Have you ever heard of a tired person saying “my feet are killing me”? Many times somebody is saying this to make a point of how tired they are. But have you ever give a thought for your feet? If feet could talk they would probably say “my owner is killing me”.
The feet are the hardest working entities of a person's body and by that it is meant physical working. How many people are not for the entire working day on their feet? - think about the police officer patrolling, a school teacher, a prison guard also patrolling, the athlete running the Boston Marathon, etc. So give a thought to your feet also. You take care of your heart, stomach, hands, nails, etc. but what do you do for your feet?
Feet are actually fabulous. Think of their size in relation to the rest of the body and the body's weight. But luckily, there is something to spoil you feet with to show your appreciation for all their hard work. The answer lies in reflexology. Reflexology is the science of massaging the feet.
The feet are divided into zones which represent the entire body. Massaging the nerve endings which are situated at the bottom of the feet triggers off a response in the body. Thorough stimulation of all reflex areas of the feet stress and tension is reduced. Reflexology is nothing new; it is coming from ancient times when people were still going bare-feet as shoes were not yet invented. Walking bare-feet caused the reflex areas of the feet been massaged by the uneven and rough surfaces people had to walk on.
With the coming of the new ages and the invention of shoes people realized that they were not that relaxed after a day's work as previously the case was and that is where reflexology started. Now feet had to be massaged manually and it was realized it did work and that is where therapeutic reflexology came in.
A person skilled in applying reflexology is able to stimulate an entire foot by using special thumb, finger and hand techniques. This specific pressure and the energy generated by the hands create a physiological response or reflex in the body which stimulates circulation, nerve connections and energy pathways that extend from the feet to the rest of the body. This process encourages a state of balance. Although, the aim is to treat tired feet, the entire body is actually treated. Even in their tired state they still care for the entire body!
With reflexology the body parts are reflected in miniature detail on the feet, with the front of the body on the soles and the back of the body on the top of the feet. The zones are as follows:
- The toes reflect the head
- The balls of the feet reflect the rib cage
- The fleshy instep of the foot reflects the soft abdomen
- The firm heel reflects the pelvic bone
- The ankle bone reflects the hip bone
- The bony ridge on the inside of the foot reflects the spine
A reflexologist is trained to massage these reflexes using various techniques.
It is actually marvelous to think that the hard working feet represent a microcosm of the entire body and that it is the gateway of treating the entire body. It is a good reason to put your best foot first!
Next time, before you accuse your feet of killing you, thank them for assisting you to keep your body healthy!
