A foot massage can also be called a foot rub, reflexology, or zone therapy.
Understanding Different Types of Foot Treatments
While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences:
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Foot Massage: This is a general term encompassing various techniques focused on relaxing and soothing the feet's muscles and soft tissues. It aims to relieve tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation. Examples include simple kneading and rubbing techniques.
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Reflexology: This is a specific type of foot massage that involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, or ears. The premise is that these points correspond to different areas of the body, and manipulating them can improve overall health and well-being. It's also known as zone therapy. ([What Is Reflexology?, Spafinder, WebMD, Wikipedia])
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Zone Therapy: This is another name for reflexology, highlighting the belief that the body is divided into zones, and affecting one zone can impact others. ([What Is Reflexology?, Wikipedia])
Many sources describe reflexology as more than just a foot massage ([Spafinder]), emphasizing its targeted approach to energy flow and overall health benefits beyond simple relaxation. A foot massage, however, can include techniques used in reflexology. ([Swiss Clinique]) The term "aesthetic care for the feet" is also used to describe services including foot massages. ([Wordhippo])
