Foot lovers Christmas Gift ideas

Many people love feet, some people have a foot fetish, either way it is Christmas and time to pamper those feet. As party season approaches it is a good time to get a pedicure, if you have not got the time to get one, have a look at my blog, I give complete instructions for how to give pedicure.

For gift ideas why not try the following:

Split toes socks, less fiddly and more comfortable than toe socks. These can be worn with split toe trainers, with flip flops and they are great for keeping your feet warm at Yoga class. Tabio have a good range http://www.tabio.com/uk/list/ladies-toe-socks-tabi-socks_10115.html   and ebay uk have some unusual patterns on offer http://shop.ebay.co.uk/i.html?_nkw=split+toe+socks&_sacat=0&_trksid=p3286.m270.l1313&_dmd=2&_odkw=u.k.&_osacat=0

For those of you who like stocking feet and don’t live near a good shopping centre then this web site provides a really great choice of makes and styles, stockings for your stocking! http://www.stockingshq.com/  

For toes presents try a toe watch, available from Claire’s Accessories, these are really for large fingers but they look great on toes.

For party sandal feet http://www.enjoyfeet.co.uk/toerings.html  have elasticized toe rings starting at £2.50, they also stock Swarovski Crystal anklets and sterling silver ankle bracelets

Nail varnish is a must but make sure you buy a base coat too to help prevent chipping

Spa Magik skin softener and moisturiser products I think are best products for feet, they are available from Holland and Barrett, Amazon.co.uk and enjoyfeet.co.uk among others

A Beaded Foot Roll Massager is a great way to relax your feet . The Body Shop has one for under £10 and Amazon.co.uk have about 4 to choose from. Sit in front of your favourite film and give your feet a treat.

Afterwards put on the ”How to give a massage using feet DVD” and give someone a Christmas fireside feet treat http://www.enjoyfeet.co.uk/dvd.html

And finally a party game for feet

How Smart Is Your Right Foot?

Just try this…

This will boggle your mind and you will keep trying over and over again to see if you can outsmart your right foot, but you can't. It's pre programmed in your brain!!

1. While sitting where you are, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles.

2. Now, while doing this, draw the number '6' in the air with your right hand. Your foot will change direction!

..And there's nothing you can do about it. but before the day is done, you are going to try it again, if you've not already done so...

Seasons Greeting to you all

How to give a pedicure

This pedicure can be administered to your own feet or to someone else’s.

A full detailed visual pedicure demonstration of what i descible below is avalaible for £9.99 from http://www.enjoyfeet.co.uk/dvd.html

To prepare the feet for a pedicure soak in warm water for 5 minutes, use essential oils for added benefit.
The receiver should be sitting comfortably.
Start by cutting the toes nails preferably using nail clippers.
Cut the nail in as straight a line as possible. The little toes can often have a horny build up that makes them slightly more difficult to cut.
Use am emery board file to remove any coarse edges from the cut nails, file in a side to side movement.
Apply cuticle softener to soften and dissolve excess dry skin on the nail plate.
Use a hoof stick with a gentle but firm rotating movement on each nail, gently pressing back the cuticle on each toe nail helping to lift the cuticle away from the nail and expose more of the nail, making it easier and providing a greater surface area when applying nail varnish.
With cuticle clippers trim away any loose skin, pay particular attention to areas of the feet affected by footwear, unsightly pieces of skin can be carefully snipped off. The little toe is often a problem area that regular pedicures can easily improve.
Massage the excess cuticle cream into the nail.
Now using a pumice or dry skin remover gently rub over the hard skin areas of the feet to reduce and soften the build up of hard skin.
After preparing the toe nails and removing hard skin apply a rich softening moisturiser to the feet and lower legs, start by stroking the lower leg and foot gently but firmly in an upward motion, sliding back down towards the toes. Use thumb pressure in between the metatarsals, (the area between the toes and ankles).
Pulling and squeezing of each toe improved circulation and individual joint toe flexibility.
Finish the massage with effeurage.
Massage of the feet help to improve poor circulation, encouraged hard skin removal and helps to soften and moisturise the overall texture of the skin.
Next use nail varnish remover to wipe over the surface of the nail to remove excess oil and give a clean surface for application of nail varnish.
Use a toe separator for ease of nail varnish application.
Apply a base coat to the nail, base coat provides some protection from varnish induced discolouration of nails and gives a smooth foundation. Allow 2-3 minutes for it to dry.
Apply the chosen nail varnish colour starting with the big toe and finishing at the little toe. Place the brush at the base of the toe nail and end at the tip of the nail, try to apply the varnish in as few strokes as possible for a smooth finish. A first coat may appear slightly blotchy, this with even out on the application of the second coat. Allow 3 minutes to dry.
The second coat of nail varnish will give a smooth and more even appearance.
Try to avoid getting any nail varnish on the surrounding skin, however if this happens use a cotton bud dipped in nail varnish remover to get rid of it. Allow the nail varnish to dry for 3 minutes.
Finally use a top coat, this is a clear finish and protects the nail varnish from chipping. Allow to dry for as long as possible. I recommend an hour at least before putting socks or stockings over the nails
Now Enjoyfeet! http://www.enjoyfeet.co.uk/dvd.html

