How I Give a Foot Massage

Steps

1. Soak feet in warm water for about 10 minutes. You may wish to include drops of your favorite essential oil or bath
2. salts. Peppermint or lavender oil is preferred by many. Make sure feet are completely dry before starting massage.
3. Apply a moderate amount of cream or oil to hands to add to comfort and ease. Make sure hands are warm to avoid discomfort. Mineral oil is not absorbed in the skin, and it wipes off cleanly.
4. Begin by stroking top of foot, between cords located on top of foot at instep. Move in the direction toe to ankle. Then, continue by stroking sole of foot, first more gently, then increase pressure.
5. Make circular motions with your thumb and fingers over the sole of the foot, and use more pressure in areas such as the heel or ball of the foot. Start from the top and work your way down. Do not neglect the sides.
6. Hold the foot with one hand, use the other hand to rotate the foot, first at the ankle, and then near the ball of the foot. Be gentle.
7. Knead the sole by holding the foot with one hand and making a fist with the other, using moderate pressure into the sole. Give enough attention to the arch.
8. Begin with the big toe and working towards the pinky toe, take each toe individually. Roll the toe between your thumb and forefinger as you slide your fingers down the toe to the end, applying gentle pressure. Gently squeeze the end of each toe.
9. Take your index finger and slide it between each toe about 5 times. To complete the massage, use your thumb and fingers to make the circular motions once again over the sole. End by stroking the sole and instep.
10. Wipe off any excess cream or oil with a soft towel. Slip into thick socks to retain moisturizing, or slippers will suffice as well.
11. Try to give equal attention to both feet, as the body abhors asymmetry.

Tips

• Have receiver lean back against a pillow or a couch, and make sure he or she is relaxed and comfortable. Perhaps include some relaxing background music or lightly scented candles.
• Massage slowly and gently to induce relaxation, and massage more quickly and deeply to induce stimulation. Throughout massage, if you feel tension building up in your hands, periodically shake hands loose of energy and continue massage.

Warnings

• Be careful not to use too much pressure so as not to cause discomfort, but apply enough pressure so as not to tickle.
• Do not overuse the oil or cream, or hands will be too slippery.
• If foot or feet are painful or overly sensitive, seek medical advice or care from a professional such as a podiatrists, a medical doctor who specializes in medical care of the foot, ankle, and lower leg.
• If anyone ever tries to tell you that a foot massage is a non-sensual activity, remember to apply the fundamental test of that person's true motives: Would they give the same sex a foot massage?

Things You'll Need

1. Towels
2. Cream and/or oil
3. Warm water in a tub or basin
4. Bath salts
5. Favorite essential oil (preferably lavender or peppermint)
6. Pillow
7. (Optional) Soft background music
8. (Optional) Lightly scented candles
9. Thick clean socks or slippers