Foot massage: The pause that refreshes and is good for you!

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Your feet work hard for you every day. Especially at this busy time of year for many people — shopping, get-togethers with family, friends, and co-workers, and school events — there is no shortage of time spent on one’s feet.

Just like your neck, back, and shoulders, your feet can also benefit from a regular rubdown. Foot massage improves circulation, stimulates muscles, reduces tension, and often eases pain. It also gives you a chance to check out your feet so you can get a jump on treating blisters, bunions, corns, and toenail problems.
A professional foot massage is a treat, but not necessary to get the benefits. Here is a guide to a do-it-yourself foot massage:

• Sit in a comfortable chair. Bend your left leg and rest your left foot gently on your right thigh.
  
• Pour some skin lotion or oil into your hand. Rub it gently into your foot and massage your whole foot, including the toes, arch, and heel.
  
• Do a deeper massage. Press the knuckles of your right hand into your left foot. Knead your foot as you would bread. Or work the skin and muscles by holding a foot with both hands and pressing your thumbs into the skin.
  
• Using your hands, gently pull the toes back and forth or apart. This stretches the muscles underneath.
  
• Repeat on the other foot.

Massage devices in local drugstores or health stores can also help relax and restore your feet. Foot rollers are low-tech devices that can provide fast foot massages at home or at work. Simply remove your shoes, and roll your feel over the massagers for a quick pick-me-up.