Foot massage stimulates acupoints on the feet to achieve therapeutic and health-preserving effects. This process may also trigger therapeutic reactions, categorized into two types: normal reactions and special reactions.
Normal reactions include: increased sleepiness and frequent drowsiness; heightened sweating with a noticeable odor, particularly in previously dry feet; increased urine output with a pungent smell; more frequent bowel movements; increased vaginal discharge or odor in women; heightened thirst leading to increased water intake.
Special reactions: Kidney disease patients may experience dark or red urine for a period after foot massage; individuals experiencing grief may feel increased back pain after massage, though this typically subsides within a day; varicose veins may appear noticeably thicker after massage; some patients may develop ankle swelling post-massage—this is normal and will resolve with continued treatment.