Metatarsalgia Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Prevent excruciating Metatarsalgia foot pain from robbing you of mobility and the ability to be active. Knowing how to treat metatarsalgia and properly support your foot will help you get back to walking pain-free.

yourfootpalace.com gathered the following information about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of metatarsalgia.

What Is Metatarsalgia?

Named for the five metatarsal bones in the midsection of your feet connecting to the toes, metatarsalgia (met-uh-tahr-SAL-juh) is a common overuse condition affecting either or both feet in which the ball of your foot (the area between the arches and toes) becomes inflamed and painful.

What Causes Metatarsalgia?

You might develop this condition if you participate in intense athletic activities involving running and jumping. Metatarsalgia can also result from any or a combination of the following conditions:

Foot Deformities – Wearing shoes or heels that force your feet into awkward or unnatural positions.

Arthritis – Inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis or gout can cause you to develop metatarsalgia.

Injuries – Any injury causing you to change your gait or shift your weight on either or both feet for a prolonged time.

Impacts – Impacts that cause bruising or swelling in the foot, particularly near the metatarsal bones.

Stress Fractures – Small breaks in the metatarsal or toe bones can severely alter how you apply weight to your feet.

Misalignment of One or More Toes – Can cause friction and irritation to the metatarsal bones.

Poorly Fitting Shoes – High heel shoes pose a challenge for the feet as they transfer extra weight to the front of the foot. Tight dress shoes (especially those with a narrow toe box) or athletic shoes without sufficient support or padding can quickly exacerbate this condition.

Excess Weight – Carrying extra weight means more pressure on your metatarsal bones when you move. Weight loss can minimize, if not eliminate, your metatarsalgia symptoms.

Morton’s Neuroma – This condition is the growth of fibrous tissue around a nerve, typically occurring between the third and fourth metatarsal heads; symptoms may feel strikingly similar to metatarsalgia but contribute to metatarsal stress/pressure.

What Are The Symptoms of Metatarsalgia?

Symptoms of Metatarsalgia are typically localized in or around the ball of your foot (the part of the sole behind the toes) and can include:

• Aching or burning pain in the ball of the foot
• Sharp or shooting pain in your toes
• Numbness or tingling sensations in your toes
• Pain that intensifies when walking, running, or exercising – and eases when resting
• Constant sensation of having a pebble under your foot – in your shoe

Note: The principal symptom associated with metatarsalgia is a sharp, dull, or burning pain at the end of one or more of the metatarsal bones. metatarsalgia is not usually a “sudden pain.” Rather a buildup over several months.

How Is Metatarsalgia Diagnosed?

Many foot injuries, disorders, and pain can resemble the symptoms of metatarsalgia. If your pain continues after resting your feet and/or changing your footwear, it’s time to see your doctor. To help diagnose what is happening in your foot, your doctor may:

• Physically examine your foot
• Ask you to walk (to observe your gait)
• Ask you questions about your activities and when the pain started
• Take X-rays to rule out stress fractures
• Take an ultrasound to identify bursitis, neuromas, and other soft tissue problems
• Perform an MRI looking for signs of arthritis or other injuries
• Take blood, testing for uric acid

Many tests are taken or performed to identify contributors to metatarsalgia or rule out other conditions, allowing your doctor to accurately prescribe treatments.

When attempting to diagnose your condition, you may be referred from your primary care physician or general practitioner to a bone specialist (orthopedist) or a foot specialist (podiatrist).

How Is Metatarsalgia Treated?

