Giving a Foot Massage

One of the most implausibly soothing treats that you can give yourself or others is a foot massage. The definitive study of foot massage is reflexology. A trained reflexologist can put pressure on special meridians or energy lines on the sole and side of the feet to settle on the cause of illness.

Preparation

The foot to which a massage is to be given should be comfortably rested on a pillow or a sofa. For treating yourself you need to find a comfortable chair or sofa and put your foot on your lap. There are a variety of creams and oils that can be used for a foot massage. First of all, the feet have to be clean. Your feet should be dry (even in between toes) before you start.

Foot Massage Techniques

1. Stroking

This technique is used in order to stimulate the blood vessels in your feet and to endorse gentle heat. For this, the foot has to be held and the top surface of the foot has to be massaged. Use your thumbs in a slow, firm stroking motion, starting at the toes and moving up to the ankle. Once you have reached the ankle follow the same line back to the toes. Make sure you apply lighter pressure towards the toes than the ankle. This is to be repeated five times and then perform the same technique to the sole of the foot.

2. Ankle Rotation

To begin, gently move the ankle side to side to release the ankle joint. Hold the heel of the foot in a cupping motion and hold the ball of the foot with the other hand. Swivel the foot clockwise and anticlockwise three or four times to relax the foot from the ankle joint, reversing the directions will calm and distress your senses.

3. Pivoting

Smoothly hold the foot in your hand and use the other hand to massage the sole of the foot with your thumb. Start with the area straight below the large toe and slowly move to the other toes. After preliminary pressure, roll the thumb back and forth. It may be seen as wiggling the thumb. Release pressure, and move.

4. Kneading

Use the thumb or finger tips to massage back and forth on the sole of the foot. Kneading uses the knuckles at the second joints. "Knead" the area like dough with large pressing, rotating movements.

5. Finger Walking

Consider the foot as a series of squares the size of the second toe. Walk your fingers horizontally, one square to the next, and then down to the next row of squares. Massage one foot, and then the next. Begin at the big toe.