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The
feet are often a very neglected part of the body. Cooped up in shoes
and socks all day, they rarely get a chance to be out in the open.
A real treat for someone close to you is the gift of a foot massage.
When manipulated
carefully through massage, the feet themselves can lead to a feeling
of revitalization throughout the entire body, and spirit.
The massage technique
described does not claim to have any documented medical benefits. However,
when applied correctly, it will more than likely have the recipient
walking away (or dozing off!) with a feeling of well-being and peace.
To begin with,
you need to make sure that you have the correct supplies. All you really
need is some baby oil, a few towels, and a tray of warm water. Alternately,
many people enjoy the use of peppermint scented oils in the giving
or receiving of a foot massage.
Have the person
who is to receive the massage remove their shoes and socks and soak
their feet in the warm water for about ten minutes. Do not make the
water too hot, and be sure to dry their feet well when removed.
You may wish to
light incense or candles, and darken the room to increase the feeling
of relaxation. Before starting the massage, the recipient may be a
bit hesitant. Many people are sensitive and ticklish on their feet.
Reassure the person that you will use firm, slow strokes rather than
light, quick ones.
Have the recipient
get comfortable in a chair with their feet propped up on a footstool
or another chair. Urge them to close their eyes and relax. Initially,
simply place your hands gently around their feet for a few minutes.
Leave them there and allow the warmth of your hands to connect with
their feet.
After this, place
a small amount of oil in your hands and rub them together. Take one
of the recipient's feet into your hands and begin by rubbing the sole
of their foot with your thumbs. Work your thumbs in a circular motion
all the way from the heel to the base of the toes.
Use more oil as
needed, but remember that too much will cause your hands to slide and
will make the recipient feel uncomfortable.
After this, make
a fist with one of your hands. Press your knuckles into the sole of
their foot repeatedly, working your way from the heel to the toes.
Then work the
toes themselves:
Take each toe
individually and place it between your thumb and forefinger. Gently
manipulate it, then give it a slight tug at the end. Many people overlook
the toes during a foot massage, so take care to remember them.
Next, place the
recipient's foot into your lap and place your thumbs on the top of
the person's foot. Gently press your fingers into the recipient's foot
all along their sole.
At the end of
the massage, gently run your fingers along the top of the foot to provide
a relaxing feeling. Repeat all of the above with the recipient's other
foot.
After the massage,
dry the feet thoroughly, and apply baby powder, if you wish. Urge the
recipient to drink plenty of water over the next twenty-four hours.
A wonderful aspect
of the foot massage is that you can give one to a special someone,
and to yourself! Once you've provided your first massage, you may soon
find yourself fending off requests for another!
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