Metatarsalgia treatment is typically determined by the cause and severity of the condition and your pain. Many times, treatment for mild to moderate symptoms will include conservative measures like:

• Staying off/Resting your feet
• Changing your footwear
• Use an orthotic sole insert
• Use an arch support

When these measures fail to relieve your discomfort or pain, the following may ease your pain:

• Ice your foot for 20 minutes multiple times per day
• If you are overweight, lose weight
• Use an over-the-counter pain reliever/anti-inflammatory (discuss the benefits and potential side-effects with your doctor before taking any medication)
• Elevate your foot (above your waist) after activity

You may need to modify some of your activities like:

• Avoid wearing shoes with high-heels
• Take a break from high-impact sports
• Change your exercise routine to exclude high-impact activities and include low-impact activities like swimming and cycling
• Carve out the time for frequent relaxing spa days

Tip: A reflexology massage may relieve foot pain and discomfort, as it focuses on the foot’s pressure points.

When these measures fall short of relieving your pain, your doctor may recommend the following:

• Work with a physical therapist who can give you a regimen of range-of-motion exercises and exercises to strengthen surrounding foot muscles. The therapist can also help you correct your gait.
• Work with an occupational therapist who may fit you with customized orthotics, like a metatarsal pad or arch support.

When conservative treatment measures fail, your doctor may recommend surgery to realign your metatarsal bones.

Note: Leaving this condition untreated may result in your altering your gait. Such an alteration in your gait, even in the slightest, may lead to hip, leg, and lower back problems.

Treating Metatarsalgia

In this article, you discovered information about the many causes, symptoms, how to diagnose, and treatment options of metatarsalgia.

Taking action to diagnose and treat your metatarsalgia will help you recover your wellbeing and pain-free mobility.

Ignoring metatarsalgia can quickly lead to problems in your legs, hips, and lower back, resulting in astronomical medical fees when compared to getting the original problem addressed.

Sources:

my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15890-metatarsalgia
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/metatarsalgia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354790
syracusepodiatry.org/2015/11/metatarsalgia-a-pain-in-the-ball-of-the-foot/

Foot Palace Massage Spa Athens

196 Alps Rd Ste 31, Athens,  GA 30606
(706) 521-5290

Foot Palace Massage Spa Braselton

2095 Highway 211 NW Suite 7B, Braselton, GA 30517
(678) 963-5958

To view the original version on Foot Palace, visit: https://www.yourfootpalace.com/metatarsalgia-causes-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment/

How to Relax and De-Stress After a Long Day at Work

Are you letting daily work stress bring you down and make you sick? Do you know what to do after that stressful day at work?

The accumulation of stress can affect everything from your physical health to your decision-making capabilities, personal relationships, and even hamper your creativity. Learning new ways to relax, de-stress, or decompress is essential to your continued health and well-being.

yourfootpalace.com gathered information on creative, athletic, and fun ways to de-stress and relax after a long and challenging day at work.

Schedule Time to De-Stress After Work

Finding the time to de-stress may seem difficult, but it is not. Use your calendar or agenda the same way you would for a business meeting or appointment. Block off one to two hours every other day to indulge in activities that help you release the tension of your job, bills, and other issues.

Learn to say no. The time you allocate to relaxing activities should be treated just as important as any other commitment. Without an outlet, stress can build up and contribute to the rapid decline of your physical and mental health.

Creative Ways To Relax After a Hard Day

Creative is the key word here. The following activities are meant to inspire diversity and create an atmosphere in which the journey is as meaningful as the end result.

Cook – Dig out the old family recipes or create some of your own. Cooking a dish or a meal is a fantastic way to focus your efforts on something with an immediate result. If you’re not that good at it, start off simple. Like any other muscle, the more you flex it, the stronger it will get.

Keep a Journal – Writing about your day, travels, and experiences can help you sort through stressful situations more easily. Over time, you will be able to look back through your writings and recognize how you’ve evolved.

Take a Class – Nowadays, there are classes for just about anything hobby related. Whether you want to learn music, knitting, or woodworking, there is someone out there who can teach you.

Paint a Picture – Painting is a way to unlock a higher level of creativity using the formation of images and the combination of colors.

For the beginner, a local art store can offer guidance for supplies and basic instruction. Many of them offer classes as well.

