Description

Duration: 45 minutes

Price: $175

Application of warm herbal oil on the feet followed by massage is well known as Pada Abhynaga (foot massage).  Usually this particular therapy is also performed along with Sharira Abhyanga (Total body massage) and also given individually.

Massaging the feet is akin to massaging the entire body, according to Ayurveda. It not only helps with detoxification of the body but also helps in balancing the emotions and improving the blood circulation and lymph flow. Ayurvedic foot massage helps in relaxing the lower extremities, treating sleeplessness, and provides physical and emotional relief with the stimulation of Marma points, the Ayurvedic energy points.

Paada Abhyanga (Ayurvedic foot massage) combines warm herbal oils and massage techniques to stimulate specific reflex points (Marmas). It deeply relaxes the nervous system, alleviates lower limb fatigue, improves blood circulation, and relieves stress.

Key Benefits

• Stress & Sleep Relief: Massaging the feet activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping to release the bonding hormone oxytocin, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality.
• Pain & Tension Management: Relieves muscle stiffness, cramping, and symptoms of sciatica or general foot and heel pain.
• Sensory Support: Traditional texts suggest it enhances vision (by stimulating nerves in the soles) and promotes overall auditory and visual health.
• Skin Health: Regular oiling nourishes dry skin, prevents cracked heels, and keeps foot tissues supple.

Contraindications

• Open Wounds or Infections: Avoid massage over cuts, rashes, athlete’s foot, or active infections.
• Circulatory Issues: Individuals with severe varicose veins, active blood clots (DVT), or peripheral artery disease should consult a doctor before deep tissue or extensive foot massage.
• Fever or Inflammation: It is not recommended when acutely ill, running a fever, or experiencing severe inflammation in the legs or feet.
• Pregnancy: Certain pressure points on the ankles and feet are believed to stimulate pelvic regions, so pregnant individuals should only use skilled therapists familiar with prenatal massage.

Scientific Research

While modern Western research into specific Ayurvedic Marma points is still growing, studies validate the foundational physiological effects of foot massage:

• Oxytocin Release: Research published in Psycho-neuro-endocrinology indicates that foot massage triggers the release of oxytocin (the “bonding” hormone) and activates brain regions related to emotional regulation and stress reduction.
• Blood Pressure and Heart Rate: Clinical studies demonstrate that targeted foot reflexology and massage can help lower systolic blood pressure and reduce heart rate in stressed population

This therapy helps and beneficial in*:

• Clears roughness of the soles
• Helps stiffness or any limitation of movement of feet
• Corrects the excessive dryness of feet
• Helps crack foot
• Relieves numbness of the feet
• Relaxes and relieves the strain and exhaustion of feet
• Promotes the strength of feet
• Improves vision and eyesight
• Feet becomes soft and smooth
• Helps in risk of sciatica
• Alleviates the morbid imbalanced vata dosha
• Helps in cramps of the muscles of the feet, deformities