This relaxing foot and lower leg massage is a real treat for anyone who's been on their feet all day, and particularly blissful (and totally safe) for pregnant women. If you're after extra brownie points, prepare a foot-bath first - sweet-scented feet will make this a much more pleasant experience.

1. Lift your partner's foot on to your lap and rest it on a dry towel. If you haven't prepared a foot-bath, use a wet towel to clean the entire foot. Next, rub some cream or oil into your hands and, placing one hand in front of the other, rub the cream into the leg by stretching the skin towards the knee. Come back down towards the foot, wrapping your fingers around either side of the leg. This is a slow, relaxed motion. Your fingers will be doing most of the work, so let your thumbs relax. Make sure the front and back of the legs are evenly coated in oil/cream.

2. Now wrap your fingers around the sole of your partner's foot. Their foot should feel relaxed with the toes pointing slightly towards you. Wrap your thumbs round the front of their foot until they meet in the middle, and effleurage the front of the foot five times.

3. Now for the tendons. Clasp the toes with one hand and, using the thumb of your other hand, slide once down each tendon from the toe-knuckle towards the ankle.

4. Using both thumbs, "walk" slowly all over the sole of your partner's foot. Press them into the flesh one after the other, making sure you cover the whole sole. If your partner has big feet, create a fist shape and slowly slide your fist along your partner's sole, from the base of the toes right down to the heel.

5. Finish the sequence by rubbing your partner's foot vigorously between your palms. You may need to move your chair to the side so that both of your palms are flat.

6. Repeat the same sequence on the other foot.