You can further unlock your creativity when you visit local art galleries and find inspiration and discover unlimited possibilities.

Athletic Ways to Unwind After a Stressful Day

Athletic activities are very efficient at helping us relieve stress and anxiety, not to mention the physical benefits that come with them.

Work Out – Whether for cardio, resistance, strength, or a combination of them, a regular work out schedule will help your mind and body decompress.

If you aren’t familiar with how a fitness center works or are new to working out, a certified personal trainer can help you plan a routine and get you started in the right direction.

Walk – Either by treadmill or trail, walking like working out is an excellent way for you to reduce your stress, or simply let it go. If you are fortunate enough to work or live near a nature path, walk it often. Walking is the easiest of all the activities and provides immediate results.

Run – Like walking, running can help you de-stress, but with the benefit of a cardio workout.

Dance – No standing in the corner for this one. If you can’t dance, take some lessons. Whether you want to jazzercise or do the tango, dancing will help you achieve a full-body workout, elevating your heart rate, and is one of the activities you can do with a group or alone.

Yoga – The benefits of yoga go well beyond stress relief. Yoga can help you learn to control your breathing and muscles, and the mental aspect that forces you to immerse and live in the moment.

Note: Before adding any physical exercise routine or activity to your schedule, consult your primary care physician. Some illnesses and conditions may be exacerbated by an increase in physical activities.

Fun Ways to Relax and De-Stress

Reduce your stress levels with a smile on your face. It’s no joke that laughter is healthy. The more you can engage in fun ways to decompress, the better your overall humor and well-being will be.

Get a Couples Massage – Let a professional work the stress and tension out for you; take your partner, family member, or friend out to get a couples massage. Visit yourfootpalace.com/couples-massage-athens-ga/ if in Athens Ga, or localwiki.org/atl/Foot_Palace_Massage_Spa_Braselton/ if you are located near Braselton, Georgia.

Read a Good Book – Get cozy and settle in for a good story. Reading stimulates your mind, and a good book can take you on a fantastic journey without leaving the comfort of your home.

Play Board or Card Games – Board games like Monopoly, Uno, and Scrabble aren’t just for kids. Make it a regular thing to get the family and friends around the table to play a game or two.

Go to a Comedy Club – Get some friends together and go to a comedy club. Laughter and good company are always great stress relievers.

Go Bowling or Play Laser Tag – Competitive physical activities with friends and family are a great way to decompress. Here, you combine skill with exercise while letting your stress go.

Relax Without Drinking Alcohol

While alcohol and some medication can offer temporary relief from stress and anxiety, there are risks of both physical side-effects and emotional dependencies.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), around 20 percent of individuals suffering from anxiety also battle a substance use disorder and vice versa.

Your Health and Wellness are Linked to Your Ability to Relax

Stop letting day to day stress drag you down. You can make light-hearted and fun activities a part of your routine to help you decompress.

In this article, you discovered creative, athletic, and fun ways to shed daily stress and improve your health and well-being.

If you do not take steps to relieve daily stress, over time, your personal relationships, your ability to effectively communicate, and your overall health may be severely impaired. Go have some fun, enjoy a hobby or two, and exercise. You’ll be a better person for it.

Sources:
https://americanaddictioncenters.org/adult-addiction-treatment-programs/self-medicating
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2804629/
https://foh.psc.gov/whatwedo/eap/Stress_Relief_Newsletter.pdf

https://plus.google.com/+Yourfootpalaceathensmassagespa

Foot Palace Massage Spa Athens

1720 Epps Bridge Pkwy Ste 106, Athens,  GA 30606
(706) 521-5290

https://plus.google.com/+FootPalaceMassageSpaBraselton

Foot Palace Massage Spa Braselton

2095 Highway 211 NW Suite 7B, Braselton, GA 30517
(678) 963-5958

To view the original version on Foot Palace, visit: https://www.yourfootpalace.com/how-to-relax-de-stress-after-long-day-work/

7 Benefits of A Reflexology Foot Massage

The most used, abused, and neglected part of the body is our feet. They are always in motion and over time can make us miserable with annoying pain and discomfort.

