FROM THE GROUND UP : GUIDE TO HAPPY FEET

How are your Feet? Do you have pain or tightness when you step out of bed in the morning?

Feet can be a problem area for many people and, unfortunately, can be bottom of the list for self care and maintenance.

If you follow me and my work as a yoga teacher/therapist and particularly Yin Yoga - you know that I talk about fascia quite extensively.

There are several fascial chains that run through the body (its a matrix that covers every visceral organ, bone, tissue - its everywhere under your skin). The fascia matrix holds and helps move the lymph, transports nutrients, is the communication network for the senses and nervous system).

The back line fascial chain starts from the feet and travels up the back of the body to the head. If problems arise up the chain, scar tissue, adhesions, misalingnment over time, stress, then the smooth running of this communication network gets stuck. It has to try and reroute or push through and can become stagnant.

Caring for your feet is not just a nice relaxing thing to do - it really needs to be part of your routine. The great thing is, 10/15 minutes attention daily can transform your posture, your gait, your mood, your pain threshold.

Any form of exercise that requires you to be barefoot hugely benefits. Think yoga, tai chi, martial arts. There is something for everyone. In this we learn proprioception, where force is required in each step/ movement we make, developing strength and mobility in all parts of the foot, how to balance better, how to work with restrictions or limitations as we grow older (when fascia naturally tightens ).

Also being barefoot on grass or beach not only re-energises you, but can also release toxins and emotional excess into the ground as the skin gets to breathe. Also for anyone dealing with fungal conditions - barefoot is hugely beneficial ( thats another post!). Dont hide those feet away, give them attention.

From a REFLEXOLOGY pov the feet represent the entire body, we can locate each organ and area on the foot and work with it. By pressing on reflex points I can see the reaction and understand what tension is held along the nerve and fascial line. I can trace blocks or issues in an organ that can go unnoticed.

Working with the feet through Reflexology, gentle massage, acupressure points, lymphatic drainage as well as Incorporating a gentle yoga routine into your life can really open up a new lease of life in Midlife.

These are all part of my holistic therapy approach. This is what makes a difference in the lives of many people. And its just a small adjustment to paying more attention to our FEET.

Thank you for reading my foot notes. I do hope you feel inspired to take a treatment very soon.

---

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise or wellness program.