Our feet are our bodies' work-horses, yet most of us take them for granted. We put them into shoes that are not always designed for foot health (high heels do not respect your feet!), smother them in synthetic socks and stockings, and barely give them a second thought until something goes wrong with them. In yoga, our feet are considered to be the foundation of the temple of our body. Our feet should be physically strong, balanced and healthy if we want the same for the rest of our body. Wearing shoes that fit well and have good arch support, and wearing natural fibres against our skin will help keep our feet in good physical condition. Keeping them clean, exfoliated and well moisturised with one of our certified organic creams or oils will help care for your feet's skin and help prevent common infections like athlete's foot.
In Ayurveda, regular oil massage is one of the keys to good health, helping restore balance, stimulate the body’s healing systems, and open the mind to inner awareness. Ayurvedic massage of the feet has been associated with relief of chronic fatigue and various sleeping disorders, including insomnia. We have previously written about how to perform abhyanga, the Ayurvedic form of full body self-massage here, which takes around 30 minutes to perform. When time is limited and for a wonderful uplifting effect, a foot massage can be the perfect start to the day, helping to soothe and ground mind and body, and provide the additional care and attention our feet deserve.
What oil to use:
Our 100% certified organic Sesame & Frankincense Body Oil is perfectly suited to perform foot massage. It is rich in nourishing oils that will soften and replenish the protective lipid layer in the skin of the feet.
How to perform Ayurvedic foot massage:
Using the thumb, massage the point in the middle of the arch on the underside of the foot, with a circular, clockwise motion.
Using the thumb, massage the middle of the fleshy part of the underside of the big toe.
Massage the underside of the first joint of each toe, then pull from the base to the tip of each toe.
Massage the top of the foot in the groove between the big and second toes, using both thumbs, working from the base of the toes towards the ankle
Using both hands, massage from toes to ankle, top and bottom of foot.
Using both hands, massage the ankle joint clockwise, on the front, back and sides of the ankle.
You may wish to dab your feet with a towel to remove excess oil before getting on with your day.
The after-effects:
Regular foot massage helps restore energy to mind and body, and brings an awareness and gratitude for the work your feet do for you every day. Treat yourself to the full abhyanga treatment when you can manage it, and feel marvellous all over. The time spent carrying out this restorative treatment will be well rewarded.
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