| Who doesn't love a good foot massage! Done | | | | make will be similar to washing your own hands |
| right, it's one of life's great pleasures. It's also | | | | where you rub your hands together as if you |
| very therapeutic according to reflexology's school | | | | want to make friction). Slowly and gently rub the |
| of thought. | | | | sides of the feet (your hands are moving in the |
| It is thought that reflexology can relieve stress, | | | | opposite direction) and work your way up |
| promote well being and healing by applying | | | | towards the toes. Go all the way up and then |
| pressure on specific areas of the hands and feet. | | | | back down again in a smooth continuous motion. |
| By applying pressure, a reflex action occurs | | | | Do this 3 to 5 times. |
| through the nervous system to corresponding | | | | 3. Now the toes. Start at the base of the big toe, |
| organs and glands freeing up circulation and | | | | gently apply pressure at the bottom and slowly |
| energy flow. | | | | squeeze in an upward motion until you reach the |
| Although this practice of massage dates back as | | | | top of the toe. Repeat 3 to 5 times and do that |
| far as the Egyptians, Mayans and even Native | | | | on each toe. |
| Americans, it wasn't until 1917 that Dr. Fitzgerald | | | | 4. If the person is not too ticklish then you can |
| gave credibility to reflexology. He called it Zone | | | | run your finger between each toe. Do this 3 to 5 |
| Therapy. Whatever you want to call it, we know | | | | times. |
| how relaxing and pleasurable it is to get a good | | | | 5. You are now with your thumb going to put |
| foot massage. Even a completely untrained | | | | pressure on the bottom of your feet. Right under |
| person doing a massage can get results. But if | | | | the big toe is the round fleshy part. Just |
| you would like some help with some of the basic | | | | underneath that is the beginning of the instep. |
| techniques, then here are some steps you can | | | | Apply pressure, not too hard, and make tiny |
| follow to help someone relax, relieve stress or | | | | circles. Move downward towards the heel in that |
| even pain. | | | | continuous circular motion. Then move back up. |
| Have the person soak in a foot bath for about | | | | Do this 3 to 5 times. |
| ten minutes. You want to be sure their feet are | | | | 6. Now do the opposite side of the bottom of the |
| really clean before you start. | | | | foot exactly the same. |
| Set the mood with some soft music and maybe | | | | 7. Now you can massage the fleshy part right |
| some candles. Have the person lay down with | | | | under the toes and the do the same with the |
| their feet just over the edge of the bed. Place a | | | | heel. |
| rolled towel or pillow under each knee. Get | | | | 8. You are now going to move away from the |
| yourself a chair or stool so you can be relaxed | | | | bottom of the foot and place you thumbs on |
| too. Note: You will do one foot at a time. | | | | both sides of the soft fleshy part between the |
| 1. Wash your hands with soap and water and | | | | ankle bone and the heel. In tiny circular motion |
| then apply massage oil. Start at the top of the | | | | massage in a circle around the entire ankle bone. |
| foot near the toes, thumbs on the bottom and | | | | Do this 3 to 5 times. This is the 'reflex point' that |
| remaining fingers on the top. Make smooth | | | | stimulates the male and female libido. |
| upward motions towards the leg. Repeat this | | | | 9. Repeat all 8 steps on the opposite foot. |
| motion 3 to 5 times. | | | | And there you have it! A great foot massage |
| 2. Place your hands on each side of the foot | | | | that can really help someone! |
| starting near the heel. (The next motion you | | | | |