Man's Guide to Foot Massages: It's Not Just for Spa Days

3. Basic Massage Techniques Every Man Should Know

Learning basic foot massage techniques lays the groundwork for a good self care program.Starting with soft warming strokes, warm the tissues and get them ready for deeper work by using your thumbs to create long, strong strokes from the heel to the toe.Learn to apply suitable pressure: firm enough to feel therapeutic but not so hard as to create discomfort.Using your thumbs, practice the "thumb walking" method, working along the foot in little, increasing steps.Where tension usually builds, master the art of circular motions around the heel and ball of the foot.Work out tight areas in the arch especially using knuckles or thumbs.Working from heel to toe and covering every region of the foot, these fundamental methods should be executed methodically.To prevent stressing your own hands and wrists, keep a comfortable posture when applying these procedures.