Reflexology foot massages relieve stress and built up tension. Adding this to your personal health and wellness plan will advance your efforts to live a healthier and less stressed lifestyle.

Below, yourfootpalace.com massage experts share their knowledge and experience of how reflexology foot massages can benefit your overall well-being, and answer some frequently asked questions.

What Is Reflexology Good For?

When applied by professionals, this ancient form of massage is able to aid in several aspects of relaxation, improved wellness, and pain relief. Below are seven reflexology benefits and reasons to book your foot reflexology appointment.

#1 – Encourages Relaxation – Reflexology can flood the neural pathways with relaxation, inducing a state of peace and tranquility within the body and mind. This physiological change results in the reduction of stress.

Stress reduction through reflexology therapy is frequently associated with relieving sleep disorders. This is accomplished by helping your body return to a more relaxed and balanced state, simultaneously working to restore a healthy Circadian rhythm, which is needed for sufficient sleep.

#2 – Promotes Nervous System Stimulation – Open neural pathways benefit our central nervous system in a variety of ways. The brain is able to handle inputs more effectively, essentially speeding up cognitive strengths; thus, increasing the speed of physical reactions, which boosts your memory. Overall, the entire brain is able to work faster and more efficiently.

#3 – Relieves Migraines and Headaches – Reflexology is often sought after by people in pain, because reflexology can reduce the severity of migraines and headaches by increasing blood flow and relieving muscle tension. Since stress and psychological factors often manifest themselves as migraine symptoms, stress-induced headaches can also be eliminated.

#4 – Revitalizes Nerve Function – Nerve endings lose sensitivity in parts of our body as we age (more so in the extremities). Reflexology has been associated with the stimulation of more than 7,000 different nerve endings during a 1-hour session, naturally increasing nerve functioning and reactivity.

The opening and cleansing of neural pathways helps improve overall functionality and reduces toxicity within the body.

#5 – Improves Circulation – Probably the most well known and verified results of reflexology is an improvement in circulation throughout the entire body, which means blood and oxygen are being cycled throughout the body more effectively.

Due to this benefit, oxygen reaches vital organ systems, optimizing their function and increasing the metabolism.

#6 – Increases Energy Levels – By aligning functions of organ and muscle systems, reflexology has the potential to increase the metabolism and energy creation. In other words, reflexology sessions can help to re-energize your body and mind.

#7 – Relieves Plantar Fasciitis Pain – Reflexology can help ease the pain and discomfort caused by plantar fasciitis. Reflexology is beneficial as it uses pressure point techniques to release tension, relieving the heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis. A natural cure for plantar fasciitis is a professional foot massage. To learn more, read yourfootpalace.com/how-foot-massage-can-relieve-your-plantar-fasciitis-pain/

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does foot reflexology work?
A: A reflexologist’s application of pressure to the feet, hands, or ears sends a calming message from peripheral nerves to the central nervous system, which then signals the body to adjust the level of tension.

Q: Is Foot Reflexology painful?
A: In Western reflexology, when a client experiences higher levels of pain, the reflexologist eases the pressure. In Chinese Reflexology, when painful points are found, the reflexologist focuses on that pain.

Q: Is reflexology good for arthritis feet?
A: Massage is beneficial for the body overall. Increasing blood flow helps relieve pain and reflexology is a gentle process that can also help reduce the pain, along with the swelling and discomfort associated with arthritis.

Q: How often should you get reflexology?
A: For those new to reflexology, weekly sessions for four to six weeks is a good start, after which biweekly or monthly visits should be sufficient for overall improved well-being.

Q: How long is a reflexology session?
A: A complete session means attending to all areas of both feet. This varies from 30, 60, and 90-minute sessions depending on the style of Reflexology and the health of the client.

