How to Massage Your
Foot
Part 2: Techniques
Not having
someone to massage your foot is
no reason to forego a
massage. Here are some simple techniques to revive
your feet, to get rid of pain from pointy shoes, and to relax after a
hard day.
Techniques to Massage Your Foot
Techniques to massage your foot are not difficult. You look
for sore, tender spots, and lovingly massage them. If it
feels good, do it more. If it feels bad, ask yourself "Is
this 'good' bad or is this 'bad' bad?" The answers will give
you the obvious clues.
Sore spots that hurt can use a more gentle massage. If you
press on a sore spot, go very slowly, easing into the pressure.
Uncomfortable massages, ones that pull your skin or leave bruises, need
other adjustments. Try a different
massage oil.
Use your fingers and not a massage tool. It's pretty
straight-forward.
Begin to Massage Your Foot
Start by massaging the pressure points on the soles of your foot.
Apply pressure as deeply as you enjoy. Feel free to
experiment. Pay special attention to any place that feels
tender or sore. Dote on any place that feels good.
This is not rocket science, so don't worry about exact point
location. You'll know when you hit a spot that says "Yes!" to
you.
Remember your arches and rub the arch all the way from your heel to the
ball of your foot.
Protect your Thumb!
Do not use your thumb so hard that it becomes
sore and then it, too, will need a massage. If you are
pressing hard and putting undo strain on your thumb, fingers or wrists,
try rolling a tennis ball under your foot. It may
save your hands for other
activities.
Bend your toes back and forth to their full range of motion.
"Spread" the foot by grabbing each side and pulling outward.
Move from your arches, to the balls of your foot, to the
toes. This is especially nice if you have had tight shoes on
all day.
Pull your toes.
Pull them. Wiggle them. Get them moving.
Massage the sides of each toe and the space between the toes.
Massage the tops and bottoms of each toe.
Grab your heel and squeeze.
Massage the top of your foot. Here is where some massage oil
or cornstarch may be very nice because the skin is more
delicate. Pay attention to the grooves between the bones of
the foot. Starting where your foot meets your leg, make
gentle circular motions with your fingers in each groove, moving up
your foot to the toes.
Now go back to anything you thought was fabulous, and do it
again!
A foot massage is a great way to stop the pace of your day.
While you are at it, think of other little luxuries which
calm you. Now
is a great time to get out your nail
polish and gussy up those nails.
For more information about massage supplies:
"Part
1: Supplies to
Massage Your Foot".
You can also use a Body
Back Buddy
to massage your foot. Find out some great uses for this tool.
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