You know that feeling you’re about to get, just before you fall asleep? Peaceful, calm, serene… all words that could describe this feeling.
Then something awful happens – you jolt awake, and find yourself uncomfortable, grouchy, irritable, and just plain can’t fall asleep. This is one of the worst feelings in the world. If you’ve ever experienced this, you know exactly what I mean.
If you want to get rid of insomnia and feel rested and ready to tackle your day after a full night of deep sleep, you have to try this foot massage. It could do wonders for you.
What Is This Massage?
The proper name for this type of massage is actually called “Foot Reflexology”. Basically, it’s an ancient technique used to change the energies in your body. If you don’t believe in that, keep reading – this isn’t about energy, it’s about a good night’s sleep!
This method is backed by science. By stimulating different points on the feet, you can subtly impact the glands and organs around your entire body. Massaging these various points can cause:
- Relaxation
- Pain Relief
- Increased Blood Flow
- Positive Effects on Organs (Specifically the Kidneys)
via MindBodyGreen
So how do you perform such miracles on your feet? Well, first we need to know what different points on the feet affect. Look back to the image above, and you’ll see that:
- Your toes affect your head
- The ridges between your toes and the ball of your foot affect your shoulder/neck
- The balls of your foot affect your chest
- The arches affect the digestive organs
- The heels and ankles affect your reproductive system
How to Get Rid of Insomnia Using Foot Reflexology
Now, armed with this knowledge, you’re ready to start massaging! The massage should take about 15 minutes and you can incorporate it right into your night time ritual. So, step by step:
- Relax your feet, one at a time, by gently rubbing and massaging up and down. Some light tapping may help as well – whatever feels good for you/the person you’re performing on. End this beginning relaxation stage by gently squeezing the solar plexus of your feet (the upper middle portion) between your thumb and index finger for 5-10 seconds.
- Starting at the bottom of each foot, “walk” your thumb up towards the top of each toe, one at a time. Imagine you’re crawling up your foot like a caterpillar. Once you reach the tip of each toe, press the reflex points on the tip, sides, and center of every one using the top and sides of your thumb and index finger. For added benefits, if you have a particular area you’d like to focus on, press into the corresponding reflex point. Refer to the list above or the image to see which points affect which body parts.
- Repeat the relaxation techniques in step 1 once more, ending with another press on the solar plexus.
- Finish the entire massage with “breeze strokes” – lightly run your fingers up and down your feet so they’re barely touching the skin. This technique is very soothing to the nerves, and helps to lull you into a deep, calm state of mind where you can sleep peacefully.
Once you’ve finished this technique you’ll likely be in a very meditative-like state. Your body and mind will be more open to self-suggestions, so affirmations can be particularly powerful. You can say to yourself, “I am ready to have a deep, restorative sleep and wake refreshed in the morning.”
Additionally, it is a great time to think about the good things in your life and incorporate some gratitude. It’s easy to be thankful for even the little things when you’re relaxed. Gratitude can help you improve almost everything in your daily life.
Good luck, and may reflexology help you get rid of insomnia once and for all! (For added benefit, give this massage to your significant other – they might just return the favor, and they’re sure to appreciate it!)
