Thinking On Your Feet World Reflexology Week

The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet.

I love feet. Not in a fetishistic kind of way, but fundamentally. What is it about feet? People tend to wrinkle their nose and feign disgust when you bring up the subject of feet. Oh my God, don't mention toes! they yell while visible cringing. Refer to feet and people envision corns and verruccas, athlete's foot, and ingrown toenails. Yes I agree all these various ailments are not pleasant, but feet? Well lets just say I have a different perspective all together. I think feet are beautiful, miraculous and fascinating.

Ok, so now you are probably thinking that despite my initial statement, I do have a fetish. Let me explain. I used to feel as most people do. I associated feet with bad smells and other pre-conceived horrors, with the exception of scrummy gorgeous baby feet! And then I discovered reflexology and I have been amazed by feet ever since. I qualified in reflexology in 1997 and went on to study advanced reflexology courses. For those of you who do not know what the theory behind reflexology is, and may have been told that it is a glorified foot massage, I will give you the basic concept. Feet are representative (ie a reflection) of the whole of the human body, with the toes representing the head and the ball of the foot representing the torso above the diaphragm where there are areas that indicate the heart, lungs, oesophagus, the line from big toe following the arch of the foot to the base of the heel representative of the spine, the heel representing the pelvis and lower digestive / reproductive areas, the area between the the ball of the foot and heel of the foot representing the torso between the diaphragm and pelvis, containing liver, spleen, digestive tract, kidneys and so on. By working on these correspondences on the feet we can implement a therapeutic effect on those areas in the body.

To the trained reflexologist the foot is an anatomical representation of the entire human body, comprising skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, urinary, digestive, reproductive and endocrine systems. Gentle but firm pressure is applied to specific areas of the foot according to each individuals needs and requirements (following a detailed consultation to assess the clients physical, mental and emotional state and taking into consideration lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep patterns, levels of activity and more) to provide therapeutic relief and healing by encouraging and assisting the body's inherent healing systems and faculties to respond.

Reflexologists can tell many things from the feet, such as a persons overall health, various places of low energy or blocked energy within the body that also indicative of physical and emotional conditions and even life changes such as pregnancy. It is even possible to assess where a women is in her menstrual cycle or whether a man has low or high testosterone or if someone is dehydrated. Reflexology is that precise and that's not all. As well as an anatomical aspect to reflexology, the discipline owes much to Traditional Chinese Medicine or "TCM" as it is often referred to as. (That said, the ancient Chinese did not have a monopoly on the practice. There is much archaeological and other evidence to show that Egyptian, Asian and Native American civilisations all practised the art.) The Reflexology map also includes zones, lines or channels of energy running through the feet, much like TCM meridians, with specific acupressure points. In Ayurveda these channels and the various pressure points are called nadis. The aim of treatment is to help the client achieve balance, removing blockages in areas of stagnation where energy cannot flow and energising areas that are depleted of energy. Indeed there are specific points that run along the area of the foot that corresponds to the spine that relate the chakras of the body. The foot then is not merely an anatomical representation of the whole of the body but an energetic representation.

Also considered by the reflexologist during treatment are the textures, colours and tensions in the foot. Areas of built up lactic acid referred to as crystals by most reflexologist because of its grainy lumpy texture can be gently broken down by the pressure applied for elimination by the bodies natural processes, and where these crystals form highly indicative of the client's overall health. The texture of the skin and areas of colour, bluish areas, yellowing skin, red inflamed, soft swollen areas and hard dry areas all tell the reflexologist much about the clients condition, such as whether the person is a smoker, suffers constipation and so on. As you can see there there is much that the feet can tell the trained eye and applying this kind of treatment can help all manner of conditions, especially chronic disorders. I am writing all this information about reflexology in honour of World Reflexology Week, which runs from September 23rd through September 30th, 2007. http://www.icr-reflexology.org/, http://www.reflexologyforum.org/wrw.htm, both sites have more information about this.(Incidentally reflexology isn't just about treating feet, despite my post being on the subject of feet. Reflex areas can be found on the hands and also the ears. Our body is an amazing example of the microcosm/macrocosm theory in action, as well as a physical demonstration of The Law of Reflection. In TCM the whole of the bodies organs and energetic systems can be assessed by, in addition to the feet, hands and ears , reading the face or tongue. Our human bodies are indeed miraculous.

But lets get back to feet. Feet are the most abused, neglected and undervalued parts of our bodies. They carry the entire weight of our body, for a lifetime. They are jammed into uncomfortable (but gorgeous) shoes. (Despite all I know about the problems they cause I still love high heels, or at least did before my little one came along!) There are more than 7,200 nerve endings in the foot, which is why feet can be so ticklish! (Don't ask me how we know that figure, did someone count them?) This says to me that most people's feet could do with a little TLC. Feet are our connection with the Earth. Anyone who is interested in spiritual, healing or meditative matters will have heard of the concept of grounding. Everyone has heard someone say things like "they are so grounded" or "So&so is so down to earth" or even "That's someone with their feet on the ground" or "You were really thinking on your feet there" and perhaps "I just felt I needed to touch base". These comments describe being grounded as opposed to "they've got their head in the clouds". An awareness of your foundation, your place in the universe, your connection to reality, this is grounding. This awareness starts with your feet. Most of us are aware of our feet when they are hurting, but most of the time we hardly notice them. Every now again just take the time to become aware of your feet, sense them. How do they feel? How does the surface beneath them feel? Take your awareness down to your feet. Get grounded.

So if you can this week, in honour of World Reflexology Week, give your feet a treat. Book an appointment with a reflexologist (you may find many reflexologists are offering demonstrations or introductory treatments this week)or support your local college by booking a treatment there for reflexology trainees. Treat yourself to a home pedicure and if your like me, get that foot spa thingy out of the cupboard under the stairs / off the top of the wardrobe and use it for once. Apply moisturiser and paint your toenails a pretty colours. Get your partner to give you a foot massage while you take a load off and if you're feeling generous, return the favour! If you treat your feet you wont just be making your feet feel nice and relaxed, you'll be rejuvenating your body mind and spirit and getting connected. Best of all if you can, take your shoes and socks off and dabble them in the ocean or a river or pond or alternatively walk on the grass. You'll feel great! Delicious