Greeting the Feet
Before you begin to work on someone's feet, you need to greet the feet. To do this, place both open hands on the bottom of the feet, allowing the hands to rest there gently. You will feel the heat begin to flow between your hands and the receiver's feet. This is a quiet and respectful introduction. Move the hands to the outside of both feet, gently holding until you actually feel the feet relax.
The Second Step
The next step is to place both hands on the right foot, holding top and bottom. Again rest the open hands here allowing the rhythm of your breath and that of the person in the chair to flow in tune together. The pulse of the foot beats evenly as the heat from your hands penetrates the foot, encouraging further relaxation. Release this foot and let both hands cup the left foot, repeating the same step.
The Finale
Finally, rest hands on the top of the feet, telling each foot you are ready to begin. Using soft easy strokes, feather off gently and place both hands on the right foot, sandwiching the foot between the hands. One hand is on top of the foot, and the other is on the bottom, with the open palms resting on the foot. Slightly rock your body back and forth as you also push and pull the foot forward and backward. Everything is done with a count of three to five.
Essential
Realize that the receiver's right foot is facing your left side and the left foot is facing your right side, which may confuse you at first. An easy way to distinguish is to remember everything begins with the right foot, and you are looking at the bottom of the feet, which makes the feet appear backward. Don't worry; you'll get it.
The left hand is holding the top of the right foot and the right hand is on the bottom of the right foot. Imagine the hands as the bread and the foot as the filling. Rhythmically move in time, pressing forward and back as you begin to relax the foot, ankle, and body. This is called dorsal flexion and plantar flexion, relating to the dorsal (top) and plantar (bottom) surfaces of the feet.
The top of the foot is pushed toward the body, and the bottom of the foot is pressed away. The hands rest easily, basically guiding the foot as this motion simulates walking. Many of the relaxation procedures copy motions found in walking. Sometimes receivers will automatically try to help by moving their foot with you. Remind them it is their time to unwind and let go; you will do the work.
