2017 OPI Products Inc., N. Hollywood, CA 91605 • 818.759.2400 • Opi.Com

©2017 OPI Products Inc., N. Hollywood, CA 91605 • 818.759.2400 • opi.com • 17-0414 • Made in USA • Fabriqué aux Etats-Unis • OPI, 75002 Paris, France Inspired by Facial Skin Care. Perfected for Clients’ Hands & Feet. OPI PROSPA SERVICE GUIDE

US/CANADA NATIONAL RELEASE DATE: 3/1/17 PRE-ORDER ON: 12/16/16 3 | OPI PROSPA

The New Face of Mani/Pedi Skincare

OPI ProSpa introduces the first & only professional salon skincare line that brings the quality & efficacy of facial skincare to premium products developed specifically for hands & feet.

Set your salon apart with luxurious manicure & pedicure formulas designed to nourish & protect skin while helping to fight the signs of aging at the source. OPI PROSPA 4 | KEY INGREDIENT: CUPUAÇU BUTTER

• Brazilian superfruit with • Niacin (B3) has moisturizing 9 essential fatty acids for and anti-aging properties unparalleled moisture (240% more moisturizing than lanolin) • 9 free-radical fighting antioxidants protect skin

Our Secret Ingredient: Dermatologist Expertise

To develop this first-of-its-kind salon offering, OPI teamed with Dr. Zena Gabriel, a practicing dermatologist and expert in her field. Combining her skincare savvy with OPI’s knowledge of all things mani/pedi, we created a line of salon specific formulas that deliver on results and client experience.

KEY INGREDIENT: WHITE TEA

• Anti-oxidant superstar • Contains active compounds helps protect skin from free that help prevent environmental radical damage damage

• 2X as effective as green tea • Helps prevent breakdown of collagen & elastin

"ProSpa does more than just smell good. These formulas take amazing facial skincare ingredients & technologies and use them to create products that bring the same benefits to your hands & feet."

— DR. ZENA GABRIEL, MD BOARD-CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST NEWPORT BEACH, CA 5 | OPI PROSPA

Product Guide & Ingredient Details

GET STARTED BY DOWNLOADING THE NEW PROSPA TOOLS + STEP-BY-STEP TUTORIALS FROM OPI.COM PRODUCT DETAILS | 6 Soak & Soften

soothing soak quick dissolving, “spa-safe” foot soak cleans + revives tired soles

calendula, horse detoxifying magnesium chestnut, and sage sulfate helps reduce soothe fatigued feet inflammation

advanced callus softening gel concentrated gel that helps eliminate and soften unsightly calluses

chamomile antibacterial helps soothe tea tree extract itchy skin protects skin

intensive callus smoothing balm softening foot and heel treatment balm helps restore dry, callused soles to relieve severe dryness, ideal for in-salon treatments or over-night intensive therapy.

exfoliating lactic avocado lipid acid helps smooth complex helps rough skin deeply hydrate

Massage & Relaxation

moisture whip massage cream high performance, soufflé-like massage cream strikes the perfect balance between slip and absorption, making it ideal for massage treatments

shea & cocoa collagen-building butter blend peptides keep skin intensely hydrates looking youthful 7 | OPI PROSPA Exfoliate & Polish

exfoliating cuticle cream fast acting gel-cream formula effectively eliminates dry, rough cuticles

non-irritating alpha- avocado lipid complex hydroxy acid perfectly helps provide essential preps the nail bed moisture

exfoliating sugar scrub non-stinging polishing scrub reveals smoother, more touchable skin “spa-safe,” quick-dissolving formula perfect for salon use.

sugar crystals avocado oil is naturally ultra-hydrating exfoliate skin

micro-exfoliating hand polish professional grade micro-dermabrasion specifically for hands

gentle micro-exfoliators brightening help polish rough, dry vitamin C helps skin for more even tone promote radiance

soothing moisture mask ultra-hydrating, quick-drying mask in an easy apply & remove formula

kaolin clay menthol cools purifies & revives PRODUCT DETAILS | 8 Moisture & Protection

nail & cuticle oil ultra-nourishing, fast absorbing formula helps protect, replenish & strengthen

rich yet lightweight grape seed, kukui & sunflower oils provide the ultimate in moisture

protective hand, nail & cuticle cream multi-tasking high performance cream moisturizes, brightens & protects skin and cuticles while nourishing nails

daisy flower extract peptides help plump skin helps brighten & even while protein-rich ProSina skin tone helps strengthen nails

protective hand serum moisturizing advanced treatment serum helps nourish, brighten & protect hands

cupuaçu collagen-building helps nourish peptides keep skin & moisturize skin looking youthful

moisture bonding ceramide spray feather-light spray helps reinforce the moisture barrier while protecting and nourishing skin

vitamin E helps ceramides neutralize free ultra-hydrating radicals opi prospa. express. signature. pamper. OPISERVICES PROSPA 10 | | 10

opi prospa. express. signature. pamper.

