Suffering from tired and aching feet? Then it's about time you put the spring back in your step. With a vast range of choices available locally, you won't find it difficult to get an appointment for a foot therapy that suits you. By its very nature, a therapy involving one's feet has a calming effect on the mind. All you need to do is simply lie back and let the therapist take over. But first, let us simplify the complex ‘pedicure parlance' (what the various treatments involve) for you.
Regular pedicure
What: An essential requirement.
Why: For healthy, well-groomed feet.
How: The nail technician or beautician begins by soaking your feet in a foot-bath of warm to hot soapy water. This helps remove dirt from the feet. It also softens the nails and cuticles preparing them for the next step. After the soak, the therapist scrapes the heels with a foot scraper to remove dead skin. This is followed by a light scrub or exfoliation of the entire foot. Next step: cutting and filing the nails. A light application of a cuticle softener is followed with the cleaning of the nails and removal of dead skin and cuticles. If the cuticles do not require cutting, they are simply pushed back gently. The feet are then gently massaged with a moisturising cream or oil. A light application of nail oil strengthens the nails. In the case of women, old nail polish is removed and a fresh coat of nail paint is applied.
In the case of men, the nails are tougher and the skin harder, so feet need to be soaked for longer. Also, men are more prone to ingrown nails due to long hours of wearing closed shoes.
Wow factor: Feet feel and look good 24-7.
The downside: Those suffering from acute skin conditions or skin allergies should refer to their skin specialist prior to getting a professional pedicure. Often, skin allergies can be aggravated if the skin is allergic to certain chemicals.
DIY: A basic pedicure can be carried out at home - simply prepare a soak, cut and file nails, and exfoliate. But a professional pedicure is recommended periodically to prevent problems of overgrown cuticles and tough calluses.
Spa pedicure
What: A luxurious pedicure.
How: This treatment starts off with a regular pedicure but incorporates deeper exfoliation followed by a moisture mask which is a super-hydrating pack loaded with intense antioxidants and skin-regenerating ingredients for a brightening, softening and anti-ageing effect on the feet skin. The mask is left on for 10-15 minutes followed by the application of a therapy lotion, which contains vitamins, nutrients and essential oils in a special ratio to help repair dry and damaged skin. This massage is followed by a regular pedicure.
Why: To leave you and your feet feeling thoroughly, and luxuriously, pampered.
Wow factor: Soft feet, totally rejuvenated and hydrated.
The downside: It is best to avoid this treatment if you suffer from any skin ailments or allergies or your feet are bruised or have open wounds or cuts.
DIY: This is a treatment done by a professional beautician/nail technician and cannot be replicated at home.
Paraffin wax pedicure
What: It is a regular pedicure followed by the application of warm paraffin wax.
Why: To help treat tired feet and moisturise dry skin. This is especially good for you if you suffer from cracks or excessive dry skin on the soles or around the cuticles. This treatment also helps improve the blood circulation, treats aching feet and joints of toes and ankles. The heat from the paraffin wax helps to penetrate the moisture from the product (specific oil or cream).
How: After the regular pedicure, the nail technician applies a nourishing and rejuvenating cream or oil to the feet and taking one foot at a time, dips the foot in a bearably hot container of paraffin wax. The dipping is done a couple of times to ensure the foot has a thick coating of paraffin wax on it. The foot is then slipped into a foot mitten to keep it warm for 10 to 15 minutes or until the paraffin wax cools off. During this time the wax turns into a foot glove and so is easier to remove. A light moisturising lotion is then applied as a finishing touch. After this, nail polish is applied.
Wow factor: Feet feel baby soft and squeaky clean.
The downside: It is best to avoid having this treatment if you suffer from any skin ailments or allergies, unless your medical practitioner has recommended this treatment to you. It is best not to take this treatment if your feet are bruised or have open wounds or cuts.
DIY: This treatment cannot be done at home as you require a paraffin wax pot. Also, the sheer joy of having someone do this for you makes this an enjoyable and relaxing experience.
Lightening treatment
What: A lightening treatment that helps give feet an even skin tone.
Why: Evens out spotty skin which may have marks due to tight footwear or sun exposure.
How: A regular pedicure is followed by an application of glycolic acid which is lightly applied to skin and left on for ten minutes after which it is washed away and a light moisturising cream is massaged into the skin.
Wow factor: This treatment can be enjoyed by both men and women. However, it is mostly women who tend to have it done.
The downside: This treatment is not recommended for those with sensitive skins or with bruises and cuts. It is best to avoid going out in the sun for a couple of hours after this treatment.
DIY: This treatment cannot be done at home, only at a spa or salon offering this professional service.
Reflexology or zone therapy
What: This popular and ancient Chinese massage restores the flow of energy throughout the body. The movements are based on the principle that individuals receive numerous benefits when parts of the feet are stimulated and massaged using pressure techniques. This area contains reflex points corresponding to the various organs and tissues of the body.
