Who doesn't love a good foot massage! Done right, it's one of life's great pleasures. It's also very therapeutic according to reflexology's school of thought.
It is thought that reflexology can relieve stress, promote well being and healing by applying pressure on specific areas of the hands and feet. By applying pressure, a reflex action occurs through the nervous system to corresponding organs and glands freeing up circulation and energy flow.
Although this practice of massage dates back as far as the Egyptians, Mayans and even Native Americans, it wasn't until 1917 that Dr. Fitzgerald gave credibility to reflexology. He called it Zone Therapy. Whatever you want to call it, we know how relaxing and pleasurable it is to get a good foot massage. Even a completely untrained person doing a massage can get results. But if you would like some help with some of the basic techniques, then here are some steps you can follow to help someone relax, relieve stress or even pain.
Have the person soak in a foot bath for about ten minutes. You want to be sure their feet are really clean before you start.
Set the mood with some soft music and maybe some candles. Have the person lay down with their feet just over the edge of the bed. Place a rolled towel or pillow under each knee. Get yourself a chair or stool so you can be relaxed too. Note: You will do one foot at a time.
1. Wash your hands with soap and water and then apply massage oil. Start at the top of the foot near the toes, thumbs on the bottom and remaining fingers on the top. Make smooth upward motions towards the leg. Repeat this motion 3 to 5 times.
2. Place your hands on each side of the foot starting near the heel. (The next motion you make will be similar to washing your own hands where you rub your hands together as if you want to make friction). Slowly and gently rub the sides of the feet (your hands are moving in the opposite direction) and work your way up towards the toes. Go all the way up and then back down again in a smooth continuous motion. Do this 3 to 5 times.
3. Now the toes. Start at the base of the big toe, gently apply pressure at the bottom and slowly squeeze in an upward motion until you reach the top of the toe. Repeat 3 to 5 times and do that on each toe.
4. If the person is not too ticklish then you can run your finger between each toe. Do this 3 to 5 times.
5. You are now with your thumb going to put pressure on the bottom of your feet. Right under the big toe is the round fleshy part. Just underneath that is the beginning of the instep. Apply pressure, not too hard, and make tiny circles. Move downward towards the heel in that continuous circular motion. Then move back up. Do this 3 to 5 times.
6. Now do the opposite side of the bottom of the foot exactly the same.
7. Now you can massage the fleshy part right under the toes and the do the same with the heel.
8. You are now going to move away from the bottom of the foot and place you thumbs on both sides of the soft fleshy part between the ankle bone and the heel. In tiny circular motion massage in a circle around the entire ankle bone. Do this 3 to 5 times. This is the 'reflex point' that stimulates the male and female libido.
9. Repeat all 8 steps on the opposite foot.
And there you have it! A great foot massage that can really help someone!
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