A foot massage is one of the most unbelievably relaxing feelings that you can give yourself, friends or a loved one. The study of foot massage is called reflexology.
Reflexology is "pressure therapy" and involves applying pressure to certain known reflex points located in the foot to cure or prevent disease. Foot reflexology is based on the theory that our nerve zones or reflex points go from the bottom of our feet to the top of our head, in contact with all vital organs on the way.
A trained reflexologist can put pressure on different points on the sole and side of the feet to determine the cause of illness.
Some benefits of reflexology will happen automatically simply by virtue of massaging the soles of the feet so bellow we have listed a rough guide to get you started!
Preparation for a Foot Massage
If you are giving a foot massage to your partner or friend then ensure that the massaged foot is comfortably reclined on a pillow or a sofa. If your treating yourself to a foot massage then find a comfortable chair or sofa and put your foot on your lap.
We recomend the Burts Bees foot cream for making the foot massage that bit special. You can of course use baby lotion or oil.
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.
Ankle Rotation
Firstly, gentley 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 anti clockwise 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.
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.
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!
Finger Walking
Visualize the foot as a series of squares the size of the second toe (about 1 cm 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.