OPI ProSpa products combined with OPI’s tiered manicure and pedicure services are designed to enable you as a nail technician to provide the utmost care for your clients by addressing their individual needs.

" I love OPI ProSpa! This line makes it easy to elevate my clients’ experience and increase my salon business through high quality products that work."

— ANGELA GUTIERREZ OPI EDUCATOR Want to Learn how to Re-Invent Your Mani & Pedi Services?

GET STARTED BY DOWNLOADING THE NEW PROSPA TOOLS + STEP-BY-STEP TUTORIALS FROM OPI.COM SERVICES | 12

Let OPI ProSpa Show You How With Our Tiered Services express manicure In a rush, but still a need a quick way to de-stress? The OPI ProSpa Express Manicure is perfect. Featuring essential OPI ProSpa products and techniques in a condensed service protocol provides an elevated experience without increasing your service time. signature manicure Known as the “can’t live without” OPI ProSpa Signature Manicure service. You will experience the quintessential OPI ProSpa products combined with relaxing massage and acupressure. This signature experience puts the “Ahhh” back in Spa. pamper manicure Soothe, relax and indulge with the ultimate OPI ProSpa Pamper Manicure. The crème de la crème of manicures, you will benefit from unparalleled exfoliation, moisture & protection, while reveling in a combination of massage techniques and acupressure designed to reduce stress and relieve tension.

express pedicure This OPI ProSpa Express Pedicure featuring essential OPI ProSpa products provides a spa pedicure experience without increasing service time. signature pedicure This OPI ProSpa Signature Pedicure service includes the quintessential OPI ProSpa products to soak, exfoliate, lock in moisture and smooth callused feet while a regimen of relaxing massage and acupressure techniques complete the service. pamper pedicure The ultimate pedicure experience — you will benefit from unparalleled callus softening, exfoliation, moisture & protection, while reveling in an extended massage with acupressure designed to reduce stress and relieve tension. OPI ProSpa Manicure Prep Every manicure service should begin with proper prep. Prep is a systematic process that can make a difference in lasting wear. By following OPI’s Natural Nail Prep Step by Step, you can assure your clients have maximum wear of OPI Lacquer, Infinite Shine, or GelColor.

1 2 3 4

Wash your hands and have clients Remove any polish with an Shape nails to desired shape Apply OPI ProSpa Exfoliating wash their hands with Swiss Expert Touch Nail Wipe with an EDGE White 240 File. Cuticle Cream to the cuticle Blue Liquid Hand Soap. Sanitize saturated with Expert Touch For nails with deep ridges, area (If providing an OPI GelColor hands with Swiss Hand Guard Lacquer Remover. discoloration or peeling, buff nail service, use Swiss Hand Guard Antiseptic Handwash Gel. surface with a FLEX Silver/Moss to detail the cuticles instead). 220/280 Buffer.

5 6 7 8

Using the PusherPlus Multi- Use the Dexterity Dual-Edge Remove any hangnails and Cleanse nail with an Expert Use Pusher, push back the Nail Plate Cleaner to remove remaining non-living tissue with Touch Nail Wipe saturated eponychium to reveal the true excess non-living tissue. the AccuNip Professional with N.A.S. 99 and allow to dry. cuticle. Gently remove residue Precision Nipper. with an Expert Touch Nail Wipe saturated with N.A.S. 99. SERVICES | 14

OPI ProSpa Express Manicure Even clients in a rush will appreciate a moment to relax and renew. Featuring essential OPI ProSpa products and techniques in a condensed service that allows you to gives clients an elevated experience without increasing your service time.*

1 Prep hands and nails following OPI ProSpa Manicure Prep step-by-steps

If providing an OPI GelColor service, apply your client’s shade of choice following the application step-by-steps.

OPTIONAL 2 3 4

If your client is in a hurry, OPI Apply a generous dollop of OPI Perform the OPI ProSpa Manicure Gently remove residue with GelColor is the perfect system. ProSpa Protective Hand, Nail Massage for two minutes. an Expert Touch Nail Wipe It cures under an LED light, & Cuticle Cream to your hands saturated with N.A.S. 99. which means there is no drying and warm between your palms. time so she can get in, out and on with her day. Otherwise, move onto step 2.

