How to Give a Great Relaxing Foot Massage

Massage can have a profound effect on both the person receiving the massage and the one giving it. It can lower stress, ease pain, and induce a state of blissful relaxation.

Leonardo da Vinci referred to the foot as "the greatest engineering device in the world." The foot contains almost a quarter of all the bones in the body and thousands of nerve endings. Few things are more welcome than a good foot massage.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Have the person receiving the massage wash and dry their feet. This will help warm and relax them and make them less ticklish.

2. Find a comfortable position to work from. I find sitting on a low chair next to a bed with the person receiving the massage propped on pillows, with a pillow under the ankles, works well.

3. Apply a scented massage lotion by first applying it to your hands and then rubbing your hands briskly together to warm it. I prefer lavender, my husband likes peppermint. There are many wonderful lotions to choose from.

4. Start the massage by spreading the lotion from ankle to toes and back again. Stroke up and down, warming the feet and letting them get used to your touch.

5. Add some gentle twisting motion. Move the foot around in passive circles to relax the ankle. Gently twist the heel. Grasp either side of the foot and bend down and then up several times, use slow movements. Grasp each toe and twist side to side.

6. Now, using thumbs, work from heel to toes, applying firm pressure on bottom of foot and "walking" from end to end. When you reach toes pull each and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat.

7. Using thumbs, work from ankle to toes, applying firm pressure to top of foot and following the furrow between the tendons. Gently twist and pull toes. Repeat.

8. Apply more lotions and rub calves from ankle to knee to help lymphatic system flush toxins. Finish by clasping the back of the ankle with one hand and resting the other hand on the top of the foot. Gently pull toward you. Don't lift, just pull and stretch gently. Move your hands slowly toward the toes, following the curve of the foot. Repeat three or four times.