Have you ever tried a foot massage for better sleep? You might have heard about it from your parents or grandparents. But, if you have not tried it yet, you won’t regret trying it!

Foot massage is an extremely relaxing therapy that can be done every day at home. In Ayurveda, it is termed as “Pada Abhyanga.”

Each foot is the center of a large number of nerves. On massaging feet, these nerves get stimulated and relax the body. As a result, you get a sound sleep.

Easy steps of foot massage

Firstly, wash both feet with water. Then apply warm oil on the fingers of the foot and move towards the ankle. Apply the right amount of pressure with your fingers. Move the fingers up and down repeatedly so that oil may get absorbed. After this, apply oil (firm pressure) with fingers on the feet’ arches. Lastly, massage all the fingers of the feet one by one and let the oil get absorbed.

Other benefits:

“खरत्वं स्तब्धता रौक्ष्यं सुपतिश्च पादयोः | सद्य एवोपशाम्यन्ति पादभ्यंगनिषेवणात || “

                                -Charak Samhita (ancient Ayurvedic text).

This shloka is about the benefits of feet massage as per Ayurveda. They are said-below:

• Massaging feet reduces roughness.
• It reduces stiffness, dryness, fatigue, and numbness in the legs.
• Massaging feet is also responsible for good quality of sleep.
• It improves blood circulation.
• Foot massage also fights anxiety and depression.
• It reestablishes the body’s tranquility back.

Important note

• Always use warm oil.
• Sesame oil, mustard oil, or coconut oil is the best choice.
• Five to ten minutes of foot massage is sufficient for everyday purposes.
• Practice this every night before going to bed.