Foot Massage

A good foot massage is great. It can ease sore feet and it can also be very relaxing. So just how do you give a good foot massage. Well it's not that difficult. This hub has more on how to give a foot massage as well as some great foot massagers.

1. Begin by sitting facing the soles of their feet. Place your hands such that your fingers are on the top of their foot and your thumbs are on the pad. The first strokes should be firm enough not to tickle, but light enough that they don't hurt. Remember, feet are bony.

2. Travel up and down the foot. Fingertips are going from the base of the toes to the front of the ankle and back, and thumbs are going from pad to arch and back.

3. Now concentrate on the pad of the foot. This area can usually withstand a bit more pressure. Use your thumbs to work in circular motions.

4. The arch of the foot can usually take light-to-moderate pressure. It's an easy area to see. Again, use your thumb to work in circles or an up/down stroke with the emphasis of the pressure on the up.

5. Standing to the side of the foot, grab it with both hands and gently "wring" it out like you would a wet washcloth. Again, fingers should be on the top of the foot and thumbs on the bottom.

6. Coming back to your starting place, gently work between the bones on the top of the foot. There isn't much space in there, but all you have to do is let your fingers glide in the space.

7. Now for the heel - again, circular motions with the thumb. Be sure to get the back of the heel as well by gently lifting the foot, placing the back of the heel in your hand, and letting your hand glide toward you. This makes a nice hand-over-hand technique.

8. The toes will be wanting some attention as well. Again, be gentle. You don't really want to place your whole finger between toes for fear of disjointing or splitting the skin. Simple use the palms of both hands to give them a light rub, and then gently pinch each toe between your index finger and thumb and pull up with a gliding motion.

9. A lovely finishing touch is to work on the sides of the ankle. With one hand on each side, use your fingertips to work small circles around the outside of the bony area.

10. Return to the first stroke technique for the finale. You want to start and finish with the warmth of your hands contacting the foot.