5 6 7

Apply your client’s OPI Nail Apply OPI ProSpa Nail & Cuticle Mist OPI ProSpa Moisture Lacquer or Infinite Shine Oil and gently massage in. Bonding Ceramide Spray shade of choice following the over the entire hand and arm. application steps.

*approximately 20 minutes service time OPI ProSpa Signature Manicure Set your salon apart with this “can’t live without” manicure service. Your clients will experience the quintessential OPI ProSpa products through exfoliation and intense moisture combined with a relaxing massage and acupressure. Your client will love the improved texture & appearance of their hands (and mood) after this signature service.*

1 Prep hands and nails following step-by-stepsOPI ProSpa Manicure on page xxPrep step-by-steps

If providing an OPI GelColor service, apply your client’s shade of choice following the application step-by-steps.

OPTIONAL 2 3 4

If your client is in a hurry, OPI Apply a generous dollop of OPI Exfoliate hand and arm for Apply a generous dollop of GelColor is the perfect system. ProSpa Micro-exfoliating Hand approximately 2 minutes. Use OPI ProSpa Moisture Whip It cures under an LED light, Polish and gently apply to skin warm damp towels to remove Massage Cream to your hands which means there is no drying on top of hand and arm using a scrub. Repeat on other hand. and warm between time so she can get in, out and circular motion. your palms. on with her day. Otherwise, move onto step 2.

5 6 7 8

Use the OPI ProSpa Manicure Gently remove residue with Apply your client’s OPI Nail Apply OPI ProSpa Nail & Cuticle Massage to massage the an Expert Touch Nail Wipe Lacquer or Infinite Shine Oil and gently massage in. hands, wrists, and forearms saturated with N.A.S. 99. shade of choice following the for 5 minutes. application steps.

Mist OPI ProSpa Moisture Bonding Ceramide Spray over the entire hand and arm.

*approximate 30 minutes service time SERVICES | 16

OPI ProSpa Pamper Manicure Soothe, relax and pamper clients with the ultimate manicure. The crème de la crème of manicures, your clients will benefit from unparalleled exfoliation, moisture & protection, while reveling in an extended massage with acupressure designed to reduce stress and relieve tension. Your client will leave feeling pampered and rejuvenated with soft & glowing skin.*

1 Prep hands and nails following OPI ProSpa Manicure Prep step-by-steps

If providing an OPI GelColor service, apply your client’s shade of choice following the application step-by-steps.

OPTIONAL 2 3 4

If your client is in a hurry, OPI Apply a generous dollop of OPI Exfoliate hand and arm for Apply a thin layer of OPI ProSpa GelColor is the perfect system. ProSpa Micro-exfoliating Hand approximately 2 minutes. Use Soothing Moisture Mask to It cures under an LED light, Polish and gently apply to skin warm damp towels to remove hand and arm. which means there is no drying on top of hand and arm using a scrub. Repeat on other hand. time so she can get in, out and circular motion. on with her day. Otherwise, move onto step 2.

5 6 7 8

Wrap in a warm, damp towel and Apply a generous dollop of Use the OPI ProSpa Manicure Gently remove residue from nails allow to penetrate for 5 minutes. OPI ProSpa Moisture Whip Massage to massage the with an Expert Touch Nail Wipe Use a warm towel to remove the Massage Cream to your hands hands, wrists, and forearms saturated with N.A.S. 99. mask and cleanse the hands. and warm between for 5 minutes. your palms.

9 10 11 12

Apply your client’s OPI Nail Apply OPI ProSpa Nail & Cuticle Apply one drop of OPI ProSpa Mist OPI ProSpa Moisture Lacquer or Infinite Shine Oil and gently massage in. Protective Hand Serum to each Bonding Ceramide Spray over shade of choice following the of the following areas; top of the the entire hand and arm. application steps hand, wrist and arm. Lightly rub in.

