A foot massage is an excellent solution to soothe the muscles and rejuvenate tired feet. In this article we will discuss foot massage techniques.
Our feet has to bear our entire body weight and they are the most neglected of all body parts. Moreover, ill fitting footwear, walking in high heels and bad posture contribute to the ache and pains that our feet feel at the end of a day. The best treat that you can give your feet is to go for a foot massage that will help to ease the pain and also provide relief to the tired muscles. It is quite easy to learn foot massage techniques that will help in providing relief and relaxing your foot muscles. As certain points of the feet have a relationship with the organs and muscles of the body, many nurses use foot massage techniques to induce labor.
Basic Foot Massage Techniques
To know how to give a foot massage, first you should know the basic foot massage techniques and the foot massage pressure points. The most important foot massage technique is known as stroking. In this foot massage technique, you need to hold the foot in both your hands and using your thumb and index finger apply a steady pressure, starting from your toes to your ankles. Stroke your entire foot in this way and ease up the pressure around the toes. Repeat the same massage stroke on the sole of your feet and make sure that you massage your feet in one continuous flow.
Another great foot massage technique is called the kneading. In this technique, you have to use your fist to knead the sole of your feet in back and forth motion. Use the knuckles to knead the heel and the toes and gently press the knuckles into the sole of your feet repeatedly. To get relief from painful tendons that run alongside the outside edges of the foot, there is a very simple foot massage technique. This involves applying firm pressure with your thumb by sliding them from the top to the bottom along the sides of the foot.
One more foot massage technique is called the toe rotation. In this technique, each toe is individually rotated first in the clockwise direction and then in an anticlockwise direction. The best way to do this is to grasp each toe one at a time and gently pull them upwards and then rotate them in opposite directions. Make sure that you do not use too much pressure or you will end up hurting your toes. Read more on massage therapy.
Self Foot Massage Techniques
If you do not have time to go to a spa to get a foot massage, then you can easily give your feet a treat by doing a foot massage at home. For this, it is good idea to first clean your feet by soaking it in a tub of lukewarm warm water. You can also use some bath salts and a few drops of essential oils to soothe the tired muscles. After you have cleaned your feet, dry them with a fluffy towel. Now place your left hand on top of the foot and your right hand under the sole of your foot. Apply medium pressure and glide your hands from the toes to your ankles. Repeat this movement six to seven times. You can also use any fragrant oil like olive oil or coconut so that your feet are also moisturized. Next, pull each toe of your foot and rotate them in clockwise and anticlockwise direction. Using your thumb, press on the arch of your feet and balls. These are the areas that have to bear the brunt of your entire body weight so they have the maximum tension. Use your knuckles to push around the sole of your feet in small circular motion. Finish off by stroking around the ankles in gentle upward movements.
Read more on:
Foot Reflexology
Benefits of Massage Therapy
Leg Massage
There are many other foot massage techniques like Chinese foot massage techniques and sensual foot massage techniques. All these techniques are a bit advanced and it is best to get them done professionally. Thus, we can see that foot massages have a lot of benefits and it is a perfect way to destress after a long tiring day.
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