10 Foot Massaging Tips

These are 10 foot massaging tips that will take a regular foot rub to a whole new level.  Feet bear the brunt of everyday stress and receiving a massage is the best way to alleviate tense tootsies.  Show someone that you genuinely care by heeding these tips when you give a foot massage.

1. Start with clean feet.  Grimy feet can cause uncomfortable friction when receiving a massage.  It is also more pleasant to start with a clean and smell free canvass.
2. Promote relaxation with a warm, damp towel.  Run a small washcloth or hand towel under hot water and wrap it around the whole foot.  This will help foot muscles to relax.
3. Do a tickle test.  Ask the recipient if their feet are ticklish.  Then, test how much pressure will suffice in not setting of their tickle reflex.
4. Choose an appropriate lotion.  Hypoallergenic lotion should be used if the person has sensitive skin.  The lotion should not be too oily because the feet will become too slippery to massage effectively.
5. Research pressure points.  Ancient Chinese medicine maps pressure points that can be stimulated to cause relaxation and help with a whole host of other bodily symptoms.  Taking advantage of this wisdom can make a foot massage truly unique.
6. Massage the top of the feet as well as the bottom.  Many people forget to massage the top of the feet, but many people carry stress here.  Lighter pressure is needed for this area because it does not have as much malleable tissue.
7. Grasp the feet with two hands.  Using both hands will keep the foot and ankle stable.  Alternating technique between both hands will make the massage more rhythmic and relaxing.
8. Stretch the toes.  These joints become tight and contribute to overall tension in the foot.  Gently pull and uncurl the toes and then let them relax into their normal position.
9. Do ROM (Range of Motion) exercises.  Physical therapists use this technique to help their clients heal.  It feels good too.  Rotate the ankle both directions and do the same for each individual toe.
10. End the massage with fuzzy socks.  Slipping on a pair of warm socks is a wonderful way to end a foot massage.  They will keep the feet from getting cold and allow the moisture from the lotion to thoroughly soak into the skin.