*approximate 45 minutes service time OPI ProSpa Pedicure Prep Every pedicure service should begin with proper prep. Prep is a systematic process that can make a difference in a service that lasts days or hours. By following OPI’s Natural Nail Prep Step by Step, you can assure your clients have maximum wear of OPI Lacquer, Infinite Shine or Gelcolor.

preparation

1 2 3 4

Fill a pedicure tub with warm Dry foot and remove all color Apply OPI ProSpa Exfoliating Use the Pusher Plus Multi- water and 1 scoop of OPI from nails. Trim nails if needed Cuticle Cream to each cuticle. If Use Pusher to push back the ProSpa Soothing Soak. and shape with an EDGE White you’re providing an OPI GelColor eponychium to reveal the true Soak for 2 minutes. 240 File. For nails with deep service, use Swiss Hand Guard cuticle. Gently remove residue ridges, discoloration or peeling, on each cuticle. with an Expert Touch Nail Wipe buff nail surface with a FLEX saturated with Silver/Moss 220/280 Buffer. N.A.S. 99.

5 6 7

Use the Dexterity Dual-Edge Remove any hangnails and Cleanse nails with an Expert Nail Plate Cleaner to remove remaining non-living tissue Touch Nail Wipe saturated excess non-living tissue. with the AccuNip Professional with N.A.S. 99 and allow to dry. Precision Nipper. SERVICES | 18

OPI ProSpa Express Pedicure Quick, effective and oh-so relaxing, this Express Pedicure featuring essential OPI ProSpa products gives clients a Spa Pedicure experience without increasing service time.*

1 Prep feet and toenails following OPI ProSpa Pedicure Prep step-by-steps

If your client is in a hurry, OPI GelColor is the perfect system. This would be the time to apply OPI GelColor Otherwise, move on to step 5

2 3 4 5

Apply OPI Advanced Callus Use the OPI ProSpa Dual Sided Use a sponge to cleanse and Apply a generous dollop of Softening Gel to the heel, ball Foot File to gently exfoliate and thoroughly rinse both feet. OPI ProSpa Moisture Whip of foot and other callused areas. remove calluses. Remove and Remove both feet from the tub Massage Cream to your hands Set the heel of the foot on a soft discard the disposable grit after and dry with a towel. and warm between your palms. towel and let it sit for 2 minutes. each service. Properly sanitize the plastic foot file.

6 7 8 9

Use the OPI ProSpa Pedicure Remove product residue with an Apply one drop of OPI ProSpa Mist OPI ProSpa Moisture Massage technique to massage the Expert Touch Nail Wipe saturated Nail & Cuticle Oil to each cuticle Bonding Ceramide Spray foot, ankle and calf for 2 minutes. with N.A.S. 99. Apply your client’s and gently massage in. over leg and foot. choice of OPI Nail Lacquer or Infinite Shine following the application step by steps.

*approximate 30 minutes service time OPI ProSpa Signature Pedicure Create a new standard in pedicure services that keeps your clients (and their friends) coming back. This signature pedicure service includes the quintessential OPI ProSpa products to soak, smooth callused feet, exfoliate and lock in moisture combined with a relaxing massage and acupressure techniques. Feet are rejuvenated, clients rejoice!*

1 Prep feet and toenails following OPI ProSpa Pedicure Prep step-by-steps

If your client is in a hurry, OPI GelColor is the perfect system. This would be the time to apply OPI GelColor Otherwise, move on to step 5

2 3 4 5

Apply OPI ProSpa Advanced Use the OPI ProSpa Dual Sided Use a sponge to cleanse and Apply a generous dollop of Callus Softening Gel to the Foot File to gently exfoliate and thoroughly rinse both feet. OPI ProSpa Exfoliating Sugar heel, ball of foot and other remove calluses. Remove and Remove both feet from the tub Scrub and gently exfoliate foot callused areas. Set the heel of discard the disposable grit after and dry with a towel. and leg using a circular motion. the foot on a soft towel and let it each service. Properly sanitize sit for 2 minutes. the plastic foot file.

6 7 8 9

Rinse foot in pedicure tub. Apply a generous dollop of Use the OPI ProSpa Pedicure Apply your client’s choice of Repeat on other foot. Cover one OPI ProSpa Moisture Whip Massage technique to massage the OPI Nail Lacquer or Infinite foot with a warm, dry towel. Massage Cream to your hands foot, ankle and calf for 5 minutes. Shine following the application and warm between your palms. Gently remove product residue from step by steps. nails with an Expert Touch Nail Wipe saturated with N.A.S. 99.

10 11 12

Apply one drop of OPI ProSpa Apply OPI Pro Spa Intensive Mist OPI ProSpa Moisture Nail & Cuticle Oil to each cuticle Callus Smoothing Balm to the Bonding Ceramide Spray and gently massage in. callused areas. Do not rinse. over leg and foot.

