Relaxing Foot Massage

You won’t find many who would disagree with the idea that a foot massage is one of the most pleasurable and relaxing indulgences one can enjoy.

First, there is the simple pleasure of receiving the warm and caressing touch that is intended purely to pamper you. Added to that, however, the tenets of reflexology connect different parts of the foot to various portions of the body. According to the practitioners of reflexology, the entire body can be treated through foot massage.

Finally, medical science tells us that the portion of the brain that connects to the foot happens to be adjacent to the portion of the brain that connects to the genitals. Some believe that there could even be some overlapping of neurons – perhaps this is part of the reason that a foot massage is often considered erotic and sexy.

Whether you intend to give (or receive) foot massage as part of a broader ranging therapy like reflexology, acupressure, or shiatsu, it is a good idea to make sure that the recipient of the massage is as relaxed and comfortable as possible. It can be beneficial to soak the foot in warm water for about 10 minutes before starting, possibly with a few drops of your favorite essential oil. When you are ready to start, foot should be resting comfortably on a soft, firm surface (a pillow on a chair, the sofa, or a bed, for example).

A foot massage can be delivered either with or without any kind of lubricant, but the overall experience is generally more soothing (and easier to deliver) when a lotion or oil is employed. Use a moderate amount of your lotion or oil, applied to your hands, and make sure your hands are warm when you begin. (Mineral oil is good for this, as it doesn’t soak into the skin and it cleans up easily).

Starting with the top of the foot, stroke it gently from toe to ankle – gently working the corded area of the instep. Follow this up by stroking the sole gently, then gradually increase the pressure. Use your thumb or fingers to rub small circles in the sole. Be sure not to apply too much pressure, but use enough not to tickle the foot. More pressure will be needed on the heel and the ball of the foot. Again, this part of the foot massage should start near the toes and work toward the heel. Also, be sure not to leave out the sides of the foot, where the tissue is thinner and the nerves are often more sensitive.

Continue the foot massage by using one hand to cradle the foot and the other to gently flex and stretch the foot, first at the ankle and then at the ball of the foot. Do his a few times, making sure to alternate directions.

Move on to kneading the sole. You can use both hands for this, either by supporting the foot the fingers and kneading with thumbs, or by using one hand to support the foot as you use the knuckles of your other hand to press and knead the sole. Be sure this part of the foot massage gives plenty of attention to the arch of the foot.

Now it is time to massage the toes. Using gentle strokes and soft squeezes, start with the big toe and work down to the pinky toe. If possible, also gently stroke your finger between the toes, being careful not to force them apart uncomfortably.

To finish off the foot massage, revisit the sole with gentle circular strokes for a moment, then end with soft strokes along the top and instep, working from the ankle down to the toes, as if pulling the pain and stress from the foot. Be sure this motion glides all the way off of the toes gracefully.

Be sure to repeat the process on the other foot, so that neither side of the body feels neglected – it is counterproductive to create a sense of imbalance in a body you are trying to relax.