Greetings,
Happy Feet are important for feeling good and staying active. One way to promote well-being is by taking care of your feet – treat them well and your body will thank you. Reflexology is a system of hand and foot massage used to relieve tension, reduce stress and help the body achieve a deep state of relaxation and internal balance. It is based on ancient Chinese and Egyptian theories that pressure applied to specific points on the hands and feet are linked to specific muscle groups or organs of the body. According to the Mayo Clinic (Brent A. Bauer, M.D.), “several studies funded by the National Cancer Institute and the National Institutes of Health indicate that reflexology may reduce pain and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, and enhance relaxation and sleep. Studies also show that reflexology may have benefits in palliative care of people with cancer”.
Additionally, develop your flexibility from the ground up. Try these two simple exercises to wake up your feet and relieve tension in a gentle way. Both can be done seated in a chair, either both feet simultaneously or one at a time.
- Point and Flex Foot – inhale (nose) as you point the toes away from the body and exhale (nose) as you flex the foot by drawing the toes towards the body (minimum of 8 times). This creates mobility in the ankle as well as strengthening the muscles of the feet and ankle.
- Ankle Circles – slowly rotate the ankle in circles in one direction (minimum 8 times), then reverse the direction (minimum 8 times). This action stretches and strengthens the foot and ankle muscles while maintaining mobility in the ankle and foot joints.
For those with medical conditions, it is always recommended that you consult with your doctor before seeing a reflexologist. Reflexology should not be used as a substitute for medical diagnosis and treatment.
May your days be filled with Love, Health, Happiness, Kindness and Happy Feet!
Breathe deeply, Walk daily and Smile!
With Love, Peace and Light,
Linda Shields, Founder