*approximately 30 minutes service time SERVICES | 20

OPI ProSpa Pamper Pedicure Soothe, relax and pamper clients with the ultimate indulgence pedicure. The crème de la crème of pedicures, your clients will benefit from unparalleled callus softening, exfoliation, moisture & protection, while reveling in an extended massage with acupressure designed to reduce stress and relieve tension.*

1 Prep feet and toenails following OPI ProSpa Pedicure Prep step-by-steps

If your client is in a hurry, OPI GelColor is the perfect system. This would be the time to apply OPI GelColor Otherwise, move on to step 5

2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9

Apply a thin even layer of OPI Wrap in a warm, damp towel and Apply a generous dollop of Use the OPI ProSpa Pedicure ProSpa Soothing Moisture allow to penetrate for 5 minutes. Use OPI ProSpa Moisture Whip Massage to massage the foot, Mask to the foot and ankle. a warm, damp towel to remove the Massage Cream to your hands ankle and calf for 5 minutes. Gently mask and cleanse the foot. Cover and warm between your palms. remove product residue from nails one foot with a warm, dry towel. with an Expert Touch Nail Wipe saturated with N.A.S. 99.

10 11 12 13

Apply your client’s choice of Apply one drop of ProSpa Nail Apply OPI ProSpa Intensive Mist OPI ProSpa Moisture OPI Nail Lacquer or Infinite & Cuticle Oil to each cuticle and Callus Smoothing Balm to the Bonding Ceramide Spray Shine following the application gently massage in. callused areas. Do not rinse. over leg and foot. step by steps.

*approximately 1 hour service time OPI ProSpa Massage Techniques A masterful massage can transform the ordinary pedicure into an extraordinary experience. In fact, the massage may become the primary reason a client schedules regular manicure and pedicure appointments. And, that is a good reason not to short-change your client on this important part of the service! The OPI Massage utilizes a variety of techniques, including Effleurage, Kneading, and Acupressure.

effleurage kneading Effleurage is the most basic of massage techniques, and is Kneading is a technique where the skin and underlying often used as a linking movement between other techniques, muscles are rotated in a circular motion, working out allowing the therapist to always maintain contact with the tension and held muscular patterns. This motion brings client as they smoothly transition. much needed circulation to tight areas – as a muscle is compressed, stagnant blood is forced out of the area, and This should always be used at the beginning of a massage new blood and lymph rushes in once the area is released. helps warm the body up, stimulates blood supply to the In pedicure and manicure services this technique is ideal for tissues worked, relaxes muscle fibers and muscular tension, palms, top of forearms and bottoms of feet. spreads oil or lotion, and relaxes the client.

acupressure Acupressure is a form of alternative medicine that uses the Before you begin: fingers to gradually press key healing points in the body. When points are pressed, they release muscular tension n do not perform massage if client is diabetic, has high blood and promote circulation of blood to aid in healing. pressure, varicose veins or phlebitis

According to the principles of reflexology(fig. a), each of n ask you client if they have any problems with her feet requiring the body’s organs have corresponding reflex points on special attention or consideration the feet and hands. Applying pressure to these points increases circulation, re-energizes and reduces stress. n do not perform acupressure techniques on clients who For foot and hand massages, there are a few pressure are pregnant points to focus on that can provide relief within the time constraints of a manicure or pedicure service. n be sure client’s entire leg is supported during the massage, particularly the ankle and knee

n maintain contact throughout the massage MASSAGESERVICES | | 22

HEAD, BRAIN, SINUSES

PITUITARY, PINEAL, HYPOTHALAMUS EYES UPPER STOMACH LYMPHATICS EARS

EYE HAND & BRAIN EAR

NECK CHEST, BREAST, LUNG, BRONCHIAL ARM & SHOULDERS THROAT SOLAR PLEXUS

ADRENAL HEART THYROID, UPPER BACK SPINAL PARATHYROID COLUMN KIDNEY SPLEEN PANCREAS INTESTINES BLADDER HIP & THIGH LOWER BACK LUMBAR

UTERUS/PROSTATE OVARIES/TESTES

SCIATIC NERVE LYMPH

palm back

fig. a

JAW, TEETH, GUMS & NECK

EYES NOSE EARS

NECK

CHEST & LUNG SHOULDER HEART & ARM DIAPHRAGM

MID BACK

LIVER KIDNEYS STOMACH

LEG, KNEE & HIP

SMALL INTESTINE

SCIATIC NERVE

sole top OPI ProSpa Manicure Massage

Provide your clients with an unforgettable manicure service by following the OPI ProSpa Manicure Massage step by step. Customize the duration of the massage based on the level of service.

step 1: effleurage Massage hands and wrists using effleurage strokes to distribute lotion evenly. The movement is a relatively slow, smooth, continuous linear stroke using the palm of your hand. Place your fingers together relax your hands and wrists, and with sustained gentle pressure, follow the contour of the hand and arm. Support the client’s hand with one hand and stroke the top of the hand from the fingertips to elbow. Use slow continuous strokes increasing pressure slightly when moving toward the wrist. Rotate your working hand under the 1 wrist and stroke back toward finger tips. Alternate hands while maintaining continuous contact for 6 strokes.