Q: Can reflexology help with plantar fasciitis?
A: Reflexology can indeed help relieve some of the pain and discomfort caused by plantar fasciitis. Reflexology is beneficial because it uses pressure point techniques to release the tension in the feet, thus relieving the heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis.

To learn more about why reflexology may be right for you, watch this video.

Reflexology Benefits Your Health and Wellness

As you have learned, the addition of reflexology foot massages to your health and wellness plan can significantly influence your daily life and well-being.

Pain relief, nerve stimulation, blood flow, migraine relief, and so much more can be achieved through reflexology. And in the absence of abnormalities, reflexology may be as effective for promoting better health and preventing illness, as it may be for relieving the symptoms of stress, injury and improving your mood.

The prolonged neglect of our feet only adds to the list of aches, pains, and potential medical issues as we age. Adding frequent reflexology foot massages to your health and wellness strategy can result in tremendous short and long-term benefits.

https://plus.google.com/+Yourfootpalaceathensmassagespa/about

Foot Palace Massage Spa Athens


1720 Epps Bridge Pkwy Ste 106, Athens, GA 30606

(706) 521-5290

To view the original version on Foot Palace, visit: https://www.yourfootpalace.com/7-benefits-reflexology-foot-massage/

Cancer and Reflexology

Cancer patients often experience high levels of anxiety and stress after treatment. Reflexology is a form of therapy that can help them find relief.

Study after study confirms that reflexology aids cancer patients in relaxing and coping with stress. With such mounting evidence, it is only natural to conclude that this ancient art of therapy should indeed be a part of their recovery.

The reflexology experts at Foot Palace gathered the following information to heighten your awareness of the ancient roots of this therapy, of how reflexology helps cancer patients, and to dispel some myths about it.

How Does Reflexology Help Cancer Patients?

Cancer treatments like chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation, medication, and surgery can leave patients with an array of side effects including anemia, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, and nerve problems, to name a few.

Reflexology is known for easing the side effects of cancer treatments by:

• Improving sleep
• Reducing anxiety
• Reducing chemo associated vomiting and indigestion

Reflexology may also help mitigate the spread of cancer by promoting increased circulation which stimulates antioxidant activity, a known aide in destroying cancer cells. This research is ongoing and promising towards the increase of quality of life for cancer patients and survivors.

Understanding Reflexology and Its Background

Archaeological evidence indicates that reflexology not only existed but was practiced in China and Egypt over 4,000 years ago. Long before the diagnosing and treating of cancer.

As defined by Foot Palace:

“Reflexology is a therapeutic method of massage that relieves stress and tension by stimulating pressure points within the hands and feet by alleviating the source of your discomfort.” “…reflexology may be as effective for promoting better health and for preventing illness, as it may be for relieving symptoms of stress, illness, injury and for improving your mood.”

In the early 1900’s an American ear, nose, and throat physician named William Fitzgerald, MD suggested that the foot could be “mapped” to diagnose and potentially treat medical conditions. His work divided the body into 10 zones and mapped the foot in accordance to it. Zone therapy was born.

Then in the 1930s, Eunice Ingham, a nurse, and physiotherapist, added reflex points to Fitzgerald’s maps. The name zone therapy then changed to reflexology.

Modern reflexologists train under Ingham’s method or that developed by the reflexologist Laura Norman. All employ the fundamental principles in use for millennia.

Can Reflexology Cure Cancer?

While there is currently no “scientific evidence” to prove that reflexology can cure or prevent any disease, including cancer, there is evidence along with ongoing studies that reflexology is useful in the mitigation of stress, anxiety, discomfort, and much more.

The best way to answer this question is:
Not “no” and not “yes,” at least not yet.

Can Reflexology Spread Cancer

Some may argue that deep tissue massages and other methods which apply pressure in motion to the body may cause the spread of cancerous tissues.

