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How to make a professional foot massage?

Massage has long been revered for its ability to relieve tension, soothe and calm muscle tissue and induce relaxation. Not everyone has the time or the money, however, to enjoy a 1-1/2 hour full body massage. For these individuals the acupressure hand or body massage might be the perfect alternative.

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Chinese medicine practices the age-old art of acupressure to cleanse organs, release trapped energy and relieve bodily aches and pains. Maps showing the acupressure points and identifying their corresponding organs are available through bookstores, health food stores and alternative pharmacies. Home use guides include gloves and socks that provide literal placement that allows the new practitioner to effectively administer a therapeutic session. Even if one does not wish to master the skill of acupressure, certain aspects of the discipline are a welcome complement to a successful and satisfying foot massage.

So what does one look for in a professional foot massage? The options are truly limited only by time and the skill of the masseuse or masseur, but here are some of the most important factors:

1. Cleanliness

a. The tools and station must be clean and clutter free.
b. Soaking tubs and utensils must be sterilized after every use.
c. Freshly laundered towels and disposable wipes should be generously used for the comfort and safety of both the client and the practitioner.
d. Lotions and creams should be in pump or squeeze bottle containers to prevent dipping fingers into the product. Dipping contaminates the product by introducing bacteria into the container.

2. Client comfort
a. A comfortable chair (preferably a comfortable recliner) that allows the client's feet to dangle off the end. This enhances relaxation and keeps the feet within reach of the therapist.
b. Temperature: Too warm? If air conditioning is not available, have a fan nearby that the client can adjust to their comfort. Too cold? Have a few throws handy that the client can snuggle under.

3. Treatment
a. Ask the client if they are comfortable before you begin. This is also the time to ask them if they have any areas of particular concern.
b. Examine the skin and nails before you begin to identify any particular areas of concern: fungus, abrasions, cuts or signs of infection.
c. If beginning with a footbath, check the temperature of your fresh water. After ensuring that it is the right temperature place the client's feet in the bath and turn on the agitator for the proper amount of time.
d. Dry the client's feet with a clean towel, wrap the resting foot in a towel to keep it from becoming chilled and begin your massage.
e. Using an unscented or therapeutic massage cream, lotion or oil, begin the massage with the muscles of the calf. Since fluids tend to pool in the lower extremities it is advisable to use an upward motion when massaging the ankle-to-calf region.
f. Continue massaging into and through the ankle region. Gently manipulate the Achilles tendon and flex the ankle forward, back and side-to-side.
g. Start the foot massage at the heel. Cup the heel in the palm of the hand and rotate the hand back and forth, firmly "scrubbing" the heel.
h. Place the fingers over the top of the foot and the thumbs at the rear of the arch where it joins the heel. "Feather" the length of the arch with the thumbs by gently but firmly alternating each thumb from the center of the arch to the outside edge of the foot. Each stroke moves you closer to the pad of the foot and the feathering concludes at the pad.
i. Keep the fingers over the top of the foot and use the thumbs to massage the ball of the foot. Use both thumbs and work from one end of the pad to the other and back.
j. Rotate the hands so that the fingers are able to reach under the joints of the toes. With the thumbs on top of the toe and the fingers underneath, gently rotate the toe in the joint to stimulate the movement of fluid through the joints.
k. Using the knuckles of the index finger, again with the thumbs on top of the toes, gently grasp the toe and rub the toe pad with the knuckle of the finger.
l. Finish the massage by gently but firmly rotating the ankle. Place one hand on top of the foot and one on the bottom and slowly and gently but firmly press and pull hands toward the toes and off the foot.
m. Transfer the towel wrap to the finished foot and repeat the process on the other foot.

With practice you can perform an effective foot massage in as little as 15-minutes, but if you incorporate a footbath allow for another 10-minutes to complete the entire process.
Published on 17.09. by
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