|
Advice
Career Advice
Gardening Advice
Health Advice
Love Advice
Personal Finance Advice
Relationship Advice
YOU advice
Home
|
©Shreelata Suresh
Our feet are often the least pampered parts of our bodies. Here are some
suggestions from ayurveda, the ancient science of healing from India,
for taking care of your feet on a regular basis:
1. During your pre-bath ayurvedic massage (abhyanga), pay special
attention to your feet. Massage the feet, each toe, the ankles, the
heels and the soles in turn with the warm oil, gently stretching the
feet and toes as you massage them and using circular motions around your
ankles and heels. (Pat excess oil off your soles with paper towels
before you step into the bath or shower and watch your step because oil
can be slippery). This daily foot massage enhances lubrication and
circulation, and helps draw toxins to the surface for release. Using
massage oil that has been fortified with nourishing ayurvedic herbs
provides added support to help keep your feet strong and flexible.
2. During your bath or shower, let your feet enjoy warm water for a few
minutes, then cleanse with a gentle, non-irritating cleanser and a foot
brush or washcloth, working between the toes and scrubbing the heels to
slough off dead skin. Use a neem based cleanser to help rid feet of odor
or bacteria. After your bath or shower, pat your feet dry and apply a
moisturizing body lotion if you use one anyway, otherwise massage a
little plain shea butter or coconut oil on your feet before slipping on
a pair of cotton socks.
3. Once a week, apply a natural exfoliating mixture on your feet,
especially on the heels and soles, when you cleanse, to remove hardened
dead skin. Make your own exfoliating mixture of 2 parts coarse oatmeal,
2 parts chickpea flour (available at Indian grocery stores) and 1 part
rose water. Add warm water as needed to form a thick paste. Apply on
your feet and scrub gently, then rinse off with warm water. Pat dry and
follow with an application of coconut oil, shea butter or natural body
lotion.
4. Follow basic rules of comfort. Wear footwear that fits properly and
is roomy enough so that no part of your foot feels pinched. Do not wear
high heels except when you absolutely have to. Replace shoes before they
wear out or become lopsided with use. Wear cotton socks indoors to
protect your feet from the cold. When the temperature is comfortable and
you are indoors, walk barefoot occasionally to allow your feet to
breathe. Sit, stand and walk with an erect posture. If you work at a
sedentary job, take breaks every hour or so and walk around a little.
Use a footsie roller at your workstation.
5. A nightly foot and lower leg massage not only relaxes the feet, it
also helps promote restful sleep. Use a light, non-staining oil such as
almond or jojoba, and if you like, you can add 4-5 drops of a relaxing
essential oil such as lavender or sandalwood to every 2 oz. of base oil.
Take a very small amount of oil, just enough to offer lubrication, in
your palm and gently massage your lower legs and feet for 3-4 minutes
each until the oil is absorbed by your skin. Use soothing strokes and
breathe deeply as you massage. No need to wash the oil off--you can go
to bed as soon as you are done.
6. For tired, stressed feet, try a foot soak. Either of the following
two recipes will have you sighing, "Ah, this is bliss," as you soak the
tension away.
Herbal foot soak:
1/4 cup lavender flowers
1/4 cup lemon peel
1 tablespoon dried rosemary
2 tablespoons fine oatmeal
2 tablespoons almond meal
Wrap the ingredients in a cheesecloth and tie with a string. Bring a
pot of water to a rolling boil. Drop the herb sachet in and turn off the
heat. Let steep for 15-20 minutes. Combine the herbed water with enough
comfortably warm water to immerse your feet up to your ankles, and soak
your feet for about 15 minutes. Stay relaxed as you soak, either just
sitting in silence and breathing deeply or hearing relaxing instrumental
melodies. Pat you feet dry and rub on some lotion or shea butter.
Aromatherapy foot soak:
1/4 cup sea salts
1 tbsp Epsom salts
1 tsp baking soda
2 drops essential oil of lemon
2 drops essential oil of sandalwood
2 drops essential oil of coriander
Combine well all of the above in enough comfortably warm water (about
2 quarts) in a foot basin or bath-tub to immerse your feet up to your
ankles. Soak your feet in the mix for about 15 minutes. Stay relaxed as
you soak. After you're done, pat your feet dry and apply some
moisturizing lotion or shea butter. Mmmm!
7. If your feet tend to perspire a lot or to help your feet stay fresh
in warm weather, dust them lightly with the following natural powder:
1/2 cup arrowroot
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 tsp baking powder
2 drops essential oil of peppermint
2 drops essential oil of lemon
Pass the dry ingredients through a sieve two or three times to mix
well. Add the essential oils to the mix, stir well, and sieve again.
Store in a dry container.
Notes: 1. If you have any medical condition, please consult your
health professional for proper care. Foot soaks, Epsom salts and
essential oils, for example, are not recommended in certain conditions.
2. Exercise proper care when using salts and essential oils.
Disclaimer: The above article is educational in nature, and is not
intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have a
medical condition, please consult your physician.
About the Author: Shreelata Suresh is a yoga instructor from the Bay
Area, and she writes on yoga and ayurveda for different
publications. To subscribe to free newsletters on ayurveda, or for more
information, please visit http://www.ayurbalance.com.
|
