 |
Foot Massage TechniquesA foot massage is one of the most relaxing moments that someone can give you.
Foot reflexology is a foot pressure therapy, a method of massage that involves applying finger pressure on certain reflex points located in the foot to cure or prevent disease. Foot reflexology is based on the fact that our nerve zones go from the bottom of our feet to the top of our head encircling all the vital organs on the way. The soothing of the nerves passes its calming effect onto the internal organs of the person.
The foot reflexology therapy has claimed to be able to cure migraines, breathing problems, digestive problems, circulatory problems, headaches, back problems, and hormonal imbalances. This involves the massaging which stimulates the nervous system to allow it to work more effective, which allows better and faster passage of nerve impulses, and signals. Usually foot reflexology is used along with other practices such as tai chi, yoga, and many others.
• Soothes sore and weary feet
• Relaxes the foot • Rejuvenates blood circulation • Helps to relieve tension and reduces stress
• Helps your muscle to recovery from tension and fatigue after exercise
Things you need for a relaxing foot massage:
• Towels
• Lotion or an essential oil
• Warm water in a tub or basin
• Bath salts
• Essential oil such as lavender or peppermint
• Pillow
• Relaxing music
• Lightly scented candles
• Thick clean socks or slippers
The subject can sit in a recliner, or reclining position where they can prop their feet on a pillow or elevate the lower part of their body. This increases the circulation. Usually some sort peaceful music is helps the process. The subject must clear their mind and relax as if meditating. Make sure your feet are completely dry before massage begins. The massager can apply some lotion or oil to the hands. Make sure hands are warm to avoid discomfort. Completely massage one foot at a time, than do the other one. Begin by rubbing the lotion or oil gently into the whole foot from toes to ankle. Always stroke going towards the heart. Massage the foot a little more deeply for the next few strokes. Put both hands around the feet with your fingers on the bottom and your thumbs on the top. Move your thumbs between the tendons smoothly and firmly from the ankle toward the toes. Make long strokes working with enough pressure but try not to tickle the person and not too hard. Work on the soles of the feet. Using your thumbs, make circular motions that cover the entire surface of the bottom of the foot, moving from the base of your toes toward your heel. Keep the pressure of the circles steady and even. Use a bit more firmness on the heel because the skin is tougher. Add a few extra strokes to any area where there is chronic pain.
Massage the toes with gentle, circular motions, using a bit of a stretch. Then rotate them. Take all the toes together by holding them with your thumb underneath and all your fingers on top then gently rotate them three times one direction, then three times reversed. Next take each toe individually and rotate each on very gently. After your foot massage, wipe off any excess lotion or oil with a soft towel. Slip into socks or slippers to keep the feet moisturizing.
Stroking. You must hold your subjects foot and massage the top surface of the foot, using the thumbs and massage the toes up to the ankle, and then follow by going in reverse order. You will repeat that a few times. Ankle rotation. This involves moving the ankle from side to side. Start off by cupping the heel and massaging in a circular motion, and grab the ball of the foot with your other hand. Massage clockwise and then counterclockwise, also repeating this a few times. Pivoting. Hold your subjects foot, and use the other to massage the foot with your thumb. Start below the big toe and then proceed to the other toes. Apply pressure then roll the thumb back and forth. Lighten up on pressure and then move to a different spot. Kneading. Use the finger tips or thumb and knead the bottom of your subject’s foot. Make sure to use the knuckles a lot. The motion is similar to "kneading dough". Finger walking. This involves walking fingers up and down, half inch from left to right, then go up and across in a similar fashion. Do the other foot and then repeat a few times. Foot Stretch. Slide both hands around the foot and stretch the top of the foot with thumbs facing up. Slide firmly to the outside of the foot while fingers are putting pressure into the solar plexus. Repeat at least three times. Toe Circles. Hold each toe one at a time, gently circle clockwise then anticlockwise and corkscrew off. Move to the next toe till all toes are massaged.
Foot massage is a very pleasurable way to relax and promotes circulation to the lowest part of the body. This type of massage is a very soothing, gentle way to relieve exhausted and fatigued feet.
Subscribe to the Relaxation Tranquility Moments Newsletter!
|
