How to give yourself a relaxing foot massage

Give your hard-working feet some TLC with a relaxing and invigorating massage that can help improve circulation and reduce tension. By Liz Lowe.

Our feet are one of the most worked and least cared for parts of our body, and it’s amazing how good it can feel to show them a little love. Here are a few ideas for treating yourself to a relaxing and invigorating foot massage, which can help improve circulation and reduce tension.

How to give yourself a foot massage

Soaking feet in warm water, perhaps with a few drops of your favourite essential oil, can be a soothing way to start. After patting feet dry, try the following. Each technique can be repeated several times:

• Stretch the foot, placing thumbs on the top and fingers on the sole and pulling in either direction.
• Use the knuckle, fist or thumbs to knead across the sole of the foot.
• Use thumbs in a firm, stroking motion to work upwards from the base of the underside of the toes.
• Use the same technique across the soles, making sure you spend some time rubbing the arches.
• Place fingers between toes to spread them out and wiggle them back and forth.
Allow yourself to be intuitive and use any movements that feel good, focusing on any
areas that feel like they need some extra TLC.

Read Liz Lowe’s guide to easy stretches for your feet.