Technically known as reflexology, a foot massage can be sensual, therapeutic or just pure relaxing. Feet tend to be overlooked most of the time for massage and upkeep unless they start to hurt. A relaxing and soothing foot massage or a foot rub could be a good thing to indulge in after a pavement pounding and weary day.

In any case, whether you are the one giving the foot massage or you are on the receiving end of the foot massage, you will certainly experience various advantages, such as de-stressing the body, relaxing and encouraging the circulation. There are certain steps that must be followed in order to achieve a positive and relaxing foot massage, and its related benefits. These are:

Step 1 : Pat the crest of the foot Stroking or patting stimulates the blood circulation and warms the foot. Grip the foot of your partner in your hands, and on the crest of the foot start a long, firm, slow, stroking motion using your thumbs, beginning from the toes tip and sliding it back away from you, all the way to the ankle. Repeat using lighter and lighter strokes. Do this step three to six times and then massage the base of the foot in the same way.

Step 2 : Ankle rotations The ankle rotation relaxes the feet and loosens the joints. Cup your hand underneath the heel, at the back of the ankle in order to brace the leg and the foot. Hold the curve of the foot using the other hand and slowly rotate the base at the ankle about three to six times in both directions. With frequent foot massage, any kind of stiffness will start to recede. This foot massage is especially beneficial for those who are suffering from arthritis.

Step 3 : Toe squeezes and pulls Toes can be sensitive to touch and this massage can be quite calming. Hold the foot under the arch using one hand, and with the other hand, starting at the toe, grasp the toe using your thumb on the top of the toe and the index finger underneath. Beginning from the bottom of the toe, firmly and slowly pull the toe using your thumb, moving your fingers on the top and backside of the base of the foot. Repeat, but tenderly roll and squeeze the toe between your index finger and thumb concentrating on the tip of the toe and the back of the base of the foot. Repeat these dual movements on the other toes.

Step 4 : Toe slides Hold the foot at the back of the ankle, grasping under the heel. From the index finger of your other hand, move your finger in between the toes, forth and back for a minimum of three to six times.

Step 5 : Arch press This exercise releases tension in the outer and inner longitudinal arches. Grasp the foot as you did earlier in step 4. Using the heel of your other hand, push, and as you move from the arch to the curve of the foot, push back towards the heel, and then back again. Repeat this five times. Don't use too much pressure. This is an excellent way to both start and finish the foot massage, and these simple steps can be done at any time, as well as part of a home pedicure process.