What better than a great foot massage?

Foot massage is one of the most joyful experiences a man can have. The great thing about a them is that you can give one to yourself or to someone else, almost at any time or place. Many people love them so much they state that receiving a foot massage is like getting a full body massage without removing anything but your shoes. There’s no better way to treat a friend or loved one than to give their sore feet a wonderful foot massage. So, beware, you may find yourself fending off requests from your recipient for another foot massage soon after the first one!

foot massage

A bit of theory

The ultimate study of foot massage is reflexology. Foot reflexology is “pressure therapy” and involves applying focused pressure to certain known reflex points located in the foot to cure or prevent disease. Foot reflexology is based on the premise that our nerve zones or reflex points go from the bottom of our feet to the top of our head, encompassing all vital organs on the way. A trained reflexologist can put pressure on different meridiens or energy lines on the sole and side of the feet to determine the cause of illness.

How to Give The Best Foot Massage

Following these steps you’ll surely make that someone feel like they he is in paradise!

First of all, soak feet in warm water for about 10 minutes. You may wish to include drops of your favorite essential oil or bath salts. Peppermint or lavender oil is preferred by many. Don’t forget to make sure feet are completely dry before starting massage.
Apply a moderate amount of cream or oil to your hands, and make sure they are warm, in order to avoid chilling your partner’s feet. Mineral oil is not absorbed by the skin, and it wipes off easily.
Begin by stroking the top of the foot, between the cords located on top and at instep. Move in toe to ankle direction. Then, continue by stroking the sole of the foot, gently at the beginning, increasing pressure as time passes.
Make circular motions with your thumb and fingers over the sole of the foot, and use more pressure in areas such as the heel or ball of the foot. Start from the top and work your way down. Don’t forget the sides, do not neglect them.
Then, hold the foot with one hand, and use the other hand to rotate the foot, first at the ankle, and then near the ball of the foot. Be gentle, and repeat about the procedure 5 times in each direction.
Knead the sole by holding the foot with one hand and making a fist with the other, using moderate pressure into the sole. This time remember to focus your attention in the arch.
Now, is time for the toes. Begin with the big toe and working towards the pinky toe, take each toe individually. Roll the toe between your thumb and forefinger as you slide your fingers down the toe to the end, applying gentle pressure. Gently squeeze the end of each toe.
Take your index finger and slide it between each toe about 5 times. To complete the massage, use your thumb and fingers to make the circular motions once again over the sole. End by stroking the sole and instep.
For the finishing touch, wipe off any excess cream or oil with a soft towel. Slip into thick socks to retain moisturizing, or slippers will suffice as well.

Note: Don’t forget to give equal attention to both feet, as the body abhors asymmetry.

Additional Tips

Tell the receiver lean back against a pillow or a couch, and make sure he is relaxed and comfortable. Also, you can include some relaxing background music or lightly scented candles.

Massage slowly and gently to induce relaxation, and massage more quickly and deeply to induce stimulation.Throughout massage, if you feel tension building up in your hands, periodically shake hands loose of energy and continue massage.