Ahhh, the feet. Some people love them, a lot of people despise them. Whichever side you're on,most likely they are still taken for granted until a problem arises or you get a new pair of sandals and all of the sudden you're scrambling to get a pedicure appointment.
The beloved foot has been touted as both the window of the soul and the key indicator to our overall health. In fact, keeping our feet healthy and happy is actually one of the most important things we can do for our body. If you take time to focus on your little piggies, you could reap the benefits throughout our entire body.
Happy Feet, Healthy Life
Keep your entire body, mind and soul happy, healthy and in balance with these weekly remedies specifically for the feet.
Reflexology
The therapy of reflexology tells us that our feet are like a map to the rest of body. Reflexologists believe that reflex points correspond to different body organs and systems, and that pressing them has a beneficial effect on organs and a person's general health.
Did you know they call the sole of your foot your second heart? They call it this because there is a system of veins and valves in your feet and calves that push blood back to the heart. In my opinion, however, they call it this because it takes real gusto, real “heart” to carry the burden of rushing around day after day…usually stuffed in a shoe that, come on ladies, let's be real…is quite literally a medieval torture device.
Massage
Nothing feels more delicious after a hard day's work than a foot massage. While you may find yourself feeling instantly relaxed, there are actually numerous whole body benefits to receiving regular foot massage. Enjoying a foot massage as little as twice a week can:
improve circulation
prevent foot and ankle injuries
reduce depression and anxiety
reduce or eliminate headaches and migraines
lower blood pressure
alleviates PMS and menopause symptoms
reduces edema in pregnant women
The physical and emotional benefits are endless, especially when combining the two and/or other therapeutic remedies such as aromatherapy. THE pearl offers a treatment called the Footsoul. It kind of a play on words, right? Foot-soul/sole…sole as is bottom of your foot…but we use the spelling S-O-U-L as in soul…your spirit, your spiritual being.
Detox
Did you also know that one of the most effective ways to detox your body is through your feet? So, while you may think that receiving a pedicure is purely a topical treatment, it actually benefits you way beyond simply looking fabulous in those new sandals. Cultures around the world have performed ceremonial foot rituals to cleanse and detoxify the body and soul. And those who have embraced the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine know that soaking the feet each evening before bedtime is recommended to maintain optimum health.
Although our bodies were created to naturally detoxify and cleanse our internal systems, our modern lifestyle prevents us from achieving the daily detox that we so desperately need, leaving toxins, pollutants, heavy metals and other pollutants storing themselves deep in our cells. This simple yet effective remedy can be performed in the comfort of your own home or within a spa. Take hot water, as hot as you can stand (but not boiling) and add 1/2 to 1 cup of therapeutic ingredients. Be sure to purchase or inquire about any ingredients you are soaking in to ensure they are of the highest quality, made from nature and organic if possible. Soak for 20 minutes for maximum results.
Nourish
The bonus of enjoying a high quality foot soak is that your feet are not only detoxing the body, they are absorbing much needed nutrients as well. The feet have a combined total of over 250,000 sweat glands, which makes them the idea nutrient absorber. Much like medicine patches that utilize the body's largest organ to ensure medication is reaching the bloodstream quickly, soaking your feet in a high quality bath can assist you in absorbing vital vitamins and nutrients much more quickly and efficiently than when taken orally.
The best base for any foot soak is a naturally derived one such as Salt. While there are several varieties, most pure, unprocessed salts contain a wealth of vitamins and minerals that have been celebrated for thousands of years. Other natural healers, like eucalyptus oil, ginger, sea plants and teas aid in nourishing and revitalizing.
Inspect
Your feet can are like fortune tellers. They can tell you everything from your personality to possible illnesses. One of the most interesting things about the feet actually includes your toe nails. Your finger and toe nails send you tell-tale signs about what’s going on inside your body. Nail condition can tell you someone’s profession, anxiety level and even health problems.
For more information about disease and disorders that are revealed through your nails, see your nail care professional. Although not for the quick to get queasy, medscape offers a very detailed look at what your nails maybe telling you here.
Your feet, your soul, your heart…all parts of you, that carry you through life. Your feet physically carry you, your heart carries blood and nutrients through your body and your soul emotionally and spiritually helps to guide you through this life. These three powerhouses working together to serve you. How amazing is this body we reside in…and it all starts down there in your... sole. ;)