9. Cultural and Historical Significance
Foot massages have long history in many different civilizations all over, each with unique customs and ideas on the healing ability of touch. Wall paintings in tombs showing foot massages in ancient Egypt demonstrate that this technique was appreciated even in prehistoric societies. Long known as reflexology—based on the idea that particular locations on the feet match different organs and systems in the body—traditional Chinese medicine has long valued foot massage. Padabhyanga, a type of foot massage thought to balance the body’s energy and advance general health, is part of Ayurvedic therapy used in India Foot massages are also included into Native American healing customs, usually with heated stones to maximize the therapeutic results. The ubiquitous appeal and efficacy of foot massage techniques throughout civilizations and throughout history are demonstrated by their broad and long-standing character. Today, as new research is proving the advantages of foot massages, we witness a wonderful meeting of old knowledge and current knowledge. This rich cultural legacy deepens our respect of foot massages and reminds us that, thousands of years ago, the simple act of touching and massaging the feet has been identified as a potent therapeutic agent.
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