China, being one of the oldest civilizations in the world, is known for its traditional ways of healing. Natural remedies, herbal remedies, acupressure and various alternative treatments that we now value can be traced back to China. In ancient times the Chinese practiced Ruo Shi and this was where the Chinese foot massage was based. They believed in achieving complete healing by concentrating on stimulating acu-points in the body. Most of the major acu-points, according to the science of reflexology are found in a personal's feet.

Aside from what reflexology says about feet, Chinese believe that the feet hold together all the nerve points in the body and that is why they take care of their feet as much as they care for other parts of the body. They believed that the vital nerve points of our body are concentrated in the feet. Consequentially, taking good care of your feet will assure good health and vice versa. If you are familiar with Chinese culture or for that matter Chinese entertainment, you would know that when a person comes home, right after removing his shoes, he rubs his feet gently. The reason for that is to open up the passage of nerve points that has been temporarily narrowed due to stress and pressure.

This is the basic and ultimate function of Chinese foot massage. It is believed that when a blockage of blood circulation occurs in the major nerve points, the flow of energy all through out the body is affected. Using this concept, strokes and methods of this foot massage aims to remove the blockage and stimulate the flow of energy. This form of massage therapy is a combination of foot massage and Chinese herbology.

Chinese Foot Massage is proven effective not only those from the old times but also those in the modern time who have tried this foot massage. To get started the personal's feet are soaked in warm water to which medicines have been added, according to the needs of the patient. Massage oils or lotions are applied only once the feet are completely comfortable. After this the highly trained massage therapist sees to it that every acu-point in the feet is touched and the therapist should not stop striking and gliding his fingers unless he feels that all the blockage is gone.

Foot Massage is based on the premise that our nerve zones or reflex points go from the bottom of our feet to the top of our head, encompassing all vital organs on the way. A trained doctor can put pressure on different meridians or energy lines on the sole and side of the feet to determine the cause of illness in China. The following will introduce the foot reflexology.

Preparation for Foot Massage It has been recommended that soft music can provide the perfect catalyst to get you in the mood for a foot massage. There are various creams and oils that can be used for a foot massage. However, we recommend the use of essential massage oils to achieve an ultimately relaxing foot massage. To begin with make sure the feet are clean, a foot soak with epsom salts is a wonderful way to de-stress before a foot massage. Make sure that your feet are completely dry (including in between toes) before you start.

1. Stroking
This technique stimulates the blood vessels in your feet and promotes gentle heat. Hold the foot in your hands and begin to massage the top surface of the foot. Use your thumbs in a slow, firm stroking motion, starting at the toes and moving up to the ankle. Once you have reached the ankle follow the same line back to the toes. Mak e sure you apply lighter pressure towards the toes than the ankle. Repeat this 5 times and then perform the same technique to the sole of the foot.

2. Ankle rotation
Firstly, gentle move the ankle side to side to loosen the ankle joint. Hold the heel of the foot in a cupping motion and hold the ball of the foot with the other hand. Rotate the foot clockwise and anticlockwise 3 or 4 times to relax the foot from the ankle joint, reversing the directions will calm and de-stress your senses. Make sure you perform this technique gently.

3. Pivoting
Gently hold the foot in your hand and use the other hand to massage the sole of the foot with your thumb. Begin with the area directly below the large toe and slowly move to the other toes. After initial pressure, roll the thumb back and forth. It may be seen as wiggling the thumb. Release pressure, and move. Pivoting can be a very relaxing especially if you vary the amount of pressure being applied to the ball of the foot.

4. Kneading
Knead the thumb or finger tips back and forth on the sole of the foot. Kneading uses the knuckles at the second joints. "Knead" the area like dough with large pressing, rotating movements. Remember that the foot is not as adaptable as dough, so be gentle!

5. Finger Walking
Visualize the foot as a series of squares the size of the second toe (about1/2" sq.). Walk your fingers horizontally, one square to the next, and then down to the next row of squares. Massage one foot, and then the next. Begin at the big toe.

1. Improved circulation in the limbs
2. Reduced stiffness and improved flexibility
3. Lowers stress and anxiety
4. Improves sleep and reduces headaches
5. Improves the immune system.