Why: To benefit anybody suffering from minor aches and pains. It is of particular benefit to those suffering from headaches.
How: This treatment is done on its own, offered either as part of a spa menu or in a reflexology salon. It is not part of a pedicure and is done by a spa therapist or reflexology expert, not a nail technician. The feet are either soaked in a foot bath or wiped and warmed with a hot towel. Using a light oil, the therapist starts with a massage and then follows it with the pressure massage on the reflex points. The pressure applied on the reflex points depends on the individual's need - it can be hard or gentle, or concentrated more in certain areas which correspond to specific pains or discomfort or ailments.
Wow factor: Total relaxation. Like a full body massage, it stimulates and relaxes every nerve point in the body leaving you feeling completely rejuvenated and calm.
The downside: As the pressure points are linked to an organ, gland or system, you can experience slight pain if the corresponding point of pressure is related to ill health. Pregnant woman must take the treatment only on a doctor's advice.
DIY: This treatment must not be attempted at home as it requires the expert knowledge to do it accurately.
Energising and detoxifying scrub and soak
What: This treatment is offered prior to a spa treatment as it is believed that when you start to relax, the energy should be focused on your feet to start the process of relaxation.
How: The therapist will start by applying a salt scrub to your feet, gently massaging the salt in. The feet are then soaked in aroma-infused warm water and lightly massaged with a special relaxation oil.
A combination of argan oil and Himalayan salt, juniper berry and lemon grass is used to cleanse, detoxify and energise feet.
Why: To restore energy. The treatment also helps exfoliate the skin and removes toxins allowing you to be more grounded in energy.
Wow factor: This is an energising and healing feet treatment which will help you unwind totally.
The downside: The treatment is not recommended if the skin on your feet has bruises or cuts.
DIY: For a basic foot soak treat at home, you can soak your feet in aroma-infused hot water and then give them a good scrubbing with sea salt.
Bio-energising foot wrap
What: This is a treatment which deeply revitalises the skin, lymphatic system and bio-energy field.
Why: To enable a foot detoxification. It also rejuvenates energy, starting at the reflex points in the feet.
What: This treatment is performed in a tranquil spa room.
How: The foot wrap involves a salt scrub until all the salt is dissolved. The salt scrub aids circulation and eliminates toxins.
The scrub is also known to cleanse and strengthen the bio-energy fields. The scrub is then followed by a foot wrap consisting of a special mud which works in the same way as the scrub but is a more powerful treatment as it draws out the deep-embedded toxins within the skin layers.
Wow factor: A feeling of total rejuvenation. Perfect for those wanting to give themselves an energy boost.
The downside: Avoid this treatment if the skin on your feet has any cuts or bruises. Although the mud heals and the salt helps serve as an antiseptic, it is best avoided as it may aggravate the condition.
DIY: This treatment cannot be carried out at home.
Hot foot soak
What: This treatment is a simple foot soak in a hydro foot-bath.
Why: Relieves swelling, good for stressed, tired and aching feet. This treatment is also good for pregnant women. (They can opt for a regular foot-bath instead of a hydro foot-bath if the stimulation is too much). The aromatic salts help to reduce puffiness, swelling or water retention caused due to standing for long hours, or due to sheer exhaustion.
How: The feet are first wiped and then soaked in a foot-bath with aromatic bath salts for up to 10 or 15 minutes. This is followed by a light effleurage massage.
Wow factor: The treatment is ideal for those who want quick relief for swollen or tired feet, especially during pregnancy.
The downside: Not recommended for those with skin bruises or cuts.
DIY: Soak feet in hot water to which you may add your favourite bath salts.
Express jetlag remedy
What: A jet lag remedy is the perfect way to get the circulation going after a long flight.
Why: To relax after a long flight or journey, or even for those who have been on their feet all day.
What: This is a spa treatment. The first step involves soaking the feet in a warm, aroma-infused hydrotherapy foot bath. The water jets in the hydro foot-bath imitate gentle massage movements and aid in improving blood circulation. This is followed by a deep tissue massage which relieves any heaviness, fatigue, swelling and fluid retention in the feet. The massage lasts a good 15-20 minutes followed by exfoliation to remove dead skin. The feet are then wrapped in a seaweed wrap to firm, hydrate and remineralise dry skin. The wrap is kept on for 10 to 15 minutes, removed and the residue cleansed off. The feet are deeply moisturised.
Wow factor: A feeling of total rejuvenation.
The downside: It is best to avoid this treatment, if one has sensitive skin or has cuts or bruises.
DIY: This treatment cannot be carried out at home.
-Information courtesy: Shamira Mitha, Spa Consultant, Natural Elements Spa, Le Meridien, Dubai
