The human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art. – Leonardo da Vinci
This post is rather long, but I found so much useful information that it grew from a few paragraphs.
For some reason I began paying attention to my feet decades ago, I guess having flat feet with sore arches made me take notice. After years of wearing heels and the abuse that most women do to their feet, I developed Achilles Tendonitis around my left heel and ankle, while it isn’t too painful, it compromises the strength around that area of my foot and my leg buckles at times.
With all of the daily lumps, bumps and movement our feet take, It’s important to set aside time to treat them with some loving attention each day. The tools to care for your feet are affordable, readily available and easy to use. All you need to give is about 20 minutes a day to maintain great foot health.
Did you know that the first part of your body to grow older is your feet? Your feet are where your kidney, liver, heart, brain and spleen nerves end. Poor foot care such as wearing the wrong shoes, wearing high-heels and ill-fitting footwear can cause thick, cracked nails and dried cracked skin. Did you know that not resting your feet when they’re tired can lead to serious heart problems and can result in a higher risk of disease such as heart disease, diabetes, reduced endurance and loss of muscle mass?
“Good foot health is essential for an active life. With 26 bones, 33 joints and over 100 muscles, ligaments and tendons, your feet are incredibly complex. And they serve as the foundation for your entire body in terms of support, balance, posture, and overall well-being. You can experience pain in your knees, hips and lower back when you have ongoing foot problems. Foot issues can also cause imbalance, poor posture, and even problems with organ function.” Martin Foot and Ankle
Practices for Healthy Feet From Dr. Christine Schrammek Kosmetik.com
Footbath: Treat your feet with a relaxing footbath, either with a readily mixed addition or with an essential oil. Bathe your feet approx. 15 minutes. In summer, the water can be slightly cooler, this additionally refreshes.
Foot peeling: Apply the peeling with circular movement. Afterwards, wash off with water and dry thoroughly, especially between the toes. The first cornea scales are removed, a good preparation for the next step.
Remove cornea: Remove the cornea with a special cornea file, this one is larger and usually has two different grain sizes. Take the rough side for the grossly removal of the cornea at the heel, ball and other difficult cornified areas. Take the fine side for the final touch.
Cut and file nails into shape: Cut your nails with nail scissors, nail clippers or a file. Who uses the scissors or the clipper, should additionally take the file to smooth the nails. What is important: Always cut the nails straight and round off the corners, otherwise there is a risk of nails growing in.
Remove cuticle and push it back gently: Push the cuticle back gently with the help of a so-called “hoof stick” or a rosewood skewer. Excess cuticle can be removed with a cuticle clippers.
Cream your feet: Treat your feet with a moisturizing foot cream. For dry skin and torn heels, use a skin cream specifically for extremely dry skin.
Polish your nails: If you want to polish your nails afterwards, remember to degrease the nails before applying the nail polish, otherwise it won’t stay on your nails. Use a few drops of alcohol from the pharmacy or nail polish remover on a cotton pad and lightly clean the nail. Furthermore, it is important to use a base coat under the nail polish. The base coat protects the nails from discolourations and forms an optimal basis. After that, apply the nail polish, usually in two layers for an even look. To extend the durability, apply a top coat at the end.
Yoga for your Feet
You can sit in a chair, on the bed, or the floor, cradling one foot in your lap, if possible.
- Pull each toe gently but firmly straight ahead several times.
- Bend the 5 toes as one toward the sole, gently but firmly, then back toward the top of the foot, holding each position for a few seconds
- Place the right hand on top of the right foot and interlace the fingers with the toes as best as you can. Then circle the wrist to take the toes in a circle clockwise a few times. Then counterclockwise.
- Place the left hand on the bottom of the right foot, interlace the toes as best you can, and again move them clockwise and counterclockwise several times. To unlace fingers, try to pull your fingers through the space between the toes, thus stretching that area, too. (reverse hands to massage toes of left foot)
- Practice extending the toes as far as you can, hold for 6 seconds then curl the toes under as far as you can and hold. Repeat several times.
- If you have time, a foot massage feels great. Press around the perimeter of each sole, paying special attention to the arches, the balls of the feet, and any place that feels tender. There are tools, little balls, or pencil-like implements with a rounded end, that make this easier if your hands are sore.
Reflexology
The definition of reflexology, a type of therapy that uses gentle pressure on specific points along your feet (and possibly on your hands or ears as well) to help you feel better. The theory is that this eases stress, and that helps your body work better. It’s also known as zone therapy.
