Want to incorporate a nice foot and calf massage into your pedicures but unsure about your massage technique? Then take a cue from Renee Doran, educator for OPI and experienced pedicurist at Glitz Salon in Rochester Hills, Mich.

 

Manipulation #1: Relaxation movement

Warm some lotion in your hands and apply to lower legs in long stroking movements, making sure the ankle is fully supported. Use both hands to stroke the lotion onto the top and bottom of the feet, pulling your hands from the heels out through the toes. Repeat three times.

 

Manipulation #2: Relaxation movement

Supporting the ankle with one hand, knead the calf using long, upward stroking movements, alternating from the bottom of the leg to the top. Repeat three times.

 

Manipulation #3: Relaxation movement

Cup the heel with one hand and use the thumb of the opposite hand to massage the heel in a circular motion. Starting at the heel, make a fi gure eight by stroking up outside the foot, across the bottom of the ball of the foot, over the top of the ball of the foot, then back down outside to the heel. Repeat three times.

Manipulation #4: Release movement

With both hands, stroke up the top of the leg, then down the back all the way to the heel. Repeat three times.

 

Manipulation #5: Release movement

With fingers on the top of the foot and thumbs at heel, stroke gently from heel to toes, alternating hands. Repeat three times.

 

Manipulation #6: Release movement

Grip the base of each toe between the thumb and side of the index finger, while supporting the heel with the other hand, and pull out quickly through the ends of the toes. (Then, repeat #5).

 

Manipulation #7: Release movement

Support the ankle with one hand and massage the arch with your fist using slow, circular motions. Keep in mind that some people are sensitive in this area, so care should be taken to not use too much pressure. Repeat three times. (Then, repeat #5).

 

Manipulation #8: Relaxation movement

Finish the massage using long stroking movements down the leg and pulling all the way out through the toes. Repeat three times getting slower and slower until completed.

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