Our feet connect us with the earth. They are our foundation in life. But most of us stuff them into shoes and forget about them, until they protest with blisters, calluses, bunions, etc. (Yuck, old lady feet!)
Summer arrives and we whip out the pedicure materials, scraping, buffing, and polishing to have cute toes in our sandals. This seasonal approach is not enough to truly care for your feet.
Get in touch with your feet
In yoga there are three corners of the foot: the big toe knuckle, the little toe knuckle and the centre of the heel. Stand tall trying to balance your weight evenly on both feet feeling these three areas connecting to the earth. A visualization that may work is to imagine you are wearing horseshoes. I always think of a triangle with strong points and straight sides (yes, I loved geometry in school)
Foot energy
The feet are the site of a minor chakra which gathers and distributes energy. This energy helps you to step out into the world, interacting effectively with other people. To harness this energy, lift the arches of your feet (Pada Bandha – foot lock) when doing standing poses (Mountain, Warrior, Tree) and imagine that your feet are drawing up energy from the earth. Direct this energy up your legs to your pelvis to help steady you throughout your day.
Self foot massage
Slide your fingers between your toes (I know this is hard, but stuff them in there). Move your fingers around, side to side, back and forth, feel how your fingers stimulate all those lovely reflexology sites, and then release your fingers. Now firmly rub all parts of your foot working from the big toe across the top, then the ball, arch and finally heel. Next, roll your ankles, first one direction, then the other. Repeat this same sequence for the other foot. Finally stop, close your eyes, and focus on your feet. How do they feel?
Partner/Chain foot massage
Find a willing partner and give each other a foot, or find a bunch a friends and sit in a circle each holding the foot of someone beside them linking the group into a foot massage chain (lots of fun to do for slumber parties). Give one another a foot massage. Do whatever you think will feel good. If something your partner is doing feels good, do it back to them. Experiment. You really can’t go wrong unless you’re just holding the foot like it will attack you. Get in there, dig your fingers into the arches, wiggle the toes, massage the top of the foot, play ‘This Little Piggy’. Have fun! Your feet will thank you.
Hope this helps you feel more grounded and keeps your feet happy and healthy.