Reflexology differs from other massage methods by focusing on the reflex points of the hands and feet.

There is no indication that reflexology applied by trained reflexologists poses any threat of spreading cancer.

Cancer Patients Finding Relief in Reflexology Treatments

As cancer treatments will typically result in elevated levels of stress, discomfort, and anxiety, reflexology is a perfect fit for post-treatment therapy. And while many myths surround reflexology, let’s not forget that its fundamental principles are thousands of years old.

As research from a variety of studies have shown, recovering cancer patients with reflexology included in their therapy experienced better capabilities in coping with stress and anxiety, pain relief, less shortness of breath (a common symptom after breast cancer treatments), and better abilities to perform daily or ordinary tasks.

While the full benefits of reflexology may not be fully understood, it is indeed a way for recovering patients to lessen their anxiety and cope better with the pain, thus potentially returning a portion of their dignity and quality of life to them.

Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23107851
https://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/20121126-2
https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/history-reflexology
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects

https://plus.google.com/+FootPalaceMassageSpaBraselton

Foot Palace Massage Spa Braselton

2095 Highway 211 NW Suite 7B, Braselton,GA 30517
(678) 963-5958

To view the original version on Foot Palace, visit: https://www.yourfootpalace.com/cancer-and-reflexology/

How Our Wellness Therapists Fight the Flu and Stress

It's that time of year. The holidays are quickly approaching and if you're like most, you've got a lot to do. Whether you're preparing for travel, planning big holiday gatherings, or working overtime in order to ensure you can afford to get everything on that holiday wish list, chances are you're already starting to feel it. Stress. It's the one thing we all share, regardless of our family’s cultural or religious holiday traditions. It reminds us that we are short on time, short on money, and maybe even short on patience. It's easy enough to feel the mental and emotional drain that stress causes, and that can really slow us down.

What most people don't realize though, is that stress causes a physical drain on our bodies as well. It may not be the only reason we become more susceptible to cold and flu at this time of year, but it's often overlooked.

A Stressed Immune System

Stress can cause a normally functioning immune system to falter, making our body’s natural immune responses suppressed and inadequate. This means that a chance encounter with a sick neighbor, an exchange of money at Starbucks, or even pushing a cart through the grocery store, becomes a potential catalyst for the misery of coming down with the dreaded flu. Where a healthy immune system might easily defeat the nasty flu virus, a stressed system is going to really struggle and leave you feeling the effects of that microscopic battle going on inside your body.

So, how can we avoid the added stress of coming down with the flu? While your doctor and local pharmacy are belting out that holiday jingle, “Get your flu shot!” there are many things you can do naturally to help prevent catching all the strains of flu that aren't covered in that vaccine.  As Benjamin Franklin wisely advised: “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Staying Healthy During Flu Season

Here are just a few tips from the Foot Palace team on how we like to keep our families healthy during flu season:

Nia: “For me, I know every person's immunity is different, so there's not just one thing that works for everyone. My number one thing that is most important for me is sleep!  Even if everyone else gets sick, if I have enough rest, I know I will be okay.”

According to the WebMD, she’s not wrong: “A lot of studies show our T-cells go down if we are sleep deprived,” Balachandran says. “And inflammatory cytokines go up. ... This could potentially lead to the greater risk of developing a cold or flu.”

Maria: “Eat right.  If you eat right it will strengthen your immune system and help prevent you from getting the flu.”

WebMD offers this list of immune boosting foods.

Melly: “If I feel a little phlegm or scratchy in my throat I use a spoon full of lemon and sweet soybean sauce.  If there is a fever I make a soup with ginger, garlic, and chicken. Also, I don't drink cold water until I feel better. It works well for my husband, but he doesn't like the soybean sauce. If you don't like it you can substitute with honey.”

Sweet soy sauce is an Indonesian secret remedy. Melly gets hers from an Indonesian market in Atlanta, but you can also find it on Amazon.

