Foot Massage Technique

February 02, 2009

The following is a guideline for a full foot massage. The technique is the same whether using oil or lotion. While the instructions cover a complete massage, ]pick and choose any part of it. Use what feels best for you. Don’t be intimidated by the length of the procedure as outlined below. It takes longer to tell you how to do it than to actually carry it out.

1. While sitting, place the outside ankle of your left foot on your right thigh. If you have difficulty doing this, you can reach your foot by placing it on the on the floor while you bend over. Improvise. Enlist the help of a friend. Foot massage tools are also available.
2. Place a few drops of oil in the palm of one hand; rub both hands together to warm it. Don’t use too much or your feet will be too slippery. If using lotion or gel, adjust accordingly.
3. Completely cover the foot with the oil using gentle strokes.
4. Cradle the front of your left foot with your left hand to support it. Relax your toes to keep the bottom of your foot pliable
5. Use the knuckles of your right hand to apply pressure to the heel of your foot, rolling your knuckles from side to side. “Walk” your knuckles up the foot from your heel to your toes by rolling them from side to side, applying pressure along the way.
6. Massage each toe. Start at the base of the big toe. Place your right thumb at the back of the toe and your second and third fingers at the front. Squeeze between the joints starting at the base of the toe. Repeat this for the other four toes.
7. Beginning at the big toe again, roll your toe between the thumb and fingers of your right hand while also gently pulling it away from the foot. Repeat with the rest of the toes on your foot.
8. Hold the outside edge of your foot (along the instep area) with your right hand. Grasp all your toes with your left hand and slowly stretch them backward and forward.
9. Use both hands to hold your foot: fingers on the top of your foot, thumbs pressed on the sole. Use each thumb in turn to move in an arc from the middle to the outside, alternating thumbs as you move from heel to toes. Repeat this several times.
10. Place foot on floor, left leg bent. Warm several more drops of oil between your hands, and massage it into the lower calf of your leg to your ankle. Wrap your hands around your calf, one thumb above the other at the back of your calf. Apply gentle pressure with your thumbs while sliding down the middle of your calf to your ankle. Repeat on the left and right sides of your calf.
11. Massage the oil into your ankle and the front of your foot.
12. With knee bent, lift your leg slightly off the floor, clasping your hands below the front of your knee to support your leg. Rotate your whole foot in circular motion several times clockwise. Repeat the rotation several times in a counterclockwise motion. With your foot still off the floor, point your toes toward the floor then towards the ceiling. Repeat several times.
13. Repeat procedure with the right foot.

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