Who doesn’t like a good foot massage! Well done, it’s one of life’s great pleasures. It is also very therapeutic according to the reflexology school of thought.
Reflexology is believed to be able to relieve stress, promote well-being, and healing by applying pressure to specific areas of the hands and feet. By applying pressure, a reflex action occurs through the nervous system to the corresponding organs and glands, freeing circulation and energy flow.
Although this massage practice dates back to the Egyptians, Mayans, and even Native Americans, it wasn’t until 1917 that Dr. Fitzgerald gave reflexology credibility. He called it Zone Therapy. Whatever you want to call it, we know how relaxing and pleasant it is to receive a good foot massage. Even a completely inexperienced person doing massage can get results. But if you want help with some of the basic techniques, here are some steps you can take to help someone relax, relieve stress, or even pain.
Have the person soak in a foot bath for about ten minutes. You want to make sure his feet are really clean before you start.
Set the mood with soft music and maybe some candles. Have the person lie 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 relax as well. Note: You will do this with 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 the other toes on top. Make gentle upward movements up the leg. Repeat this movement 3 to 5 times.
2. Place your hands on each side of the foot starting near the heel. (The next move you make will be similar to washing your hands, where you rub your hands together as if you wanted to do friction.) Slowly and gently rub the sides of your feet (your hands are moving in the opposite direction) and work your way up to your toes. It goes all the way up, then comes back down in one smooth, continuous motion. Do this 3 to 5 times.
3. Now the toes. Begin at the base of the big toe, gently apply pressure to the bottom and slowly squeeze in an upward motion until you reach the top of the toe. Repeat 3-5 times and do it on each toe.
4. If the person is not too ticklish, you can run your finger between each toe. Do this 3 to 5 times.
5. Now you are going to exert pressure with your thumb on the bottom of your feet. Just below the big toe is the round, fleshy part. Just below is the beginning of the instep. Apply pressure, not too hard, and make small circles. Move down towards the heel in that continuous circular motion. Then go back up. Do this 3 to 5 times.
6. Now do the same with the opposite side of the sole of the foot.
7. Now you can massage the meaty part just under the fingers and then do the same with the heel.
8. You will now walk away from the bottom of the foot and place your thumbs on either side of the soft, fleshy part between the ankle bone and the heel. Using small circular motions, massage in circles 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!