Abdominal Massage using Feet by Enjoyfeet

Abdominal massage or stomach massage using feet is an easy way to massage and very relaxing for the receiver.

Here is a clip from my how to massage using feet DVD that was shown on u-tube but has been removed for some reason. It had over 40,000 hits and was appreciated by many people.

Many people have upper limb disabilities or upper body weekness that prevents them from using their hands, this method of massage does not strain the massage therapist in any way, it is a real no hands massage technique. Check out my other blogs for more DVD clips and technical advice. enjoyfeet..thats what they are there for!

For further information visit http://www.enjoyfeet.co.uk

How To Give A Facial Massage Using Feet

How to give a Face Massage with Feet

To massage the face using the feet is unusual and does require dexterity and flexibility of the foot, hip, knee and toe.

The face holds a lot of tension and giving a face massage is a particularly pleasurable experience. Some people have an aversion to feet so this is not for them, some have a foot fetish and they might find this a very sensual experience, most people will just find it relaxing.

I do not recommend using oil to massage the face, the feet will not be pushing the skin around, but using gentle pressing and tiny rotational movements, feeling the skin rubbing against the small muscles of the face. The toes should be lifted and reposition to move over the face.

Make sure the feet are clean, smooth and the toe nails are short. Moisturise the feet so they will move over the face easily.

The person who is receiving the massage should be lying on a comfortable mat on the floor with the rest of their body covered to keep them warm and comfortable. I move my work stool, which is wide and does not make the receiver feel hemmed in to a position just beneath the chest of the receiver, my feet are easily able to reach the top of their head.

The face is a delicate part of the body it is possible to use two feet at a time if you have very strong abdominal and quadriceps muscles but I would not advise it for safety reasons.

For face massage using feet I will describe each movement, repeat as required and change feet after completing the routine on one side of the face or after each action, depending on your abilities and the receiver’s feedback.

Cup the instep of both feet around the chin and jaw bone and stroke up wards toward the top of the head.

Put the right foot to the side of the receivers head, touching the head and supporting it, this prevents the head from moving.

Place the big toe of the left foot on the receiver’s forehead just right of the centre and just above the eyebrow, make sure the toe is not pointing down into the skin but lays flat onto the skin. Use gently press and release movements up the natural line of the forehead until the hairline is reached (about four individual movements should do it).

Use the same technique and work outwards towards the temple. When you feel the temple indentation use the toe pad in a circular motion or the side of the toe using a cycling action to give a sensation of rotation. The side of the ball of the foot can also be used here.

From the temple, depending on the flexibility of the hips, turn the knees outwards and use the flat underside of the toe to continue the circular rotational movement down along the jawbone to the chin. If this is difficult use the side of the toe.

Move the toe back to the eyebrow starting from the bridge of the nose and work along the eye brow out to the corner of the eye, gently pressing just under the bone. Do not pull the skin. Use the same technique this time working carefully around the eye socket under the eyes.

Place the big toe at the side of the nose and gently press slowly out under the cheek bone finishing at the ear with rotational movements to finish.

Gently massage the earlobe between your big toe and second toe pull ears very gently, then use the big toe to moving around and up to the top of the ear. This is a difficult area and trial and error and communication with the receiver is the only way to learn.

Pressing the big toe around the upper and lower lip area is very sensual experience for some people and is not advisable within a professional client /therapist setting.

I have worked with clients on various techniques and whilst the ball of the foot can be used to gently rotate in the hollow of the cheek, check with the receiver that their feelings on this technique.

Use both feet in a cupping hold, place at each side of the head with the instep of the foot over the ears and glide slowly down, turning the feet to rest the instep on the shoulders of the receiver, let them rest there for a couple of seconds and then remove.

Pictures, exerts from our DVD and other information is available from our web site, please feel free to visit us and contact us if you have any questions. http://www.enjoyfeet.co.uk/

Leg Massage Using Feet.

A full visual and audio demonstration DVD is available on our web site http://www.enjoyfeet.co.uk/dvd.html

In my first article I explained how to massage the underside of the foot. This article continues the massage process from the ankle up to the hip at the top of the femur, where the leg joins the pelvis.

