| Nothing can help you relax more than a nice, | | | | lotion you're using. This initial stroke will relax the |
| stress-relieving foot massage. Learning how to | | | | muscles so they can be worked more easily. Do |
| give one can be a great gift for a friend or loved | | | | this a few times. Make sure the persons feet are |
| one. It's not very hard to do. | | | | loose and relaxed. |
| Before you get started have the person wash | | | | Circular Strokes |
| their feet. You should also make sure your hands | | | | Use your fingers to make circular strokes around |
| are clean. Check their feet for any open sores, | | | | the ankle bones, balls of the feet and heels. These |
| swelling, or signs of fungal infections, like athlete's | | | | strokes follow the contours of the bones of the |
| foot. If any of these things are present you | | | | feet and help loosen connective tissue. |
| shouldn't give the massage. | | | | Deep Strokes |
| Soak | | | | Use your knuckles to massage the deep muscles |
| Have the person soak their feet in warm water | | | | in the sole of the foot. Make a loose fist and place |
| for 5 to 10 minutes before you start. You can | | | | it in the arch of the foot. Gently twist your fist |
| add some bath salts or soothing essential oils to | | | | back and forth in the arch. Use 1 or 2 knuckles to |
| the water to make the soak more luxurious. The | | | | press into the center of the foot then slowly drag |
| warm water will help soften the rough skin on the | | | | them across the arch. |
| feet making them easier to massage. When | | | | Toes |
| they're done soaking dry them well with a soft | | | | Don't forget the toes. Gently massage each toe |
| towel. | | | | between the thumb and forefinger. |
| Gliding Strokes | | | | Finish your massage with a few more gliding |
| Use your full hand to stroke the foot from heel | | | | strokes and your done. You've given a nice |
| to toe on the top and bottom. This simple stroke | | | | relaxing treatment that anyone would be thankful |
| is used to warm up muscle tissue, get the person | | | | for. |
| accustomed to your touch, and spread the oil or | | | | |