We are on our feet all day and yet they are the most neglected part of the body. There are very few individuals who would agree that our feet need a pampering too. There is nothing more satisfying than receiving a good foot massage after a tiring day.
A foot massage is a simple process and can be easily performed at home. It is one of the best type of pampering that we can give our tired and aching feet. It is a simple technique of massage that can be self administered or given to your friend.
To make the foot massage relaxing it is important to pay attention to trivial things and set the right mood. You can create a relaxing atmosphere by dimming the light, playing soft music, and burning incense sticks. These may seem like trivial things but these smaller things will make a big difference. The most important point that one should keep in mind is that person should be completely at peace. The advantage of having a foot massage at home is that it helps you have control of the environment and keeps you relaxed.
Let’s understand how to give a relaxing foot massage.
- The first step would be soaking your feet in warm water and sea salts for about 10 min. You can also add lemon juice or aroma oils to the water, this will help clean and warm the feet. Once the feet have been soaked; dry them using a clean towel.
- Lay or sit back and start to relax. Place the foot on a stool or foot rest. Massage one foot at a time and keep the other foot wrapped in warm towel.
- Apply a massage cream or herbal oil (a massage cream or a herbal oil like almond oil, sesame oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil etc can be used to add a soothing effect to the massage.) Rub the oil or lotion over the entire foot to above the ankle.
- Once you have finished applying the cream or oil, you can now begin with the foot massage technique.
Basic foot massage technique
Stroking
Stroking is one of the best massage techniques to start with. Take the foot in one hand and stroke the foot upwards from the heel towards the toe. When one hand has reached the arch of the foot the other hand should be starting along the bottom. Stroke your foot like you would pull a rope.
Thumbwalking
Slide your thumb in an alternating motion from the heel to the base of your thumb. Apply firm pressure at the heels and medium pressure near the toe as the skin at the heels is hard compared to the other area of the foot. Thumbwalking helps is massaging tendons on the edges of the foot.
Hold the heel with one hand grip the other end of the foot with the other. Then rotate slowly in one direction five to six times and rotate in the opposite direction the same number of times.
Kneading
Kneading is a technique where you press your fist into the bottom of the foot, along the arch. Roll your fist upward towards the toes and then go back to the bottom of the feet while applying medium pressure.
Massage each toe with a mild pinch and gently rotate the toe in a circular motion using your thumb and index finger.
Hold your foot in a raised position and gently massage the foot and the back of your calf to relax any strained muscle.
Foot massage offers a relaxing feel at the end of an strenuous day. It helps to improve blood circulation and removes harmful toxins. Foot massage also helps in reducing stress, and pain. After a de stressing foot massage you are all ready to walk with no aches or pain to be felt.
Remember these are the basic techniques for massaging your foot. You can use your creativity and make your foot massage as personal and unique as you want.
Treat your feet with love and care and you cannot go wrong.
