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ANTIANXIETY FOOT MASSAGE 2A.1 3A depth, intensity, speed, pathway, and temperature. The practitioner becomes a master in varying these in order to maintain attention. Music also assists in setting a tranquil tone, lending another element for distraction. However, the music must be spatially oriented with nondominant melodies and without beat emphasis. APPLYING THE MASSAGE Antianxiety foot massage consists of seven strokes. Each stroke is repeated a minimum of 10 times, with 6–8 seconds allotted for the completion of each stroke. The therapist's dominant hand should lead. As the process continues, each stroke is coupled with the next, so that eventually all seven strokes are performed in succession, with the nondominant hand always following one stroke behind the dominant. A cream should be applied prior to the initiation of the experience, using both hands simultaneously to do so. The cream application should bear no resemblance to the process; use a brief, gentle, and slow friction that allows the cream to be evenly distributed and warmed to skin temperature. Once applied, the hands should come to rest on the feet as therapist centering and focus ensues. The best position for this occurs with the palm covering the lateral malleolus, fingers 3–5 wrapped around the Achilles tendon, and the second finger pointing proximally with the thumb lying over the anterior ankle (resting position photo, page 54). This is an excellent period for the intentional flow of bioelectromagnetic energy to begin. When ready, simply detach the nondominant hand and initiate the process. Follow the steps illustrated and detailed in annotated images presented throughout this article. 2A.2 STROKE 3A: As the dominant hand finishes the previous series, this stroke is added: with the thumb gliding over the ankle, prior to moving distally alongside the metatarsal, the hand instead slides over the lateral malleolus in order to encapsulate the Achilles tendon and calcaneus. Without stopping, the fingers turn and move downward to glide over the calcaneus. Once off the bony structure, the hand then returns to slide distally alongside the fifth metatarsal. STROKES 2A.1 AND 2A.2: Without hesitating, after the first strokes have been completed, the dominant hand performs the initial half of Stroke 1A. As the hand turns with fingers pointed proximally, it moves upward. The thumb and fingers separate; the thumb grasping the medial malleolus and the fingers grasping the lateral. The thumb glides over the medial malleolus, over the ankle, and then the hand resumes traveling distally alongside the fifth metatarsal, completing Stroke 1A. 2B 3B STROKE 2B: The nondominant hand follows exactly, always a half step behind, just like an echo. This combination of Strokes 1 and 2 are performed a minimum of 10 times. STROKE 3B: The nondominant hand follows immediately, as above, always a half step behind. This combination of Strokes 1, 2, and 3 are performed a minimum of 10 times. 56 massage & bodywork july/august 2010