Foot massage has got to be one of the most relaxing things you can do for your poor, abused feet. After using them all day long, a nice, good and thorough foot massage will not only ease the stress away, it can also improve circulation and tone your feet muscles.

The activity believes that direct pressure to certain points of the foot release endorphins that alleviate pain and stress, as well as mediate diseases.

You can do a foot massage by yourself or better yet, find someone who would do it for you. If you're going on a solo foot massage flight, find yourself a nice, comfy chair. Go for the one with the padded arms and a cool footrest. Relax on it, prop one foot on your lap and start your foot massage routine until you can actually see that foot grinning at you. Try these foot massage techniques and work your way to happy feet:

1. Stroke them top to bottom.
Stroking stimulates blood vessel activity and warms up the foot. Massage the top surface first, the thumbs moving in a slow, stroking motion. Start from the toes and work yourself up to the ankles. Then from the ankle, stroke your way back to the toes. Repeat this for a couple of more minutes.

2. Rotate those ankles.
Loosen up your joints and rotate them! This exercise relaxes feet and at the same time; work out the kinks in your joints. First, move the ankle side to side gently. Cup the ball of your foot with one hand and rotate the foot clockwise and anti-clockwise 4 or 5 times. This is a key point in de-stressing your foot and your senses. Again, do it gently. Brisk motions might sprain your ankle.

3. Pivot
Grasp gently the foot in your hand. Using the other hand, massage the sole of that foot with the thumb. Start with the area below the large toe and gently work your way across to the other toes. Roll your thumb back and forth to release pressure. Try to vary the amount of pressure on the ball of the foot for a more relaxing foot massage experience.

4. Knead at slow speed.
Put your knuckles against the sole of the foot and do some large pressing movements. Rotate the hand while doing the kneading. Imagine that your foot is dough and work it, using varying pressures. Don't strain too hard, since the sole is not as soft as the real dough, or the hands might suffer some serious strain. Do it slowly but constantly.

5. Slide your fingers in between your toes.
Back and forth, back and forth. Set up a rhythm with your fingers. This simple exercise stretches and pulls the muscles of your toes. It might be simple but it is definitely effective because the focus is on the toes which are more often than not neglected.

6. Press that arch.
Release the stress in the inner and outer arches. Using the heel of the hand, push as hard as you can (but please, don't strain too hard) on the ball of your feet. Slide the hand from here towards your toes, going along the arch of the foot. Do this on the sides and the undersides of the foot.

To wind up your foot massage, do some light stroking to relax the foot more.

These foot massage routines can be done solo or by another person. Make sure to let the other person know if too much pressure is being applied and is hurting you. Use a massage lotion or oil to aid the process and relieve your exhausted and tired feet.

Our feet are the most exhausted part of our body. Make it a habit to massage your tired feet every end of the day.