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A foot massage can be one of lifes little luxuries. And yet, they are too seldom given and enjoyed. The reason why? Few people believe they know how to give a foot massage. No need to be tentative its easy to give a fabulous foot massage if you just know the basics.

A great benefit of foot massage is that you can give one to yourself. Or, you can give one to someone else. Regardless of whether its foot massage done solo or with partner, getting started begins with preparing the feet for a treat.

Get ready for your foot massage by thoroughly washing the feet. You may wish to soak the feet first, getting them relaxed and ready to massage. Soaking feet in Epsom salts or dead sea bath salts is an excellent choice. Both contain properties that are relaxing and therapeutic to tired and weary feet.

After soaking and cleaning, dry the feet thoroughly with a soft towel. Then choose one of many foot or massage oils to use for your foot massage. Pour a small amount of massage oil into your hand and begin to massage the oil into one of your feet. If youre lucky, someone else will do this for you so you can totally relax and enjoy the massage for the sumptuous treat it is!

Generally, starting at the top of the foot is the best place to start. Working about the toes, its best to use slow, smooth, and gentle motions to work the oil in as you progress with the massage. Then gradually move toward the ankles. Use your thumbs to massage the bottom of the foot as you move toward the ankles. Alternate pressure light pressure, then firm working to relax the feet and get circulation flowing.

Dont forget to massage the soles of your feet as well. Because soles can be a bit ticklish, youll want to use firm, deliberate, stroking which will feel relaxing instead. As you did earlier, begin at the toes and work toward the heels, moving back to the toes again, this time working the sole as you go. You can repeat these motions as long as you like. A foot massage can be an extended pleasure if you desire.

As a romantic twist, you can turn a relaxing foot massage into a sensual massage that can set the tone for a romantic evening. By dimming the lights, or working by candlelight, you can enhance the environment and set a sensual atmosphere. You might consider using a massage oil candle which gives you two-in-one benefits.

Light the massage oil candle as you soak, letting the massage oil melt. Then use the melted oil to give your foot massage. Let the candle continue burning, emitting light fragrance and melting further massage oil, all adding to the romantic ambiance as you give your partner an exquisite foot massage, and you one back in return.

Regardless of how you give your foot massage, your feet will unquestionably thank you. Enjoy!

Karen Porter is a writer, speaker and entrepreneur. Her company manufactures and markets high quality massage oil candles made from shea butter, cocoa butter and other natural ingredients. Sold online at SkinnyDipCandle.com, you can enter to win Skinny Dip Candles by clicking on the Enter to Win Massage Oil Candles icon on the menu bar.

2007 Karen Loye Porter. All rights reserved worldwide. Reprint rights: You are welcome to reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active, do not edit the article in any way, give author credit, and include the resource and bio information above in its entirety.