HEAL YOUR FEET, HEAL YOUR BODY

Learn How Keeping Your Feet Healthy Can Heal Your Body

You may already have heard of foot reflexology and foot massage, but do you know why these bodywork techniques are so effective?  Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners have been using these techniques for thousands of years to promote natural healing of the body.  When your body is out of balance and you’re experiencing problems such as fatigue, excessive anxiety, headaches or even a sickness, certain massage techniques can be used on the feet, ankles and lower legs to promote healing of the entire body.

Taking care of your feet not only reduces your risk of injury, but also ensures that you don’t suffer from posture problems and joint pain in the knees, back and shoulders.  If you have plantar warts, bunions, or other foot conditions that cause pain and prevent you from walking properly, the nerve endings in these areas may trigger a response in several parts of the body.  Make sure your feet are free of these types of problems and consult with a podiatrist if the pain becomes severe.

YOGA

Yoga continues to be one of the most effective ways to stretch out the important muscles along the base of the foot and ankles, and reduce the risk of foot problems.  Regular deep stretching with yoga, pilates or other intensive stretching sessions can lead to increased range of motion and keep your feet – and body – happy and healthy.

GOOD POSTURE

Practicing good posture is another way to keep your feet healthy.  Make sure you’re not ‘tiptoeing’ when you walk, and that the ball of your foot is firmly planted in the ground during high-intensity workouts.  Practice good posture by standing straight and making sure your weight is evenly balanced on both legs.

THE RIGHT SHOES

Wearing the right types of shoes is essential for healthy feet.  If you’re cramming your feet into too-tight shoes on a daily basis, or you’re not getting enough support from an old pair of workout shoes, you could be at risk for muscle and joint pain and a number of foot conditions.  Make sure you’re wearing the right size shoes, and pick up some insoles or supportive gear if needed.

FOOT BATH/SOAK

A soothing foot soak or foot bath after a stressful day is another way to keep feet looking and feeling healthy.  If your feet are swollen, put some Epsom salts in a foot bath of hot water and allow your feet to soak in the solution for at least 15-20 minutes.  The salts can alleviate pain and increase circulation which in turn helps promote the natural healing process.

ACUPUNCTURE

Finally, acupuncture or reflexology are proven methods for improving the health of the feet and reducing aches and pains throughout the entire body.  These treatments offer a natural, holistic approach to foot care, and can help alleviate many other health problems.
If you’re experiencing aches, pains or joint problems in your legs and feet, it may be high time you treated yourself to some foot therapy.  Try a few different methods to find the best match for you!

Article Written By: Sabah Karimi; Sabah is a busy writer from Orlando, Fla., who is passionate about writing on health and fitness, beauty, fashion and style tips, spa and travel topics. She now uses her expertise as a freelance writer to contribute to both DivaVillage.com and VillageMAMA.com.