Movement is an important part of our existence. It helps us learn, expand our mind, enhance focus, decrease anxiety, phobias and so much more. One by-product of moving or exercising is getting tired. And today, I am specifically thinking of tired feet.
What’s your favorite way of taking good care of your tired feet?
Do you remember John Travolta and Samuel Jackson discussing foot massage in a classic scene in the movie Pulp Fiction?
I have to admit I looked it up again on YouTube before writing this post. In his unique way, John Travolta reminds us why foot massage is so very special.
I believe there are a number of ways to think about foot massage or reflexology. You might consider this as something very intimate, but this technique can also become an incredibly healing self-care ritual.
Most humans are very tactile by nature, we love to touch and to be touched.
Health researchers describe that adults and children, and many animals need the touch to thrive and prosper.
About 10 years ago, I was introduced by a friend of mine to the concept of getting a regular massage. I’ve been pretty good about getting a massage as a part of my self-care routine ever since.
There are many important benefits of massage.
Massage helps to improve blood circulation throughout your body. It brings more oxygen to the tissues helping to heal wounds and injuries. Massage releases toxins from your muscles, as well as pain-relieving and happiness-inducing endorphins.
Some time ago, I started wondering about ways of prolonging the benefits of this intervention. Many of my students don’t have the resources to get a regular massage.
I asked a massage therapist, Jean Svizzero, and she recommended 2 self-massage techniques that resonated with me — dry skin brushing and self-reflexology (or self-foot massage).
So what is self-reflexology?
Whether you explore texts from China or readings from 1890’s by Sir Henry Head and Sir Charles Sherrington, you’ll find a discussion of how our feet are connected to energy meridians and nervous system.
When you get a foot massage, the points can stimulate various organ systems. I’m completely fascinated that applying pressure on certain areas of your feet can help to diminish your anxiety, fatigue, pain, low back discomfort, postpartum depression, enhance the quality of your sleep, affect your immune function and even vital signs before a surgery.
I’d like to invite you to give self-reflexology a try.
I do this every morning before getting dressed. If that doesn’t appeal to you, much of the literature suggests that foot massage in the evening is a very useful relaxation technique.
All you need is some oil or cream to rub between your hands and 2–3 minutes of your time.
You will begin by carefully massaging your feet — I like pressing the areas that are tired and tense and especially prone to holding stress. You should rub between your toes, and stretch the area by pushing your fingers between the toes. Believe it or not, there are even special toe stretchers available.
Many of us wear uncomfortable shoes that push toes together. This is a way to hold in your stress as well.
I was taught that looser and more flexible feet mean more relaxed nervous system. Admire your feet, remember how hard they work for you.
One word of caution — when you apply oils or creams to the soles of your feet, they become slippery. So please remember to put socks or slippers on.
Questions: What is your favorite and most effective self-care/ relaxation technique? Do you have a good oil or cream that can help your tired feet?
Originally published at www.lanacamiel.com.
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About the Author
I am a college professor, pharmacist and herbalist, teaching young professionals and students how to have less stress and more focus on the right food and herbs.
Are you tired of being tired? Click to get 7 of my favorite simple wellness tips to make your life more focused, vibrant and healthy.
