You've probably heard how relaxing foot massage therapy can be; reflexology is known world-wide as a fabulous way to relax and rejuvenate your body. A good foot massage can melt away tension and restore a sense of well-being. For the best foot massage, follow these simple steps.
Print Out a Reflexology Foot Map
Go online to find a printable copy of a reflexology foot map. Print out a copy of a map showing what parts of your foot will stimulate specific parts of your body. This will help you know what parts of your foot to focus on as your perform your foot massage.
Invest in Massage Oil or Lotion
You can pick up a good bottle of foot massage oil or lotion at the store or make your own at home. For an invigorating foot massage, try mixing almond oil or olive oil with peppermint essential oil-only a couple drops of the essential oil are needed to make a cup of amazingly refreshing massage oil. To create a relaxing massage oil, combine almond oil or olive oil with a couple drops of lavender essential oil. Lavender has been proven in studies to lower your heart rate, blood pressure and the amount of cortisol, a hormone related to stress, your body produces.
Set Aside a Half Hour
You'll want to make sure you have plenty of time to enjoy your foot massage. While there's nothing wring with a quick massage, you'll reap a much greater benefit if you give yourself the time to enjoy the process.
Soak Your Feet in Hot Water
Fill a bathtub or small basin with very warm, almost hot water. Soak your feet for five to ten minutes. You can add a couple drops of essential oil to the water to enhance the experience. After five to ten minutes of soaking, pat your feet dry and find a comfortable place to relax, resting your feet on a small towel. Make sure your back is well supported for the duration of the massage.
Follow the Reflexology Map
Using a generous amount of massage oil or lotion on your hands, gently massage your entire foot, working the oil or lotion into the entire surface of each foot. Your first pass should be light, the purpose being to awaken the senses on each foot and to saturate the feet with oil or lotion so the massage will be pleasant, not irritating to the skin. As your foot becomes saturated with oil or lotion, begin to focus on small segments of your foot, pressing harder as you stroke, knead and massage with tiny circles. Pay attention both to the reflexology map and to how your foot feels, spending more time in areas that feel particularly good or segments of the foot that are connected to the other parts of your body for which you feel the most concern. Remember to dedicate time to the toes, the top of your foot, and the ankle as well as to the bottom of the foot. When you are finished massaging, you should feel relaxed and/or invigorated.
 | Reflexology massage is the practice of applying pressure to specific areas of the hands and feet believed to correspond to other parts of the body in order to relieve stress and tension and increase the flow of endorphins. |
 | Reflexology has been practiced in one form or another for thousands of years. More recently, studies regarding the scientific basis behind reflexology began in the early 1900s in both Russia and Europe. |
 | A general reflexology massage will benefit your entire body much like a full body massage. |
When many people are in some type of physical pain, he/she often pays a visit to the doctor's office or even a trip to the hospital. But what if this pain is taking place in the feet? Are there any procedures for feet problems? The answer is yes. |
A regular massage session is known to benefit the body and mind in revitalizing the energy flow of our bodies. From time to time, you may find certain parts and functions of your body requiring specific attention that may not necessary be related to muscles and joints and in this case, you may want to consider a reflexology massage to target that particular area. |