The Benefits
#1 – Encourages Relaxation – Reflexology can flood the neural pathways with relaxation, inducing a state of peace and tranquility within the body and mind. This physiological change results in the reduction of stress.
Stress reduction through reflexology therapy is frequently associated with relieving sleep disorders. This is accomplished by helping your body return to a more relaxed and balanced state, simultaneously working to restore a healthy Circadian rhythm, which is needed for sufficient sleep.
#2 – Promotes Nervous System Stimulation – Open neural pathways benefit our central nervous system in a variety of ways. The brain is able to handle inputs more effectively, essentially speeding up cognitive strengths; thus, increasing the speed of physical reactions, which boosts your memory. Overall, the entire brain is able to work faster and more efficiently.
#3 – Relieves Migraines and Headaches – Reflexology is often sought after by people in pain, because reflexology can reduce the severity of migraines and headaches by increasing blood flow and relieving muscle tension. Since stress and psychological factors often manifest themselves as migraine symptoms, stress-induced headaches can also be eliminated.
#4 – Revitalizes Nerve Function – Nerve endings lose sensitivity in parts of our body as we age (more so in the extremities). Reflexology has been associated with the stimulation of more than 7,000 different nerve endings during a 1-hour session, naturally increasing nerve functioning and reactivity.
The opening and cleansing of neural pathways helps improve overall functionality and reduces toxicity within the body.
#5 – Improves Circulation – Probably the most well known and verified results of reflexology is an improvement in circulation throughout the entire body, which means blood and oxygen are being cycled throughout the body more effectively.
Due to this benefit, oxygen reaches vital organ systems, optimizing their function and increasing the metabolism.
#6 – Increases Energy Levels – By aligning functions of organ and muscle systems, reflexology has the potential to increase the metabolism and energy creation. In other words, reflexology sessions can help to re-energize your body and mind.
#7 – Relieves Plantar Fasciitis Pain – Reflexology can help ease the pain and discomfort caused by plantar fasciitis. Reflexology is beneficial as it uses pressure point techniques to release tension, relieving the heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis. A natural cure for plantar fasciitis is a professional foot massage. To learn more, read yourfootpalace.com/how-foot-massage-can-relieve-your-plantar-fasciitis-pain/
The Organ and Body Connections to Your Feet
1. Head and Brain
As shocking as it might sound, the tips of the toes, according to reflexology are directly connected to your head and brain. If you have a headache or you are stressed, massaging the toes and especially the tips and the bottom of the toes can help relieve the stress. It also helps relieve headaches and has a positive impact on the overall health of the brain
2. Small Intestines
The small intestines, according to reflexology are connected to the area between the heel and the ball of the foot. Massaging this place leads to a healthier intestinal tract and improved digestion. Massaging this place on the feet is highly beneficial to those people who suffer from severe indigestion and bloating.
3. The Heart
It’s one of the most crucial parts of the body, and it’s what keeps the body alive by pumping blood. The heart is one of the organs whose health should be taken seriously by everyone. On the left side on the ball of the foot is said to be the place connected to the heart. It might be a bit difficult to nail but its right below the bottom of the toes. Massaging this place improves blood flow in the body and is highly beneficial to the overall circulatory system and heart health.
If anyone experiences heart palpitations or chest pains, they should see a doctor right away.
4. The Lungs
Reflexology places the connection between the feet and the lungs at the middle of the balls of the feet. Focusing on this area improves the overall health of the lungs, and it’s also beneficial to people suffering from asthma.
5. The Neck
Neck aches and pains are some of the most common in the human body. The connection between the neck and the feet lies just below the big toe and massaging this point helps ease the neck pains and discomfort. Reflexology is great, and it’s well known to have health benefits. However, it’s not scientifically proven to have medicinal benefits. If you experience any pain or discomfort in your body, it’s good to see a doctor as fast as possible. The connection between the feet and the body can’t, however, be ignored.
Ouch! High Heels
On a lunch break years ago I walked to the park where there was a camera crew photographing a model that had just taken a break, the first thing the model did was remove her stilettos. As much as high heels that are higher than two inches look good and increase the curve of your leg keep in mind they can cause a variety of health problems such as hammertoes and bunions, and back pain. And they can cause:
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The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained in this article are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Wisdom of a Woman's Heart 