It’s not always easy to know what will make a big impact on your loved one for Valentine’s Day. Flowers? A stuffed animal? A five-course dinner at Feast Market & Cellar? Well here’s a suggestion: have you considered a night in that includes a deluxe foot massage?
While gifts are sweet, an act like a massage represents a giving of oneself to the one they love. It’s a thoughtful and sensual way to show your appreciation. It’s also practically free, but that’s just a side benefit.
Follow some of the tips below and your recipient might also think that you spent some time searching techniques to give them the best massage. Brownie points!
Warm-Up: Don’t just start slapping on lotion and rubbing about like you’re seasoning a rack of ribs. Start with a footbath of warm water and some aromatic salts or oils. If you’d like, you could add half a lime to the water instead, using the other have to gently scrub the bottoms of the feet. The acid in the lime will act as a mild softener and exfoliating agent.
Once satisfied with the soak, gently hold each foot and slowly rotate the ankles in one direction, then the other. Give each toe the same treatment.
Going In: This tends to work best with a foot resting in your lap. A pillow covered by a towel adds a nice support. Place a bit of moisturizer on each of your thumbs, then use them to rub along the center of the arch in circles about the size of silver dollars. Move one thumb clockwise, the other counter-clockwise, for about 30 seconds.
Next, move up to the ball of the foot, continuing to make circles, and move down. Add a little more pressure as you near the heel, then gently squeeze the hollow area below the ankle.
This is a basic setup. Play the rest of the massage—and the night—by ear; just remember to listen to what your loved one likes. That’s the most important part. If you’re having problems with your feet and ankles, that’s what we’re good at listening to. Give the office of Dr. Kevin Powers a call at (812) 333-4422 to schedule an appointment today.
