A foot rub is a great way to help some one relax at the end of the day, and it is quite simple to do. There are some general tips that can make the foot massage even better, such as soaking the feet in warm water for a few minutes beforehand to relax the muscles, and using a lotion or massage oil to make the hands glide more easily over the feet. As a general rule, it is preferable to start with gentle strokes over the length of the foot to relax the muscles before switching to a deeper massage with more pressure.
The best foot rub will generally begin with a foot soak in a tub of warm water for a few minutes. This is a great way to relax tight, sore muscles and tendons. The feet should then rest on a bench or pillow so the person receiving the foot rub does not have to hold them up. Many people choose to also use lotion or massage oil when giving a foot massage because it moisturizes and softens the feet, and makes it easier for the hands to glide over the skin without starting to exfoliate it.
Each person might have different preferences for the amount of pressure they like in a foot rub. It is a good idea to start with gentle pressure. Some people begin by first squeezing the whole foot, while others will stroke the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toe. Starting with this gentle pressure over the whole foot like this is the final step in relaxing the foot, and preventing any pain during the rest of the massage from using too much pressure. After this relaxation period, more pressure can be used to target especially tight muscles or tendons in the foot, and to try to release knots.
Most people will use a small circular motion or shorter strokes when using more pressure during the foot rub. It is important not to neglect the sides of the feet as well as the arches and the toes to ensure the entire foot is relaxed. There are a number of pressure points in the feet and toes that are connected to the rest of the body, and if you take the time to study a chart and learn these pressure points, you may also be able to target them during the foot rub and help to relieve other aches and pains throughout the body.