Do steps 1 through 4 only once or repeat steps 3 and 4 for up to 20 minutes. End with a slow deep breath. Adapted and reprinted with permission. May be duplicated for use in clinical practice. Simple touch, massage, or warmth for relaxation Touch and massage are age-old methods of helping others relax.
Warm foot soak in a basin of warm water, or wrap the feet in a warm, wet towel.
If the patient is modest or cannot move or turn easily in bed, consider massage of the hands and feet. Use a warm lubricant, e.g., a small bowl of hand lotion may be warmed in the microwave oven, or a bottle of lotion may be warmed by placing it in a sink of hot water for about 10 minutes. Massage for relaxation is usually done with smooth, long, slow strokes. However, try several degrees of pressure along with different types of massage, e.g., kneading, stroking, and circling. Determine which is preferred.