Exercising, wearing certain shoes or even regular daily activity can put a lot of pressure on the feet. A foot massage is a nice way to relieve this pressure and can also serve as a form of stress relief. However, there is more to a perfect foot massage than the actual hand to foot contact.
Step 1
Clean the feet. Add warm water to a foot basin and soak the feet. To provide additional moisture and some aromatherapy, add three drops of an essential oil such as eucalyptus, lavender or peppermint. Soak for 10 to 15 minutes or until the water cools.
Step 2
Dry the feet. Use a clean, warm towel to dry feet thoroughly. This can be done by placing a clean, dry towel in the microwave for approximately 15 seconds. Do not warm for extended periods or leave the microwave unattended. A dry towel can ignite in the microwave if it gets too hot.
Step 3
Elevate the feet to relieve pressure. Ask the person to lie down and place a pillow under her feet for slight elevation. This is also helpful to the person performing the massage because it reduces the need to support the legs and feet.
Step 4
Apply a warm oil or cream-based moisturizer to the feet to seal in moisture. To warm the lotion or oil, place the moisturizer in a lotion warmer or microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or until it heats up. The moisturizer should be warm, not hot. Some prefer to rub the moisturizer between their hands, using their body heat as a natural source of warmth.
Step 5
Increase circulation in the feet. Begin at the top of the feet, just beneath the toes and cup hands around the width of the feet. Using a long, slow movement, rub the skin on the feet in a downward motion to increase the blood flow in the feet and begin to relieve any built-up pressure.
Step 6
Rotate the ankles and slowly pull each toe between the thumb and pointer finger. Use the palm to push down on the arches, gently stretching the muscles. Repeat this process on both feet. As an additional treat, rub the muscles of the calves and shins in a slow, circular motion.
Things You'll Need
- Basin
- Liquid soap
- Essential oil
- Towel
- Moisturizer
- Pillow
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