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Foot Massage




There are few experiences as relaxing and fulfilling as a foot massage after a tired day to comfort your sore feet. A foot massage has a number of benefits, but is by and large a popular way to make your friends or your loved one feels better. For a great foot massage, start by dipping the feet in warm water for about ten minutes. Wipe away the water using a warm towel. Make sure that there is no water left on the feet before you start on the massage. The next step is to apply oil on the feet. Any base or essential oil would do, and creams are great as well. Just remember to avoid mineral oils. Take oil or cream on your palms and apply them gently on the feet. Avoid putting extra oil as that can make your hand slip.

Steps of a Foot Massage


A foot massage should be gentle. It should traverse the middle path between relaxation and stimulation. You can opt for gentle music and fragrant candles to add to the mood. Remember, go slow and never rush things up. Moreover, pay equal attention to both the feet.



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Step I: Stroking


Start stroking from the toe and move backwards along the instep, and then to the ankle. The movement of stroking must always be from the toe to the ankle. Increase pressure on your strokes as you go along. Next, move to the sole. Use your thumb and fingers to make small circular movements. Put extra pressure in the regions of the heel and the ball of the foot. The movement, at this time will be from top to the way down. Give proper attention to the sides as well.

Step II: Ankle Rotation and Kneading


Next, hold the feet at the ankle with one hand, and rotate the feet around it using the other hand. Do it five times each in the clockwise and the counterclockwise direction, for each foot. Follow this step by kneading the sole. Hold the feet with one hand, and knead the sole gently using the other hand, now rolled into a fist. Pay special attention to the arch of the feet at this point.

Step III: Finger Massage


This is the last step of foot massage. Roll the toe between your thumb and forefinger, moving from the big toe to the pinky toe. Increase pressure as you go, and squeeze the end of each toe. Slide a finger between the toes - about five times will do. And that completes the process. However, it is always advised that you end the massage with small circles on the soles, followed by gentle strokes on the soles and the sides. Do not forget to wipe off the extra oil or cream with a towel once the whole process is over.