The Friday Footrub

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Gentlemen, NEVER underestimate the power of a good foot massage. It is one of the most overlooked, for-granted-taken courtesies one can extend. This Friday Fixin' wont be in the skillet.

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By the end of the week, its really time for better things. I work to live; not the other way around. The weather mafia has forecasted impending snow! I am thinking of "better things." Not wanting to leave you out, I offer this nice article I found while planning out my weekend. Obviously, I am planning a great weekend of fireplaces and fantasy spaces. I can already hear the fireplace crackling while the ice melts in comforting elixers as the beads of water stroll down the side of the glittering glasses and we relax into the weekend together. Hmmm.... I guess this is where I should stop typing before this gets really good. :D

How to Give a Foot Massage

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
There's no better way to treat a friend or loved one than to give their sore feet a wonderful foot massage. Here's how to make that someone feel like they're in heaven!

Steps

1. Soak feet in warm water for about 10 minutes. You may wish to include drops of your favorite essential oil or bath salts. Peppermint or lavender oil is preferred by many. Make sure feet are completely dry before starting massage.
   
2. Apply a moderate amount of cream or oil to hands to add to comfort and ease. Make sure hands are warm to avoid discomfort. Mineral oil is not absorbed in the skin, and it wipes off cleanly.
   
3. Begin by stroking top of foot, between cords located on top of foot at instep. Move in the direction toe to ankle. Then, continue by stroking sole of foot, first more gently, then increase pressure.
   
4. Make circular motions with your thumb and fingers over the sole of the foot, and use more pressure in areas such as the heel or ball of the foot. Start from the top and work your way down. Do not neglect the sides.
   
5. Hold the foot with one hand, use the other hand to rotate the foot, first at the ankle, and then near the ball of the foot. Be gentle. Repeat about 5 times in each direction.
   
6. Knead the sole by holding the foot with one hand and making a fist with the other, using moderate pressure into the sole. Give enough attention to the arch.
   
7. Begin with the big toe and working towards the pinky toe, take each toe individually. Roll the toe between your thumb and forefinger as you slide your fingers down the toe to the end, applying gentle pressure. Gently squeeze the end of each toe.
   
8. Take your index finger and slide it between each toe about 5 times. To complete the massage, use your thumb and fingers to make the circular motions once again over the sole. End by stroking the sole and instep.
   
9. Wipe off any excess cream or oil with a soft towel. Slip into thick socks to retain moisturizing, or slippers will suffice as well.
   
10. Try to give equal attention to both feet, as the body abhors asymmetry.
    

Tips

• Have receiver lean back against a pillow or a couch, and make sure he or she is relaxed and comfortable. Perhaps include some relaxing background music or lightly scented candles.
  
• Massage slowly and gently to induce relaxation, and massage more quickly and deeply to induce stimulation.Throughout massage, if you feel tension building up in your hands, periodically shake hands loose of energy and continue massage.
  

Warnings

• Be careful not to use too much pressure so as not to cause discomfort, but apply enough pressure so as not to tickle the soles, causing laughter. This can ruin the mood.
  
• Make sure that the knees of the receiver are not locked (stretched all the way) while you massage. It will make them stiff and inhibit the blood circulation. Place a cushion or a rolled-up towel under the knee of the leg/foot you're working on to keep it relaxed and slightly bent.
  
• Do not overuse the oil or cream, or hands will be too slippery.
  
• If foot or feet are painful or overly sensitive, seek medical advice or care from a professional.
  

Things You'll Need

• Towels
  
• Cream and/or oil
  
• Warm water in a tub or basin
  
• Bath salts
  
• Favorite essential oil (preferably lavender or peppermint)
  
• Pillow
  
• (Optional) Soft background music
  
• (Optional) Lightly scented candles
  
• Thick clean socks or slippers
  

Related wikiHows

• How to Keep Feet Clean
  
• How to Bathe Like an Ancient King And/or Queen
  
• How to Make Hand and Foot Cream
  
• How to Treat a Foot Blister
  
• How to Care for Your Feet and Toe Nails Successfully
  
• How to Massage Yourself
  
• How to Massage Your Pregnant Wife
  
• How to Do a Hard Core Advanced Therapeutic Massage
  
• How to Treat an Ankle Sprain
  
• How to Relax when Relaxation Techniques Don't Work
  
• How to Do an Indian Head Massage
  
• How to Admit to a Foot Fetish
  

Sources and Citations

• eHow to Give Yourself a Pedicure
  
• eHow to Give Your Mate a Pedicure
  
• eHow to Treat Swollen Feet
  
• Images in steps courtesy of: http://www.drfoot.co.uk/foot_massage.htm
  
• FAQ on massages
  

Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Give a Foot Massage. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

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