DIY Wellness: Foot Massage
Self-care doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg - or a foot! Try doing it yourself and enjoy a massage at home
Most people love a great foot massage. I know I do! Of course you can always book in at your favorite salon or spa or ask your partner for a foot massage, but the other option that’s always available is to perform one on yourself. Yes, that does mean you have to do the work as well as receive the enjoyment, however it can still be enjoyable.
The nervous system connects the entire body and the feet are home to around 15000 nerve endings. The theory of reflexology proposes that the soles of the feet have areas representing parts of the body and that applying pressure to these areas affects the corresponding areas of the body. Don’t be surprised if a foot massage leaves you feeling the benefits over your entire body.
Here are some simple, but stimulating massage movements you can perform on your own feet:
- Take one foot at a time and complete all the movements
- Squeeze the foot – use both hands to apply pressure to the foot and ankle by squeezing
- Thumb pressures in the arch – take both thumbs, fingers resting at the top of the foot, and press, moving up and down the center of the foot with about 5-6 presses. Then repeat to the left and to the right of the center. Use cream or oil if you prefer to glide the thumbs.
- Massage the toes – gently pull the toes in and stretch them back, then take each toe and gently twist, pull and squeeze.
- Ball of the foot – use the thumbs or heel of the hand to massage this area using as much pressure as you like.
- Heel pressures – using the thumb and fingers press the edges of the heel
Adapt this foot massage any way that feels right to you and enjoy the benefits of healthy, happy feet.
Sara Jones
Spa, Wellness & Lifestyle Expert, Spa Consultant and Founder of Spa & Wellness MexiCaribe magazine
