Footstools and why every home should have one.

Footstools are basically low stools for the feet, constructed out of wood and rigid foam that are large enough to rest and relax legs and feet. Some foot stools are designed with small feet or legs that keep feet in a low position relative to sitting. The effect is to allow the smooth flow of blood to the feet especially when the recipient is undergoing therapy or recovering from injury.

A typical "footstool user" enjoys putting his or her feet up! People all over the world have appreciated the physical and mental benefits of footstools for many centuries. They were present in the bathhouses of Rome and the spas of Victorian England, popular for their well-proven relaxation and healing properties. Today footstools are a regular feature of most private homes. In the past, only wealthy people could afford to have them. More recently, footstools have become much more reasonably priced and generally available to the majority of the population.

Relaxation via a foot rest is well known to have a soothing effect, both physically and for well being. Tense muscles become relaxed, anxiety dissipates and moods vastly improve after a long rest on a footstool. Such comforting effects make footstools perfect pieces of furniture to unwind with after a long hard day. Most seasoned footstool owners enjoy putting their feet up and relaxing with a good film, a nice bottle of finest red wine in front of a roaring fire and a good book to delve into.

The health and medical reasons for "putting your feet up" should not be under estimated. Aching leg muscles need increased circulatory and cardiovascular
attention to remove lactic acid build up thus avoiding the dreaded outcome of stiffness on waking the following morning. Injured muscles require oxygen replenishment and this is greatly encouraged by an upright footstool, placed horizontally to the seating position. An outstretched (180 Degrees leg position) enhances blood circulation and improves the likelihood of rapid muscle tissue repair. Top sports stars are encouraged to use footstools particularly when nursing calf, achilles or thigh injuries. For the elderly the health giving benefits of regular footstool use are incalculable. Many doctors prescribe a course of footstool therapy to improve vascular circulation resulting in less heart stress and lower blood pressure.

The medical profession have demonstrated that with judicial and regular use of footstools, the overall repair of joints, muscles and tendons is much improved. What appears to be a relatively innocuous piece of household furniture can be worth its weight in gold for its beneficial effects, both physical and mental. The result of employing a footstool help to improve blood circulation serves to reduce pain and inflammation. Whether for aesthetic or life affirming consequences, buying a footstool to help remedy the every day pressures of life is an essential household investment.

The author has over 20 years experience running companies involved in furnishing fabrics and furniture manufacturing and has recently been specialising in company start ups