Exploring our feet through self-reflexology can be an easy and free way to support our mind, body and spirit.
(Madisyn Taylor)
Our feet are home to literally thousands of nerve endings and almost seventy acupuncture points, which is why foot reflexology is so effective. By massaging and stimulating specific areas on the soles of our feet, we can provide general support for our entire body, improve sleep patterns, increase physical and mental wellbeing and also alleviate chronic conditions such as sinusitis and digestive upset. Although it is wonderful to work with an experienced foot reflexologist whenever possible, we can also develop a practice of treating ourselves to a self-reflexology treatment if we take some time for this purpose before we begin our day or in the evening to relax before going to bed.
There are a number of different ways to work the soles of your feet, including walking barefoot on river stones, rolling each foot over a golf or tennis ball, or just using your fingers and hands to massage your feet. When starting a reflexology session, it's a good idea to begin with loosening up your ankles – rotate each foot clockwise then counter-clockwise about ten times. You might also want to pinch the end of your toes, which can increase circulation and drainage in your sinuses and stimulate your pituitary and pineal glands. Then you can begin massaging the ball of your foot, the arch, and the heel. If you find that an area is tender, it may indicate some distress or dysfunction occurring in the corresponding area of the body. You may want to explore what is going on with that organ or system.
Whether we are able to spend just a few minutes a day on this kind of self-care or a full half hour, our efforts are never wasted.
My Thoughts:
I hate my feet being touched so the idea of going to someone for them to specifically do that does not appeal to me in the least. However, I do like the idea of a bit of self-help.
Now, I will not be doing any hands-on massage techniques because I can’t stand even me touching my feet, but I like the idea of the ankle rotations and rolling a ball under the sole. Apparently, it can help to loosen up the plantar fascia and alleviate pain. Nope I didn’t know where that was either … but it turns out to be the bit just above the instep under the heal.
Researching this further, another tip is to do the same thing but with a bottle of frozen water, and I have to say that it feels amazing on tired feet after a long day on them.
This is definitely something I am going to remember to do as often as I can (well. try to anyway), and as it can be done sitting at my desk, there really should be no excuse for not doing it. The only problem I have is to stop the dogs pinching the tennis balls.