How to Give a Foot Massage

Our feet constantly take the pressure, wear and tear of getting us from point A to point B, leaving them feeling achy and worn. Giving a foot massage, whether to yourself or to a friend, is a special relaxing treat that releases tension instantly. Read on to learn how to pamper by giving a foot massage.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Clean the feet with a foot soak. Dissolve a cup of Epsom salts in a gallon of warm water to destress the feet prior to massage. Soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Dry thoroughly, including between your toes.
2. Apply lotion or cream and massage each foot completely with gentle strokes. This includes the top and bottom of the foot from toes to ankle.
3. Follow with deeper strokes. Using both hands, place your fingers on bottom and your thumbs on top. Firmly slide your thumbs between the tendons of the ankle and toes. Use appropriate amount of pressure so it's not ticklish, but not so deep that it's painful.
4. Massage the soles of the feet using circular motions with your thumbs over the entire bottom of your foot. Keep the pressure steady starting from the base of the toes and moving toward the heel.
5. Rub your toes with gentle, circular motions. Stretch your foot while you rub to increase the effect. Gently bend and rotate each toe. Use a circular motion to rub each toe individually, from the bottom to the tip.
6. Twist the foot by rotating both hands around it in an up and down motion. Each hand should move in opposite directions.
7. Repeat the all-over, gentle massage that you started out with to complete the foot massage. Towel feet off to remove any excess lotion.

Tips & Warnings

• Shake your hands to remove the tension if they start to feel tired or cramped.