Foot Massage Techniques

Foot reflexology is "pressure therapy" and involves applying focused pressure to confident known reflex points located in the foot to cure or preclude disease. Foot reflexology is based on the factory that our nerve zones or reflex points go from the lowest of our feet to the top of our head, encompassing all vital organs on the way.

A trained reflexologist can put pressure on separate meridiens or power lines on the sole and side of the feet to decide the cause of illness.

The facts below is a guide to foot massage. Some benefits of reflexology will happen automatically naturally by virtue of massaging the soles of the feet but the main objective is to help tired feet feel better.

Preparation for Foot Massage:

If you are giving a foot massage to your partner or friend than ensure that the massage foot is comfortably reclined on a pillow or a sofa. There are various creams and oils that can be used for a foot massage. However, we recommend the use of vital massage oils to perform an ultimately relaxing foot massage. To begin with make sure the feet are clean, a foot soak with epsom salts is a overwhelming way to de-stress before a foot massage. Make sure that your feet are wholly dry (including in in the middle of toes) before you start.

Foot Massage Techniques:

Stroking- This technique stimulates the blood vessels in your feet and promotes polite heat. Hold the foot in your hands and begin to massage the top outside of the foot. Use your thumbs in a slow, firm stroking motion, starting at the toes and intriguing up to the ankle. Once you have reached the ankle supervene the same line back to the toes. Make sure you apply lighter pressure towards the toes than the ankle.

Ankle Rotation- Firstly polite move the ankle side to side to loosen the ankle joint. Hold the heel of the foot in a cupping appeal and hold the ball of the foot with the other hand. Rotate the foot clockwise and anticlockwise three or four times to relax the foot from the ankle joint, reversing the directions will calm and destress your senses.

Random Tip - Wear clean socks and shoes that fit you properly. Right shoes helps you put off injuries and soreness. If you feel your feet sweat more than others, go in for leather or canvas shoes but not artificial ones or plastic shoes. Plastic or vinyl shoes do not stretch or breathe. Sandals are also a good option. Use foot powder daily. - Random Tip

Pivoting - gradually hold the foot in your hand and use the other hand to massage the sole of the foot with your thumb. Begin with the area directly below the large toe and gradually move to the other toes. After first pressure, roll the thumb back and forth. It may be seen as wiggling the thumb. Release pressure, and move.

Random Tip - Some handy and vital tips on Foot Care:

a) Check your feet daily for cuts, sores, red spots, swelling and infected nails.

b) Do not cut corns and calluses (hardened or thickened part of the skin). Consult your doctor if you have developed corns and calluses rather than cutting them off using razor, corn plasters or some liquid corn removers.

c) Make sure your toe nails are trimmed properly. Trim them straight across and level them using a nail file.

d) If you are diabetic, consult your doctor. Diabetic patients are at more risk to developing foot complications and wounds which do not heal easily. There are three major problems which a diabetic someone faces if he develops some foot disease. - Random Tip

Must Read : More Foot Care Tips and Techniques at http://www.weightloss-health.com/foot_care.htm