REFLEXOLOGY
Your hands and feet are very hard-working parts of the body, so it’s comforting for them to be pampered.
As points of contact in the body, they contain a lot of nerve endings.
A good foot massage has the ability to ‘ground’ a person’s energy.
These techniques are effleurage (soothing, stroking motions), kneading (petrissage),pulling and frictions (small circles made with the thumbs).
This provides a few basic outlines of how these techniques may be practiced.
Start with effleurage, it is important that the muscles are warmed before motions like kneading.
To prevent fatigue in your hands, vary the techniques you use to massage. Change between thumbs,knuckles,heel of hand regularily.
Foot Massage: a step-by-step guide
Sit at the client’s feet, facing their body. Warm oil in your hands, rubbing them together vigorously. Once the oil is warm, apply it with long stroking motions from the ankles to the toes, using both hands clasping the foot.
Spread the foot: clasping the foot so both thumbs are on the top of the foot and the fingers are underneath, use the heel of your hands and the thumbs to pull both sides of the foot apart to create a pleasant feeling.
Test the flexibility of the foot and manipulate the joint. Clasp the foot with one hand and support it with the other at the ankle. Slowly rotate the foot in circles, work toward the limits of flexibility, making sure that it is comfortable.
Hold the toes, push the foot up and down, stretching the toes, working toward the point of resistance. Maintain support for the foot.
Massage the sole using broad circular strokes, moving up the ankle, reaching the side of the Achilles joint.
Use broad circles again, massage around the ankle joint using your fingertips.
Stroke toward the heart, between the tendons: Raise and support the foot with one hand and gently point it upwards.Massage around the tendons on the instep, and down along the grooves between each tendon on the foot.
Now move to the toes. First, stimulate the toes by gently pulling, twisting and tugging at them, wringing them between thumb and forefinger. Start from the big toe first. Stroke along the sides of the toes.
Stretch the toes apart, move sideways, backward and forward.
Remember to check the limits of your client’s flexibility.
Support the foot with your fingers above the foot and your thumbs on the sole. Massage the sole in small circles, working deeply. Move from the heel up to the ball of the foot. When your fingers are tired use the knuckles instead.
To finish, clasp the foot in both hands again, with one hand on top and another below, stroke the foot softly until you break contact. Shake your hands afterward, getting the circulation back and removing negative energy.
Repeat on the other foot.
Hand Massage: a step-by-step guide
Ensure comfort of your client: this massage can be done sitting or laying down, but make sure there is sufficient support for the arm and wrist. Oil or hand lotion may be used.
Take your client’s hand, placing it between both of your own to provide calming action and connect with your them. Make certain your hands are warm!
Hold their arm and hand. Gently flex the wrist back and forth, rotating the hand slowly.
Massage the wrist with your fingertips, gently circling. Concentrate on the fleshier areas.
Supporting the palm with your fingers, rest the heel of your palms on the back of the hand. Use your heels to do some simple wide kneading over the palm area, using clasping, rolling and circling.
With a stretching and opening stroke to open up the palm, keep you hands in the position, slide the heels and thumbs to the sides, supporting the palm as your hands slide out.
Stroke between the bones of the hand. Hold the wrist for support. Use the thumb and index fingers on either side of the hand to work along the grooves between the tendons in small circles. Start near the fingers and working toward the heel/ wrist area.
Support the hand with the palm pointing downward, and massage the fingers. Use your thumb and index finger to wring, pull gently, stretch and twist the fingers. End at the fingertips each time, squeezing gently.
Hold the hand with the elbow supported and the palm facing upward. With your fingers underneath and your thumbs on top, use small alternating circles to relieve stiffness. Massage the palm toward the wrist, including it in the movements. Use the knuckles of one hand to work into the palm.
Hold their hand between yours and use a gentle stroke, breaking contact.
Do the other hand.
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