Foot Massage
Foot massage is one of the most unbelievably relaxing
treats that you can give yourself or others. The ultimate
study of foot massage is reflexology. Foot reflexology
is "pressure therapy" and involves applying
focused pressure to certain known reflex points located
in the foot to cure or prevent disease. Foot reflexology
is based on the premise that our nerve zones or reflex
points go from the bottom of our feet to the top of
our head, encompassing all vital organs on the way.
A trained reflexologist can put pressure on different
meridiens or energy lines on the sole and side of the
feet to determine the cause of illness.
The information below is a guide to foot massage not
foot reflexology. Some benefits of reflexology will
happen automatically simply by virtue of massaging the
soles of the feet but the main objective is
to help tired feet feel better!
Preparation for Foot Massage
If you are giving a foot massage to your partner or
friend than ensure that the massage foot is comfortably
reclined on a pillow or a sofa. If you treating yourself
to a foot massage than find a comfortable chair or sofa
and put your foot on your lap.
It has been recommended that soft music or a meditation
cd can provide the perfect catalyst to get you in the
mood for a foot massage. There are various creams and
oils that can be used for a foot massage. However, we
recommend the use of essential massage oils to achieve
an ultimately relaxing foot massage. To begin with make
sure the feet are clean, a foot soak with epsom salts
is a wonderful way to de-stress before a foot massage.
Make sure that your feet are completely dry (including
in between toes) before you start.
Foot Massage Techniques
1. Stroking
This technique stimulates the blood vessels in your
feet and promotes gentle heat. Hold the foot in your
hands and begin to massage the top surface of the foot.
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. Repeat this 5 times and then perform
the same technique to the sole of the foot.
2. Ankle rotation
Firstly, gentle move the ankle side to side to loosen
the ankle joint. Hold the heel of the foot in a cupping
motion and hold the ball of the foot with the other
hand. Rotate the foot clockwise and anticlockwise 3
or 4 times to relax the foot from the ankle joint, reversing
the directions will calm and de-stress your senses.
Make sure you perform this technique gently.
3. Pivoting
Gently hold the foot in you hand and use the other
hand to massage the sole of the foot with your thumb.
Begin with the area directly below the large toe and
slowly move to the other toes. After initial pressure,
roll the thumb back and forth. It may be seen as wiggling
the thumb. Release pressure, and move. Pivoting can
be a very relaxing especially if you vary the amount
of pressure being applied to the ball of the foot.
4. Kneading
Using the thumb or finger tips to knead 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. Remember
that the foot is not as adaptable as dough, so be gentle!
5. Finger Walking
Visualize the foot as a series of squares the size
of the second toe (about1/2" sq.). 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.
Recommended Product
Foot
Massage Oils
A soothing, gentle and, potentially
sensual way to relieve exhausted and fatigued feet.
Aromatherapy and therapeutic massage oils have been
used for centuries for enriching and deepening the massage
experience. Now you and your loved ones can easily enjoy
that experience naturally, and in the comfort and convenience
of your own home. Massage oils available include Stress
Rub, Sensual, Joint Ease and Warming and Uplifting.
 Read
more about foot massage oils from £7.50 with Free
Postage and Packaging
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