The person who is receiving the massage should be lying face down on a comfortable mat on the floor with the rest of their body covered to keep them warm and comfortable. Place support under the foot of the receiver’s foot if it does not lie flat against the floor. Place a plate of oil next to the knee of the person lying down and place a one chair at their feet. Put another chair buy the oil to the side of the person just above their knee. It is important to be able to reach the oil with your feet without standing up as you may need to apply more oil to ensure a fluid massage.
To start the massage place both feet in the oil and rub back and forward to get them well lubricated. Rub the oil all over the inside of the heels of the feet.

Sit at the foot of the person who is going to receive the massage. For massaging the left leg place the right foot on the inside of their left foot and use the right foot to start the massage. Keep the body upright and relaxed. Turn the foot slightly inwards so the instep will be in contact with the leg and slide the foot up the leg from just above the ankle.

Depending on the length of the masseuse’s leg and the leg of the receiver, one sweeping movement can be used to reach the top of leg where it joins the body. As the back of the knee is reached remove all pressure skimming over the knee joint and reapply pressure as you feel the Bicep Femoris muscle (one of the hamstring muscles) begin. Start to turn the foot so the toes point towards the buttocks and bring the whole of the foot into contact with the leg muscles, pushing first into the ball of the foot and then follow through with the heel. As the top of the leg is reached turn the foot outwards and let it run up the outside of the leg to the top of the femur bone, you will feel an indentation here and you can gently rotate the ball or heel of the foot around this area before gliding the foot back down the outside of the leg over the Iliotibial Tract and Hamstrings, past the knee joint and then reapply pressure down the lower leg muscles. Repeat this a few times to warm up the leg.

Massage of the Lower Leg Muscles
One or two feet can be used to work on these muscles; there are various techniques to use depending on the strength on the abdominal muscles of the person giving the massage. I illustrate these techniques in my DVD. I describe the harder two foot technique here.

Relax the body and place the balls of the feet on each side of the receiver’s ankle. Your body position must be up right with legs opening wide from the hips. Place the inside of the heels either side of the receivers Achilles tendon and very slowly rotate the heels around this area. Do this very gently and check with the receiver that the pressure used is comfortable. If there is swelling in the ankle or any other area of the leg then I would suggest using lymphatic drainage techniques before doing this.

Place the two big toes gently on the Achilles tendon and slide them up the leg to feel for any tension in the calf muscles. Then run a single big toe up the inside of the calf and the outside of the calf muscles, It is common to find tension in the Gastrocnemius and Soleus muscles. Follow this procedure with long sweeping movements, using firmer pressure up the leg and gliding back towards the ankle with less pressure. Use the ball of the foot to apply pressure to the sides of the leg and use the heel for the back of the calf, this works all the foot and prevents over straining one particular part of the foot. Repeat these movements as necessary. Use both feet together to massage this area or just one at a time to prevent strain of the abdominal muscles

To lift the muscle away from the bone with the feet is difficult. Place the heel each side to the calf, starting at the bottom of the leg. Place the balls of the feet on the floor and raise the heels and squeeze the leg muscles lifting them up and off the bone, repeat this movement moving the balls of the feet further up each side of the calf as you go. As the leg gets larger the foot of the masseur gets more angled, as if standing on tip toes, remember to lean forward in the chair to prevent strain to the leg muscles. Follow this procedure with light effleurage or long stroking movements from the ankle to the base of the knee.

Thigh and Upper Leg Massage
Move the chair to just below the knee of the receiver, if using a wide stool, eg a piano stool then place it over both legs, if a chair is being used then the receiver might have to adjust their other leg to allow you to position the chair correctly. Place the right foot at the inside of the receivers knee and use the left leg to apply effleurage to the upper leg muscles, start just above the knee with the foot turned inwards and the instep curving naturally over the shape of the leg, as the top of the leg is reached straighten the foot and slide over the hamstring to where the femur insets into the pelvis and then come back down the outside of the thigh. Repeat a couple of times to warm up the area.

To massage the knee, just as for the Achilles tendon, the heels can be used to very gently massage the sides of the knee, just above the joint and using the same small rotational movements, then use the big toe to massage just above the patella or knee bone and gently rotate the toe around this area, this is a delicate part of the body so do not try this without complete control of the feet. Never try this standing up

The whole foot can now be used in above the knee for a general massage. When checking for any problems with the sciatic nerve and the superor gluteal nerve use the big toe. For the Sciatic nerve run the big toe up the centre back of the leg from the above the back of the knee to the just under the buttock, If there is a problem the receiver will indicate discomfort. To check if there is no tension in Hamstring muscles, run the heel up the centre of the leg. Do the same for the at the outside of the leg to the hip along the Iliotibial tract. If there is tension in these areas I would suggest the Gluteus muscles in the buttock area need attention I will be writing about addressing sciatic pain and gluteus tension pain when I cover buttock massage in another blog, or a visual buttock massage is available on my DVD.