Most of the pressure is coming through the palm of your hand, not fingers, so keep fingers relaxed yet firm through the movement. Contact is maintained throughout the sequence, and can easily blend into another technique.

step 2: kneading PRO TIP To perform kneading, use thumbs, enforced fingers, heels of hands, or full Much like a baker works with dough, hands. With a slow, rhythmic motion, press down on a muscle (directly on a you can go as superficially or as bone can be very painful), rolling it away from the bone it is attached to, and deeply as the client likes, compressing, then towards it. Begin kneading the palm of the hand to stimulate circulation. moving, and releasing the area. Using your thumbs press down into the center of the palm and with a slow rhythmic motion, roll in opposite directions toward the sides of the hand. Knead the forearm using both hands. With one hand, press your thumb to the top of 2 the forearm and roll toward the side of the forearm while simultaneously using your fingers to knead the underside of the arm. Start at the wrist and alternate hands to move up toward the elbow and then back down to the wrists. This is a more effective way (compared to effleurage) of stimulating circulation of blood and lymph to the area and working out old tension patterns.

step 3: acupressure PRO TIP To reduce muscle tension and relieve stress that can happen due to overuse of To perform acupressure, it is cell phones and lap tops, use your thumb(s) to press into the webbing between more effective if the skin is already the thumb and index finger. Slowly “sink” into the pressure point and hold warmed up with a massage – even for approximately 10 seconds. Release slowly. Continue using acupressure a minute or two of effleurage and to relieve stress and tension. Following the same method, apply pressure to kneading make a difference. the crease of the wrist, just inside the edge of the wrist bone and hold for 10 Going directly into acupressure can often seconds. Release slowly and repeat on the other hand. feel uncomfortable to the client. 3 MASSAGESERVICES | | 24

OPI ProSpa Pedicure Massage

Provide your clients with ultimate relaxation by following the OPI ProSpa Pedicure Massage step by step. Customize the duration of the massage based on the level of service.

step 1: effleurage PRO TIP Support the client’s foot with one hand and stroke the middle of the calf. It is common in pedicures to overuse Place your fingers together relax your hands and wrists, and with sustained this technique and in some salons this gentle pressure, follow the contour of the foot and leg. Often you want to apply is the only technique used during the entire more pressure while moving up the leg of the client, and a little less when service. Make sure you use this technique as a moving toward the feet - this helps with blood and lymph flow. Most of the start, transition and end – your clients will notice pressure is coming through the palm of your hand, not fingers, so keep fingers the difference. relaxed yet firm through the movement. Use slow continuous strokes increasing 1 pressure slightly when moving up the top of the leg. Rotate your working hand under the leg and stroke the calf back toward the ankle. Alternate hands while maintaining continuous contact for 6 strokes. Contact is maintained throughout the sequence, and can easily blend into another technique.

step 2: kneading Begin kneading the foot to stimulate circulation. Using your thumbs press down into the bottom of the foot and with a slow rhythmic motion, roll in opposite directions toward the sides of the foot. Start at the heel and move up to the ball of the foot, then reverse. Knead the calf using both hands. Place your thumbs on top of the leg to anchor your hands while simultaneously using your fingers to knead the muscle on the underside of the calf. Start at the ankle and alternate hands to move up toward the knee and then back down to the ankle. 2 Continue for 40 seconds.

step 3: acupressure To reduce muscle tension, relieve stress and provide relief for general foot pain caused by poor fitting shoes and/or high heels, place your thumb between the first and second toe behind the top knuckle. With your other hand place your thumb on the inside instep of the foot right below where a bunion would be (or is) and slowly “sink” into the pressure points. Hold for approximately 10 seconds. Release slowly. Following the same method, grip the foot and use both thumbs to apply pressure under the ball of the foot in the center, hold for 3 10 seconds. Release slowly and repeat on the other foot.