Kimberly: “Staying hydrated & upping your vitamin D. I also take Emergen-c everyday and eat more broths and soups.  Whenever I feel under the weather, I take oregano oil capsules. Oregano is a natural antiviral and antibiotic.”

Brett: “Diet is huge. What you put into your body is really important. Lots of water. Exercise. Walks in the park. Echinacea is supposedly a natural immune booster.”

What we put into our bodies is key.  There are many immune boosting supplements and antiviral, antibacterial, antimicrobial botanicals.  They can be taken in the form of supplements, herbal teas, and essential oils. Consult a local herbalist for more detailed information on safety & efficacy, as each individual has different immunity needs.

More important than any supplement though, is hydration! When your body is dehydrated, it cannot function as it should. This can leave your immune system lagging and susceptible to attack.

Using Reflexology Massage as Stress Reduction and Prevention

Of course, this list would be incomplete if we forgot to add our favorite method of melting stress and keeping our bodies in balance and harmony: reflexology!

Similar to acupressure, reflexology is a therapeutic method of massage that facilitates stress and tension relief by stimulating your internal pressure points and nervous system. The pressure is mostly applied to the hands and feet.

There are a few useful points to know if you want to give your immune system a quick and painless boost, but the benefit of a peaceful environment and soothing touch cannot be underestimated.

*Disclaimer - none of the tips from the Foot Palace team should constitute medical advice.

Sources: 

http://www.apa.org/research/action/immune.aspx 

http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/immune-system-lack-of-sleep

The post How Our Wellness Therapists Fight the Flu and Stress appeared first on http://www.yourfootpalace.com.

Spa Treatments: The History, Health Benefits and Growing Popularity

Image: Foot Palace of Athens

Who doesn’t enjoy a little rest and relaxation? Today spas and hot springs are in the top two tourist inspired destinations globally. The most visited are located in the Mediterranean and in far Eastern Asia. 

Since the beginning of modern civilization we have been enjoying mineral baths, foot spas, and a plethora of spa related indulgences. Not only do these spa inspired R&R retreats alleviate stress, they improve our health - giving ample cause for vacationers to flock to spas on their work holidays. 

In many countries spa practices are not just for holidays, the spa is a daily or weekly part of a typical health regimen. If a little R&R on the annual vacation can alleviate stress and improve your mood, imagine how you would feel integrating spa practices into your regular health regimen.


The earliest descriptions of spa practices originated in Greece. The Grecians introduced the first foot baths in the second millennium BC. These spas were established to promote healing using therapeutic water to relieve fatigue and to improve health. Archeologists have documented hot springs, mineral baths, and spas in nearly every ancient civilization for the same practices of curing physical and mental related ailments. 

In the Celtic hot spring baths of England, the spas are believed to purify the body both physically and spiritually. The Japanese foot baths or “Ashiyu” have been the source of health pilgrimages to various hot springs for over 1,600 years. 

So what is it about these foot spas that accounts for their prominence since ancient times? Spas improve circulation, reduce stress, alleviate headaches, reduce the symptoms of PMS, and many other ailments by detoxifying the body. Our feet and underarms are primary pathways for discharging toxins from the body. 

Feet also contain energy channels which have been long observed by the Chinese. The Chinese foot spa practices include reflexology, or the use of pressure points to aid in improving circulation and detoxification.


There are many ways of performing a foot detox today including the aforementioned reflexology, in addition to foot pads, ionic baths, and the more traditional mineral foot bath originating in ancient Roman spas. 

While it may be difficult to coordinate regular spa retreats, foot spas offering mineral baths and reflexology are a more convenient addition to every health regimen. Foot spas have been popular local destinations in the East, and are quickly becoming popular in the West as the health benefits of regular spa practices are recommended by health practitioners. 

Next time you are searching for a foot spa near you, be sure to inquire about reflexology.