Massage the back and outer side of the leg applying pressure with the ball of the foot and following through with the heel. Repeat as necessary.

Move to the chair at the side of the receiver and re-apply oil to the feet if necessary. Place one foot on the inside of the leg and the other on the outside, both feet pointing towards the inside of the leg and at right angles to the torso. Bring one foot towards you with pressure on the ball of the foot and push the other foot across the leg applying pressure with the heel of the foot, this should create and petrasage, or ringing movement, across the muscle, move up and down the upper leg repeating rhythmically this movement. Lift both feet , keep the ankles floppy and slap alternate feet gently on to the upper leg, this is Tapotement with feet, hard to achieve and demanding on the masseur’s stomach muscles, try using only one foot if it is too difficult.

Iliotibial Tract. This runs down the side of the leg and often has areas of tension; It has been warmed up with the massage to the side of the leg and the hip and would benefit from massage of the lower back. (Massaging the lower back with the heels of the feet is extremely effective and I shall blog about it in the near future). To tackle specific pain in this area whilst sitting to the side of the receiver, gently press with your big up the side of the leg from the outside of the knee to the outer edge of the Ilium, towards the front. Sensitive feet will be able to feel the muscle. If there is a specific point of muscle tension in this area the toes can be used in a stripping action to help release the tension. Use both toes, pushing the left one out to the left and the right toe out to the right in alternate moves at the point of muscle tension; do this repeatedly for a short time.

Finally use the whole of the foot to effleurage the leg firmly first, then gently. Try and use the position you are in to go from the heel of the foot to the top of the thigh on one long gliding motion, avoiding pressure at the joints. Always finish the massage with light stroking movements to relax the receiver.

I hope this had been helpful, it is not easy to describe in writing and I have made the DVD to illustrate this technique. If you have an upper limb disability, be it shortness of arms, amputee or general upper body weakness then this is a great way to give a massage. Disable your disability and use your feet in a tactile and sensual way. Clients who receive this massage using feet technique are amazed at how good it feels. Well pedicure feet are essential and the DVD shows you just how to get your feet into condition. Visit http://www.enjoyfeet.co.uk/ for more information on treatments, workshops and private lessons.

Foot on Foot Massage

How to Massage the front of the foot using feet

I use my feet to massage feet, they are very effective but it requires some dexterity of the toes. I am going to explain how to do this in simple English so anyone can give it a go.

First I oil my feet so they run smoothly over the body. All my clients lie on the floor to be treated and I sit on a chair or the floor depending on the angle of their feet. My clients choose to lie on their front or back and I can give a foot massage from either position. Today I am going to talk about massaging the sole of the foot.

I start with sweeping slow movement from the heel of the client, I use the whole of my foot, applying gentle pressure with the ball of my foot and following through with the heel of my foot to the toe of their foot. I repeat this slowly a few times. I can use my other foot to bend their toes back to give their foot a good stretch. I then turn my foot at right angles to that of my client and repeat the sweeping motion from their heel to their toe. This puts the softer part of my instep against their instep and the major joints of their foot and is a gentle relaxing movement, rocking back and forth, instep to instep.

I then use my heel to massage their instep if the foot, rubbing it slowly back and forwards, with small quarter rotations and moving from the outer edge of the foot to the inner edge. I repeat this rocking stoking movement a few times and check that the client is happy with the pressure. Using my toes I begin to press the sole of the foot, checking for any specific areas of tenderness, for example in the plantar fascia, I use both feet for this, two big toes at a time, cupping the foot with my feet to support it as I go.

I press and release with my toes over the whole area of the sole of the foot and in between the joints of the toes.

Then I run my big toe and my second toes down the length of their individual toes pressing and squeezing slowly as I go and finally gently pulling the toe away from the foot. This does require dexterity and is not necessary if you want to give a relaxing foot massage. You can repeat any of these movements as required.

It is important to attend to the leg and ankle when giving a foot massage but I shall right about that another time. There are pictures of leg massage on my site.

N.B.
Check all the feet for signs of verrucas and infections before starting and avoid if unsure.

Be gentle with each others feet to start, the foot is very strong and the power behind it needs to be controlled.
For further information visit http://www.enjoyfeet.co.uk/

This video clip is from our DVD and illustrates the front of the foot massaged by feet.