Here is that press again. With the hand closed into a fist, use the flat ridge of the fingers to press along the surface of the sole. Remember to use your body as you rock forward and back, pressing into the foot each time. Vary the technique between pressing and making a semicircular motion, always with a kneading movement. Using the knuckle press on a foot that has been completely relaxed is the icing on the cake.

Practice Kneading

Imagine again that you are going to knead bread. Use a flat surface such as the palm of your other hand. Begin by closing the hand into a fist. Remember the fingertips are curled into the palm, and the thumb usually rests along the edge of the hand, not inside the fingers.

Now look at the fist so that you become familiar with the position. Notice how the long section of the fingers, between the two rows of prominent knuckles, is fairly flat. This is the section that does most of the kneading work. Hold your open palm up and knead into it with your fisted hand. This means to use the long, flat bones and press into the palm.

Applying the Technique

Begin at the bottom, or heel, of the palm and move the closed fist up and down, almost in a rocking motion. Pay attention to how the backs of the fingers knead the palm. The two rows of knuckles serve as the end lines, where the kneading motion ends and then begins. Rock the fist back and forth, and begin to move up the palm. Once you encounter the fingers, move the fist back down to the heel of the palm, kneading as you go.

A final use of this technique is to hold the fist on the surface you are kneading and gently press with the backs of those same fingers, in a semicircular motion. Move around, across, up, and down the area, gently pressing into the area. This is done easily and slowly, with a very gentle touch. As you are working on the tough skin areas on the heel, ball of the foot, and the palm, this technique allows the area to relax.