are not finished.

Now let's see what reflexology and forms of massage we have for the hands because, taking care of the hands with regular massages, not only beautifies and relaxes the upper extremities, it also improves the functioning of your joints, tones the skin, stimulates circulation, and prevents pain.

Hand care is beauty but it is also health, a lot of health. Do not forget it!

 

Hand massagers

Although hand massagers are not as popular as foot massagers they do exist and work very well.

The most common are the air and heat-based massagers which are used to relieve pain in fingers and knuckles, as well as to treat ailments such as carpal tunnel.

Hand massagers are also used to treat such ailments as carpal tunnel.

 

Paraffin massages

The paraffin hand massages are those massages that involve a previous kerosene bath

That is, immersing the hands in warm kerosene in order to achieve healthy, shiny and moisturized hands and nails.

After this bath, a relaxing and circulation-boosting massage is applied and, if you wish, a manicure of the type you want.

Don't tell anyone, but kerosene massages are a favorite of brides as well as a very interesting alternative to moisturize and deeply relax your hands.

The paraffin baths are highly beneficial for your extremities so, with or without massage, we recommend them.

Better with massage, it's bugged us, but not all of us can have a weekly kerosene bath massage at the spa while we can certainly have a kerosene bath at home with a small bathtub purchased for the purpose. You can do it yourself!

We're not sure if you can have a kerosene bath at home.

 

Exfoliating massages

The exfoliating hand massages are those that involve the application of some exfoliating product

Normally, these products are applied, and the massage proceeds.

Once this message is finished, the product is removed with warm water, a washcloth, etc. It depends entirely on the product.

They are great for cleaning impurities, dead cells, and the hardness of the hands.

They have a rejuvenating and beautifying effect on your upper extremities.

If after the exfoliating hand massage, you get a manicure, you'll end the day with radiant hands!

If you do a manicure, you'll end the day with radiant hands.

 

Massages with oils.

Hand massages with oils are those hand massages that, as their name indicates, are performed with oils.

As with foot and body massages with oils, depending on the oil you choose, you will enjoy a different smell, texture, and properties.

What advantages of oil? That it is very easy to use and, often, what works for feet also works for hands and the rest of the body, although not always.

It is very easy to use and, often, what works for feet also works for hands and the rest of the body.

Also, the hydration is immediately noticeable and, if you like the feeling of oil on the skin, it lasts a long time.

Personally, I always find hand massages with oil very relaxing and I finish them with a manicure (if I have time). For me, it's the perfect finishing touch.

It's the perfect finishing touch.

 

Moisturizing massages

We call moisturizing hand massages to those that seek, above all things, to moisturize our hands​​​​​​.

They can be done with water, gels, kerosenes, oilsand, of course, moisturizing creams.

There are almost as many moisturizing hand creams as there are women in the world.

When it comes to moisturizers, there are almost as many women in the world.

We bet on Norwegian formula moisturizing hand creams which, with or without massage, are very good for moisturizing hands, especially in winter and summer (carry a small bottle in your purse and moisturize regularly -whenever you remember, come on-, you'll see how quickly you notice the difference!

Centuries and centuries of cold have made Nordic women masters when it comes to hand care.

 

Massages with manicure

The manicure hand massages are all those hand massages, of whatever type, that are topped off with a manicure

As with foot massages with pedicure, they are the perfect combination to balance health and beauty, a ritual that everyone should treat themselves to from time to time, alone or with friends. A delight, a treat, a real marvel!

 

What is reflexology

Reflexotherapy is related to foot massages and hand massages.

Reflexotherapy (from the French réflexe meaning 'reflex' and thérapie meaning 'therapy') is the treatment of certain diseases by means of massages on specific points of the feet and/or hands with the aim of stimulating the healing capacities of the organism.

Thus, massages on the extremities of the body are so healthy, and, in some cases, foot massages are recommended to relieve the symptoms of diseases such as breast cancer or sclerosis, as well as side effects from their treatments (especially in the case of breast cancer).

As foot reflexology(that is, on the feet) acts in many cases as a natural pain reliever, it is highly recommended to relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. And not only that.

It also helps to improve leg circulation in both men and women, reducing swelling and improving blood flow (with all the benefits that entails).

But beware that we are not saying that all foot and hand massages are reflexotherapy. Some are, and others are not. We can also give ourselves foot and hand massages merely to relax.

These massages are sure to improve our mental health as they will contribute to the relaxation of feet, hands, and mind, relieve fatigue and improve circulation. Hand and foot massages also serve to beautify these areas of the body, cleanse them, moisturize them, and make sure they are healthy (or, if they are not, treat them).

They can also be used as a way to make them more beautiful.

Therapeutic or relaxing hand massages and especially foot massages are almost always a pleasure. It doesn't matter if you have them done in the immaculate cabin of a spa, in a Thai massage parlor while catching up with your best friend, or in your bedroom while watching your favorite Netflix series.

Whether it's in a spa or in a Thai massage parlor, it's always a pleasure.

There are many options for massaging hands and feet and they're all good and healthy, a shortcut to relaxing fast, fighting stress, and sleeping better every day of the week.