How to Give a Foot Massage

Here’s the rub: No matter what shoes you wear, your feet will hurt afterwards. Massage therapist Kimberly Miller of Relax breaks down the best technique.

Published May 21, 2005

Illustration by Kagan McLeod.

Step 1 Stimulate the feet by soaking them in warm water with drops of eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, and lavender.

Step 2 Positioning is important: Put a pillow in your lap for the feet to rest on. Use lotion instead of slippery oils. Grab the heel with one hand, and the top of the foot with the other. Rotate the ankle to open up the joints, while working the sole with your thumb.

Step 3 Move from the top systematically down, applying pressure. Stay in each part for fifteen seconds to get blood circulating.

Step 4 If you want to be specific, use a reflexology chart. For migraines, focus on the toes, which are associated with the brain. The inside of the foot is associated with the spine and the nervous system.